Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way Photography 2026

Maine is an incredible location for photographing Lighthouses and the Milky Way. Each summer, we travel to Maine to photograph its lighthouses, landscapes and Milky Way skies. We then update our guides and give tips for fellow photographers.  Our renowned photographer Pamlea Goodyer curates the best spots.  This year, we went from Maine to Grand Manan, an island in Canada just off the coast of Maine, so be sure to check out the images in our “Best Milky Way Photography Locations” article.

In this article:

Top Maine Lighthouses for Milky Way Photography – Expert Guide
Planning Your Milky Way Shoot at Maine Lighthouses & Map
Best Months & Dark Sky Locations in Maine
Light Pollution, Moon Phases & Locations
Camera Settings for Night Photography
Tips from a Renowned Photographer
Dynamic Photography Images to Show Locations
Where to Eat and Where to Stay

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP

  • When is the best time to photograph Maine lighthouses at night?

For complete details, see our Milky Way Photography information page. You MUST go during the new moon or 10 days prior, when there is no moon visible at night, so the skies are dark. When the moon is visible, the Milky Way fades.

  • What season is best for Milky Way photography in Maine?

We like June through October. This is the time the Milky Way rises as soon as the sun sets. October has fall colors, but in Maine, it also gets cold. So keep that in mind. And pick what you like best.

  • What time does the Milky Way rise over Maine lighthouses?

In early March, you can see the Milky Way core for the first time in the year above the horizon, but it rises in the wee hours of the morning. Each month, it gets earlier and earlier. In June, it rises around 10:30, and each month it gets earlier. The Milky Way becomes visible one hour after sunset in September and October, then in November, the core goes below the horizon for the winter.

Locations & Composition

  • Which Maine lighthouses are best for Milky Way photography?

Again, on our Milky Way photography page, you will find the links to the dark sky maps. Maine has some very dark skies. The darker the sky, the better the Milky Way photography. Bortal One on the scale is the darkest sky in the world. Some of the Maine coasts are Bortle 3 and 4, which are suitable for Milky Way Photography.

  • Are there less crowded lighthouse spots in Maine?

Yes, when we visit most lighthouses after dark, most people are usually gone. And we’re often there by ourselves.

  • How do I compose shots with a lighthouse and the Milky Way? Get there early. Scout the area. You don’t want to be doing this in the dark. Preplanned for the direction the Milky Way will be visible. In the Summer months, you’ll see it in the southwest direction.

Gear & Technique

  • What camera settings are best for Milky Way lighthouse photography?

First of all, you absolutely have to be on a tripod. The settings will vary slightly depending on the lighting conditions, but the general rule of thumb is ISO 1600 to 3200, Shutter speed 20 seconds, and aperture 2.8. Always use your two-second timer to avoid camera shake.

  • What lens should I use to photograph lighthouses at night?

The widest angle with the lowest aperture is best. The aperture on our lenses is 2.8. Other brands and models go lower; the lower the better. Our favorite lens is 16mm wide. Again, the wider the better.

IMPORTANT: Don’t listen to these AI articles or the amateurs who tell you anything differently. This is what the pros do. We say this because we see a lot of bad advice on the Internet, most of which is created by AI. After all, many authors are not out there doing this.

  • How do I focus at night for lighthouse photography?

What we do is bring a flashlight and shine it on the spot to focus. Your camera won’t focus in the dark. Start exposing with the flashlight on and turn it off when the 2-second timer starts, before it exposes the image.

  • Should I use long exposure stacking or single shots for Milky Way lighthouses?

If you really want to get good at photography and do top-notch work like the pros, you should get a star tracker. Do multiple long exposures. Stack them.

  • Should I astromodify my camera?

YES!! Astromodify your camera. Don’t use anybody except Spencer Camera for this. They’ve even done work for NASA in astromodification.

PLEASE SHARE

At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.

May my works guide photographers in illuminating their path toward creating dynamic and impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer

Maine Lighthouse Map & 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 selected dark sky locations for you, but you will need to check the new moon/moonrise charts and ensure you go in a suitable month with a clear weather forecast to photograph the Milky Way. We suggest making this trip during the Milky Way season, from May to October, when it is visible. There are certain nights of the month when you can see the Milky Way.

Check out Milky Way visibility here.

Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way Photography

 MAINE LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Where are the best lighthouses in Maine? We have visited some of them. If you want to find great spots to take pictures of lighthouses, here are some options. Dark skies are abundant in Maine, making it an ideal location for photographing the Milky Way, but you can photograph lighthouses while you travel for days in Maine.

The Lighthouse State

They call it this because it has 65 historical lighthouses still existing along the 5,000 miles of coastline.  Many of them are not accessible since you must take a boat tour to see them for the best photography images.

Noble Lighthouse in the dark with a plain Sky Star Trail.

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.

The tower stands on the northern side of “The Nubble,” a popular fishing spot just 600 feet from the coast of York. It’s one of the best main lighthouses to photograph, and great for Milky Way photography. When we were here in August, the Milky Way core was to the right of it, so go early in the Milky Way season to photograph it.

Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way Photography

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. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Maine. With that many visitors, it’s no wonder.

We did not stop at this location for an extended visit. We found this one along our trail, but unfortunately, this park closes at dusk, so we won’t be doing any Milky Way photography here.

The Portland Head LH 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 for the water, but not too much more than that. Don’t plan too much time for this stop for photography.

Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way 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 places to visit. Why would you drive by this beauty? It is right in the center of a very small town. Is the car still at this location? We are not sure. We were here many years ago.

g aine Pemaquid Point with Milky Way above

PEMAQUID POINT, MAINE 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 dcoument all the stars. Complete Milky Way Photography Information is here. 

The Bristol Parks and Recreation Department operates the lighthouse and outbuildings.  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 features displays and artifacts related to 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.

Bailys Island Maine iconic red shack

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.

g Campobello-Island-Canada Light House The lighthouse in the fog.

WEST QUODY HEAD, MAINE LIGHTHOUSE

West Quoddy Head, in Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine, is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States.

West Quoddy Head is a peninsula that extends eastward in southeastern Lubec, at the Quoddy Narrows. This strait lies between Lubec and Campobello Island in Canada. It offers access to Passamaquoddy Bay, as well as harbors on the St. Croix River and other rivers that flow into the bay. Most of the peninsula is encompassed by Quoddy Head State Park, with the light station positioned near the southern tip of its eastern side.

From here, you can continue into Canada. READ OUR ARTICLE ON THE MAINE TO CANADA FUNDY TRAIL.

WHERE TO EAT ON BAILEY’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 ON BAILEY’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. This was a great stay for us here.  2025 UDATE – THEY CLOSE FOR THE WINTER

STARGAZING MAINE LIGHTHOUSES – HOW TO SEE THE MILKY WAY

  • Darkness: You must be away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. It’s crucial to understand the how, where, and when of seeing the Milky Way. 
  • Clear weather: Ensure the sky is cloud-free.
  • Moon phase: The darkest skies, which enhance the visibility of the Milky Way core, occur during a new moon or crescent moon phase. The best nights are during the new moon, and the ten days prior, when the moon sets at night and is not visible.
  • Optimal time of year: In the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way core is visible from March to October. It rises at different times. In March, it rises in the early morning hours, and by June, it can be seen just after sunset.
  • Scouting locations: During daylight, explore the area to find suitable angles and compositions for your shoot and become familiar with the surroundings.

LIGHT POLLUTION

 If you want to photograph the Milky Way, there are a few things you need to consider. You will need a location away from city lights. A clear sky with no moon in sight is ideal.

There are several ways to find a suitable location. You can use a light pollution map to find an area away from city lights. You can also look at the night sky for darker areas or check for national parks or wildland areas with dark skies. See more on locations below.

When you have decided on your location, the next step is to check the weather forecast. You want a clear sky with no clouds or rain. The night should also be calm, with little or no wind.

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Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way Photography
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MAINE LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY INFO

If you’re a photography enthusiast, a trip to Maine to document these magnificent structures is a must. 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. Try not to photograph 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 subject matter with tighter crops.

MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY 

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, 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 LOCATIONS TO SHOOT

  • Two Lights, Marshall Point  Light
  • Bass Harbor Head Light
  • Burntcoat Head Light
  • Seguin Island Light
  • Egg Rock Light
  • Monhegan Island Light
  • Owls Head Light

Think Tank Camera Bags

Maine Lighthouse & Milky Way Photography

It’s the only bag we use.

SURVIVAL FOOD

survival food and gear with an alien guy with food buckets
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