Finding Perspective at Burnham-on-Sea’s Iconic Low Lighthouse

I’d originally had grander plans — the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) was on, but with the family calendar in play, Sunday was the only free day. The forecast looked grim, so I gave it a miss. Naturally, the skies turned out better than expected, and my friends returned with aviation shots that made me more than a little envious. So, after a quick chat with Mark, Burnham-on-Sea became the new destination. 

We half-hoped for passing storms or maybe even a flash of lightning, but neither showed up. What we did get was the sort of weather that tests your patience as a landscape photographer: heavy skies, scattered showers, the occasional teasing burst of light — and a tide that had pulled so far out it felt like you could walk across to Wales.

Burnham is like that. With the second highest tidal range in the world, the sea can vanish for more than a mile, leaving behind vast mudflats, shifting sands, and a sense of endless space. It’s a dramatic setting for photography in Somerset. 

• Walk to Wales
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 63mm Focal length:
• f/7.1 Aperture:
• 200 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

• Looking for something new
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 15-30mm f/2.8 Lens used:
• 15mm Focal length:
• f/22 Aperture:
• 80 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:

The Challenge of Conditions

On my first visit here, I learned the practicalities: how to reach the lighthouse via the dune paths, how quickly the weather can turn, and why waterproofs never quite live up to the label. This time, I was reminded of something less tangible. After hours of chasing compositions that felt flat, I was ready to call it a day. As I trudged back over the dunes, gear damp, spirits lower still, I turned for one last look.

Perspective

From that slightly higher ground, the scene transformed. The moody sky, the empty sands, and the little white lighthouse all came together in a way they hadn’t before. All it took was a change of perspective. That’s the beauty of Burnham-on-Sea. You can plan for storms, tides, or sunsets, but sometimes the most rewarding photograph is the one you weren’t looking for — the one that appears when you pause, look back, and let the landscape reveal itself.

And there it was. The image I hadn’t even realised I was searching for.

• The Last Hurrah
• Pentax K-1 Camera used:
• Pentax DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens used:
• 220mm Focal length:
• f/7.1 Aperture:
• 320 Exposure time:
• 100 ISO:
• Buy The Last Hurrah as a Print

Photographer’s Tips for Burnham-on-Sea

• Iconic Subject: The Low Lighthouse (built in 1832) is one of Burnham-on-Sea’s three lighthouses and the only one still active. Its isolated position on the beach makes it a magnet for photographers.
• Tides: The Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal range in the world (up to 15 metres). At low tide, the sea can retreat over 1.5 miles, exposing sand and mudflats. At high tide or during storms, expect powerful waves and limited beach access.
• Access Points: Reach the lighthouse via a 1.5 km walk along the beach from town or from Trinity Drive, where a short track leads over steep dunes (good footwear essential). Parking here is limited.
• Weather: Conditions shift quickly. Expect showers, strong winds, and sudden downpours that even the best gear won’t always withstand.
• Composition Tip: If beach-level shots feel uninspiring, climb the dunes and look back. The elevation often gives a more dramatic perspective of the lighthouse, sands, and sky.
• Safety: Mudflats here can be treacherous. Stick to firm sand and avoid wandering too far out during low tide.