📸 Shoot & Tell - "Pink At Peace"
- Miley Jade
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Sunset on Canandaigua Lake
There are sunsets you stumble into, and then there are sunsets you chase. This one, over Canandaigua Lake, was worth the chase. The sky lit up in a fiery wash of pinks and reds, painting the water and the lake houses in a glow that felt more dream than reality.
The Technical Side of Shooting a Sunset
Sunsets are both the easiest and trickiest subjects for a photographer. They’re easy because the sky does the heavy lifting—you just have to be there. They’re tricky because the colors can wash out or blow highlights if you’re not paying attention. Here’s how I approached this one:
Timing: Arrive early. Golden hour slips into blue hour fast, and the most dramatic colors often happen after the sun dips below the horizon.
Camera Mode: Manual, so the camera doesn’t overcompensate or underexpose.
Aperture: Around f/8–f/11 to keep everything from the boathouses in the foreground to the sky reasonably sharp.
Shutter Speed: Slow enough to let the light settle, but fast enough that moving elements (like the boat) don’t blur too much. Tripod helps.
ISO: Low (100–200) to minimize noise.
White Balance: Adjust to keep the warmth natural—sunsets deserve to glow, not scream neon.
The Joy of Exploring Places Like This
Photography is an excuse to wander, and Canandaigua Lake rewards those who explore. The historic boathouses along the shoreline are a photographer’s dream—weathered, colorful, and brimming with character. Each has its own story, standing like guardians of the lake. They’re one of those places where even a casual stroll can turn into an impromptu photo session.
The Canandaigua Boathouses
These iconic structures aren’t just functional—they’re living pieces of history. Perched right on the water’s edge, they stretch in neat clusters, painted in shades that seem to match the moods of the lake itself. They’ve stood for generations, weathering sun, storm, and snow, becoming symbols of Canandaigua’s lakeside life. For photographers, they’re perfect for framing reflections, capturing textures, and showcasing sunsets that turn the whole shoreline into a canvas.
Famous Stops in Canandaigua
Canandaigua is more than just a lake; it’s a destination full of history, culture, and Finger Lakes charm. If you’re exploring with your camera—or just looking for the best of the town—don’t miss these famous stops:
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion:Â A 50-acre estate with breathtaking gardens, fountains, and a historic mansion that feels straight out of a painting. Perfect for both wide shots and macro details.
New York Kitchen (formerly NY Wine & Culinary Center):Â A hub for food, wine, and craft beverage lovers. A great stop for photographing colorful dishes and sampling Finger Lakes wines.
Kershaw Park: A lakeside park that offers a panoramic view of Canandaigua Lake—ideal for sunrise, sunset, or capturing families and boats enjoying summer.
https://www.visitfingerlakes.com/listing/kershaw-park/219/
Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum: A preserved 19th-century mansion with an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages, tying Canandaigua’s history back to its early roots.
https://www.visitfingerlakes.com/listing/granger-homestead-and-carriage-museum/432/
The Wine Trail: Canandaigua is part of the Finger Lakes wine region—wineries like Heron Hill, Arbor Hill, and Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars make for both great tastings and scenic vineyard photography.
https://www.canandaigualakewinetrail.com/
Downtown Canandaigua: Lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic architecture, Main Street is a great place to explore with your lens.
https://www.visitfingerlakes.com/plan-your-trip/ontario-county-ny/canandaigua/
📸 Top 5 Photo Spots on Canandaigua Lake
The Canandaigua BoathousesIconic, colorful, and historic, these lakefront gems are perfect for sunset shots, reflections on calm mornings, or long exposures at night.
Kershaw Park & PierAt the north end of the lake, you’ll get sweeping views, docks leading your eye into the water, and plenty of sunrise/sunset opportunities.
Sonnenberg Gardens & MansionNot directly on the lake, but a short walk away. This estate’s gardens and historic mansion are bursting with texture, symmetry, and seasonal colors.
On the WaterWhether it’s by kayak, paddleboard, or boat, being on the lake itself gives you low perspectives, mirrored reflections, and unique angles back toward the shoreline.
South End (Naples Area)Rolling hills, vineyards, and open views where the lake narrows—especially beautiful in fall when the foliage frames the water in reds and golds.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Each time I photograph Canandaigua Lake, it gives me something new. A different sky, a shifting reflection, a boat arriving at just the right moment. It’s never the same twice, which is what keeps me chasing it.
Photography, at its heart, is about being present—and sometimes, presence looks like standing on a dock, camera in hand, watching the world burn pink.
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