How to Photograph Martha’s Vineyard

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By mkh1958
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State Beach

Photography is a very personal art form. Nonetheless, here are some ideas on how to photograph Martha’s Vineyard during your stay.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Camera
Transportation (bus, moped, bicycle, or car)

Step 1

Martha's Vineyard from Cape Air Flight

There are only two ways to get to Martha’s Vineyard: by air or by ferry. If you choose to take a flight to the Vineyard, be sure to keep your camera ready to take some wonderful photos from the air as you fly in! Since the majority of people visiting come by ferry, we’ll start with the main ferry terminal in Vineyard Haven.
Step 2

Vineyard Haven from roof of Mansion House

VINEYARD HAVEN

a. West Chop Lighthouse – the best view of the West Chop Lighthouse is from the water. Although you can get a photo from the road, its location is not conducive to good results. Watch for the lighthouse as the ferry makes the turn before you arrive in Vineyard Haven.

b. The Harbor – before your ferry arrives at the terminal, plan to be on the deck to get some great shots of the boats and town as you arrive.

c. The Black Dog Tavern – the most famous eatery on the Vineyard is located behind the bakery and general store, and sits on the shore with a view of the ferry and its own two tall-masted sailing ships.

d. Roof of the Mansion House Hotel – this gives you a great view of the harbor and the town.

e. Lake Tashmoo Overlook – on S. Main Street (before it becomes State Road), there is a great pull off with an overlook of Lake Tashmoo.
Step 3

Methodist Camp Cottages - OB

OAK BLUFFS

a. East Chop Lighthouse – one of the best of the Vineyard lighthouses is between Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs on East Chop Road. It is situated high on Telegraph Hill overlooking Nantucket Sound and is immediately off the road making it easy to photograph.

b. Methodist Camp Cottages – these are hands-down the most photographed subject in Oak Bluffs.

c. Gazebo – the gazebo in Ocean Park is a great foreground to the houses along Ocean Avenue.
Step 4

South Beach

EDGARTOWN

a. Joseph Silvia State Beach – this is a long, narrow stretch of beach between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. It is most famous for being the location where the movie ‘Jaws’ was filmed. If you like seashells, this beach has the best variety on the island.

b. Sengekontacket Pond – immediately across the road from State Beach, there are often kite sailors dotting the sky and water. They’re fascinating to watch and colorful, so a great photo subject.

c. Edgartown Lighthouse and Chappaquiddick Ferry – both these can be seen from the Edgartown Harbor on N. Water Street.

d. South Beach / Katama Beach – arguably the most beautiful beach on the Vineyard, this beach faces the Atlantic Ocean, and has beautiful sandy beaches and seagrass-covered sand dunes.
Step 5

West Tisbury

WEST TISBURY

a. Ponds – there are a number of ponds, small and large, between Edgartown and West Tisbury. If you are interested in birds, and you are in private transportation, be sure to explore these.

b. Farms – there are also a number of beautiful farmland photos possible on North Road, Middle Road, and South Road between West Tisbury and Chilmark.
Step 6

i.pbase.com

MENEMSHA

a. Fishing Village – this working fishing village is still purposefully quaint and authentic. You’ll get some great shots of the small fishing vessels.

b. Menemsha Pond – very picturesque with salt box cottages dotting the shore, docks reaching into the pond which is populated with small fishing boats.

c. Sunset – one of two places where you can get great sunset photos is at the end of Basin Road in Menemsha. Grab some fresh fish from Larsen’s Fish Market first and make a picnic of it!
Step 7

Chilmark

CHILMARK

a. Squibnocket Pond – a beautiful area with a marriage of farmland and water.
Step 8

Cliffs at Aquinnah (Gay Head)

AQUINNAH

a. Gay Head Lighthouse – one of the few red brick lighthouses in the United States, this sits on the red and white clay cliffs of Aquinnah (Gay Head). Make a reservation at Outermost, and sip wine while watching the sunset.

b. Clay Cliffs – at sunset from the lookout point, these cliffs composed of clay face the western sun. Be aware that this is a nude beach, so if you go down to the beach, be sure you keep your camera pointed towards the cliffs!

c. Moshup Trail – you can get some great photos of long wooden beach walks and seagrass here, as well as shots of Moshup Beach.