Where are the Best Places to Take Pictures in Maine?
Milky Way Photography Hot Spots
Maine has the best milky way photography locations
MAINE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
The ultimate guide to Maine’s TOP photography locations, curated by renowned photographer Pamela Goodyer. Join us on a visual journey through this picturesque state, as we share firsthand experiences and insights, along with exciting new destinations planned for future exploration. Dive into comprehensive articles detailing each unique spot, complete with tips on photographing dynamic images, dining options, and accommodations.
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Pamela Goodyer has been exploring, photographing, and documenting essential information for photographers around the world. She provides clear guidance and all the details to ensure a successful trip.
FULL ARTICLES – MAINE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS NEAR YOU
Here, you will find links to each article, which provide all the details for photographing each Maine area, including where to eat, where to stay, when to visit, and more.
Explore over 20 of the top photography locations in Maine, each linked to a comprehensive article that provides all the details you need.
- What are the favorite photography locations of Pam Goodyer, a renowned photographer and travel expert, for photographing incredible, dynamic, award-winning images?
- When is the best time to go to Maine to do photography?
- What gear should I bring?
- What else should I bring?
WHERE TO DO PHOTOGRAPHY IN MAINE
We have traveled to and photographed some of the best Maine photography locations.
PEMAQUID POINT LIGHTHOUSE
NUBBLE LIGHTHOUSE
CAPE PORPOISE
YORK,
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT
KENNEBUNKPORT
BAILEY’S ISLAND
ON THE ROCKS AT TWO LIGHTS
From the Staff (Don’t tell PAM we wrote this):
“Pam’s memory card is like her dating history—full of poorly framed shots she refuses to delete because ‘there’s still something good there.” 📸
OTHER TOP MAINE PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS
Check out our top picks for great areas! There’s something for everyone from Acadia National Park to Portland’s Old Port.
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT
Located in Cape Elizabeth, just south of Portland, the Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic lighthouses. Plenty of rocks to climb on for a different perspective, and you can even glimpse the light from the nearby Fort Williams Park.
Physical Address: 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth.
KENNEBUNKPORT
Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town in the southern part of the state. Its beautiful beaches, quaint shops and restaurants, and ocean views are known for their beauty. The city is also home to the Bush family compound, so you never know who you might see when taking photos! This is an excellent area for photographs.
Kennebec River Gorge: The Kennebec River Gorge is in the central part of the state. The gorge is home to wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, and hawks. It’s also a great place to photograph the fall foliage. This spot is not as dynamic as the others but should not be overlooked.
PEMAQUID POINT
You will find some fantastic shots, with numerous beautiful places to explore. But one of our all-time favorite spots is the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. When we traveled here during the daytime, we did exceptionally dynamic, colorful images of the lighthouse, and we traveled back at night to do Milky Way photography. This is one of the best Maine photography locations.
You can purchase tickets if you’d like to go inside. Website: https://bristolmaine.org/ – Email: bristolparks@tidewater.net – Telephone number: 207-677-2492
Physical Address: 3115 Bristol Road, New Harbor, ME 04664
NUBBLE LIGHTHOUSE AT CAPE NEDDICK
Just like Pemiquid Point, the Nubble lighthouse is an excellent area for photography during the day. You can also photograph the Milky Way at night over the lighthouse. Nubble Lighthouse is a perfect dark sky Milky Way photography area.
Physical Address: 11 Sohier Park Rd, York Beach, ME 03909-6873
CAPE PORPOISE, MAINE
Cape Corpus is a small fishing town near Kennebunkport. We came across this beautiful old car while traveling through the center of the small town. We don’t know if the car will stay here or is still there, but we did go on a puffin boat tour after we traveled through this area, so maybe you can pair this location with a tour. SEE THE IMAGE ABOVE WITH THE CAR.
ON THE ROCKS AT TWO LIGHTS
If you’re a fan of lighthouses, stop here along your travel route through the state. We didn’t get anything dynamic or spectacular, but we went mid-day; maybe sunrise or sunset with colorful skies would do this area more justice.
Two Lights State Park is a popular destination for both Maine residents and tourists, covering 41 acres of rugged headlands. It boasts vistas of Casco Bay and the vast Atlantic Ocean, and visitors can photograph the ships coming and going from Portland Harbor. Double quote.
MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
This dark sky state is an excellent place to photograph the Milky Way. Here are some of the best Main photography locations to photograph the Milky Way.
1. Acadia National Park – Our top pick
2. Baxter State Park
3. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
4. Camden Hills State Park
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH MAINE?
Months: The Milky Way Core can be seen from March to October, disappearing below the horizon for the rest of the year. It appears in the early morning hours in March and becomes visible earlier each month. The best time to catch a glimpse of the core is during summer, when it can be seen immediately after sunset, providing an ideal viewing opportunity for stargazers.
New Moon: Timing is crucial to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. This celestial event can only be observed on clear nights without a visible moon, thereby limiting the viewing window.
Light Pollution: The best way to experience the full wonder of the Milky Way is to escape from areas with heavy light pollution. However, it may be possible to catch a glimpse of the galaxy from places with mild artificial lighting; the most spectacular views can be found in remote locations far from cities and civilization. Check out our How to Section for more details, including using a light pollution map to guide you to dark sky locations.
Maine has some of the darkest skies in the United States, making it one of the best locations for Milky Way viewing.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
Each area is a little different, so keep in mind what your subjects will be in each spot. This is a general list.
- Full Frame Camera with a wide-angle lens with f/2.8 or Greater Maximum Aperture
- Tripod
- Shutter release
- Light pollution filter
- Red light headlamp
- Dark sky map app and Milky Way tracking apps
- Bright Flashlight
- Light painting gear
- Zoom lens for wildlife
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
Wear warm clothes and bring a backpack with all your camera equipment. You might need to do some hiking in the sand, so wear appropriate shoes. If you have an extra hand, consider bringing a thermos of coffee. It can also be helpful to bring a headlight, extra batteries, or a portable charger for your trip.
THE BEST MAINE MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS
Maine is celebrated for its exceptionally dark skies, making it one of the prime spots along the East Coast for observing and photographing the Milky Way. The state offers a unique opportunity for stargazers and photographers alike, as its remote areas are free from the overwhelming brightness of city lights, allowing the celestial display to shine in all its resplendent glory.
Whether you’re standing on a rocky shoreline, in a dense forest, or atop a mountain peak, the expansive night sky unfolds above you, dotted with countless stars and the mesmerizing band of the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. This remarkable setting provides an unparalleled experience for those seeking to photograph the beauty and wonder of our galaxy.
GEAR – MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY IN MAINE
LIGHT POLLUTION MAP:
Use a reliable light pollution map to find the best dark sky locations for stargazing and astrophotography.
CAMERA:
Select a camera with manual control options for ISO, shutter speed, and aperture adjustments to optimize night photography.
LENS:
Opt for a fast, wide-angle lens with an aperture between 1.4 and 2.8. For slower lenses (f/3.5 or higher), increase ISO settings cautiously to manage digital noise.
TRIPOD:
Invest in a robust, portable tripod that can withstand windy conditions while remaining compact for travel.
SKY MAP:
Download Sky Guide from iTunes for $1.99, boasting a 5-star rating, to easily navigate the night sky.
FLASHLIGHT:
Choose a high-lumen flashlight from Coast, such as the HP7, PX45, or G50, for adjustable beam focus during nighttime excursions.
MOON PHASE MAP:
Plan outings around the new moon for optimal darkness. Check moonrise charts to find the best times for night photography when the moon is below the horizon.
REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE:
Use a remote shutter release with bulb mode for exposures longer than 30 seconds, or utilize your camera’s built-in timer to minimize camera shake.
