Maine to Canada Travel Photography Article
Travel the coast of Maine and Canada.
Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way Photography
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Maine Lighthouses & Dark Skies
We traveled this route over several days. Before planning your trip, you should check out our Dark Sky Resources page to determine the ideal conditions for viewing the Milky Way.
We have picked dark sky locations for you, but you will have to check the new moon/moonrise charts and be sure to go in a suitable month with a clear weather forecast to photograph the Milky Way. We suggest you make this trip during the Milky Way week of May through October, when it is visible. It was a beautiful stretch of perfect weather during the week of meteor showers in August 2015. As a result, you will see many meteors in our images.
CAPE NEDDICK OR NUBBLE LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Neddick Lighthouse, or Nubble Light, is just a few hundred feet off York Beach, and many tourists come to see its beauty. When we were there, the Milky Way was in the opposite viewing direction late in the season, so go early in the season.
1879, during Rutherford B. Hayes’s presidency, permission was granted to construct a lighthouse on Cape Neddick. The tower stands on the northern side of “The Nubble,” a popular fishing spot just 600 feet from the coast of York.
From this vantage point, one can also catch glimpses of the impressive natural wonders of The Devil’s Oven, Bald Head Cliff, and Pulpit Rock. These unique rock formations have captivated local fishermen for generations.
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
The oldest lighthouse in Maine is located inside Fort Williams, 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, Which Welcomes nearly a million visitors annually. We did not stop at this location for an extended visit. We found this lighthouse along our trail, but unfortunately, this park closes at dusk, so we don’t plan on doing any Milky Way photography here.
The Portland Head Lighthouse is a good stopping point along the trail for daytime images. There is also a food truck with a very long line, a hike along the coastline, and a few other things to photograph.
It is not an ideal location with our high standards. Unfortunately, we include it only as a place to get a few photos, see some history, visit their museum, and be a tourist for a short time. Yes, you can get some good images, and it is a beautiful place. You can get a few good photos with long exposure to the lighthouse’s water, but not too much more than that. Don’t plan too much time for this stop for photography.
PORPOISE MAINE
This is a great little spot due to its colors. You can shoot this location a hundred times and edit it so many ways, and it still looks wondrous. It is a tiny town. You can miss this spot as you drive through. It should be on your list of stops. Why would you drive by this beauty? It is right in the center of a very small town.
PEMAQUID POINT LIGHTHOUSE MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY
This is in a dark sky area, away from light pollution. The best time to photograph the Milky Way is during the summer when the constellation is visible in the night sky. Use a tripod and set your camera to a long exposure for a good photo. You may need a higher ISO setting to capture all the stars. Complete Milky Way Photography Information is here.
The Bristol Parks and Recreation Department operates the lighthouse and outbuildings as Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park. This is one of our favorites to photograph along the Maine Coast. Also, it makes dramatic daytime pictures. It has pretty outstanding Milky Way shots. This tranquil location is off the beaten path, and tourists do not overrun it. You can also take a puffin tour during the daytime. Be sure to bring your zoom lens. You don’t get too close to the puffin.
The keeper’s house is now the Fishermen’s Museum at Pemaquid, which contains displays and artifacts of the lighthouse and local maritime history. Opened in 2008, the Learning Center is a community resource offering movies, classes, and concerts. Other park activities include picnicking and viewing local paintings at the Pemaquid Art Gallery.
BAILY’S ISLAND MAINE – DARK SKY LOCATION & MORE
Bailey Island is an island in Casco Bay and part of the town of Harpswell in Cumberland County, Maine. The island has a year-round population of over 400. Although it has no lighthouses, it is a tremendously dark-sky location.
Lands End Gift Shop is located at the southernmost tip of the island. From here, you can enjoy an excellent view of rugged rocks, a statue, and a blaring Milky Way above. Visit the shop during the day and the store simultaneously to prepare for your nighttime Milky Way shots.
The Lighthouse State
With 65 historical lighthouses still existing along the 5,000 miles of coastline, Maine is known as the Lighthouse State. Many of them are not accessible since you must take a boat tour to see them for the best images. You can get some good shots with zoom lenses from the mainland at some locations, but you need to be at a decent distance to do good nighttime Milky Way photography, so not all lighthouses are ideal. Here are our favorites where you can stand next to the lighthouse and get your images.
Furthermore, there are several bays with boat docks where you can photograph from exciting angles. If you get some puffy white clouds, you could get some good stuff on this island.
Where to Eat on Baily’s Island
Where to eat and do sunset photography – More’s Cribstone Grill – Go here. Go early. It is the most popular place. We could not wait because we showed up at prime time. We went down the street to an area with one car in the parking lot. Starving to death, we gave it a try. Now I know why there was one car in the parking lot. Don’t go to Giant Stairs Seafood Grille. You will most likely be disappointed. Go early to Moree’s
Where to Stay When on Baily’s Island
The Driftwood Inn – You can shoot Milky Way photography down the street or at your front door. We liked the atmosphere and the breakfast at this location. It was an excellent bang for your buck, and the Milky Way is yelling outside on the grounds with many deliciously sounding waves crashing at the base of the location. Be quiet when you are late at night steps from your room doing Milky Way photography, but the wave sounds will drown out your noises. The Inn is different from any you have known with its oceanfront location on the outermost island in Casco Bay. Driftwood is the oldest Inn on Bailey Island and has continuously operated for over 100 years. Our three acres offer space for relaxation, the sun, and fresh sea breezes. Bailey Island is
two and a half miles long by a one-half mile wide, with various picturesque views and breathtaking sunsets.
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SEDONA ARIZONA
CANADIAN ROCKIES
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST & MORE
MAINE LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY INFO
These structures, from the picturesque Portland Head Light to the historic Ram Island Ledge Light, have long fascinated locals and visitors alike.
ABOUT THE LIGHTHOUSES OF MAINE
Over 60 lighthouses dot Maine’s coastline, each with a unique history and story. Many are still operating, while others have been converted into museums or Bed and breakfasts.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur taking pictures for your collection, lighthouses are always a popular subject. But because each one is different, knowing how to approach shooting them can be tricky. Be sure to read our Milky Way information because it is imperative to know the right time to photograph the Milky Way.
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE LIGHTHOUSES
A trip to Maine to photograph these magnificent structures is a must if you’re a photography enthusiast. Here are some tips on how to get the best shots.
First, timing is everything. The best time to photograph them is during the golden hour, the hour before sunset, and the hour after sunrise. The lighting during these times is softer and more flattering and will make your photos look amazing.
Second, choose your composition carefully. Lighthouses are often photographed from afar, with the ocean or coastline in the background. But don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with your shots — sometimes, the most exciting photos are taken close up. Experiment and see what looks best. It’s digital, so shoot away. We prefer to fill the page with images.
MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE LIGHTHOUSES
Have you ever wanted to photograph the Milky Way? Well, if you find yourself in Maine, you’re in luck! Maine is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic lighthouses in the United States. And even better, they offer some of the best night sky views.
If you’re interested in photographing the Milky Way, you should keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll need to find a location with little light pollution. Second, you’ll need to plan your shoot around the moon cycle. The best time to photograph the Milky Way is during a new moon when the sky is darkest or the week before the new moon when the moon rises in the daytime and is below the horizon at night.
Once you’ve found a dark location and planned your shoot around the moon’s cycle, it’s time to set up your camera. For best results, use a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens. Set your ISO as low as possible and your shutter speed to about 20-25 seconds. If you’re unsure how to set up your camera for Milky Way photography, we can guide you through it; see the yellow link, “How to Shoot the Milky Way,” or the basic instructions below.
Once your camera is set up, it’s time to start shooting. MORE DETAILS BELOW.
More Maine Lighthouses
- Two Lights, Marshall Point Light
- West Quoddy Head Light
- Bass Harbor Head Light
- Burntcoat Head Light
- Seguin Island Light
- Egg Rock Light
- Monhegan Island Light
- Owls Head Light
