Old Orchard Beach, Maine Photography

This location offers a colorful pier for dynamic photography. We did not go during the new moon, so we could not do Milky Way photography, but this is a dark sky location.

Old Orchard Beach Photography Location

We arrived here at night. We pulled up to this pier, bursting with colors. There were too many lights on in the area to be able to do Milky Way photography. But even without the Milky Way, you can see it makes a dynamic subject. The Old Orchard Pier stretched out nearly 500 feet above the vast expanse of the ocean. It offers a variety of activities, such as dining, shopping, dancing, and live music performances. This beach town also has lifeguards on duty at all times. According to a resident, this sandy beach is the first one you’ll reach when entering Maine from Canada, making it a popular tourist destination.

During our trip up the coast of Maine, we were lucky to have five consecutive days of clear weather. We got shots during the day and night, including images of the Milky Way and lighthouses. Be sure to check out our other articles featuring Maine and Canada travel, and our lighthouse and Milky Way articles. If you’re considering going to Maine, these are some good articles. FEATURE ARTICLES

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?

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 too. Since this is a beach town, it’s a good idea to go during the summer months, so you can enjoy the beach by day and Milky Way photography by night.

New Moon: Timing is crucial to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. This celestial event can only be seen on clear nights with a visible moon, 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 see some faint traces 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.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS AREA?

This area can be explored in just one day and night. If the weather is favorable, you can get shots of the Milky Way in the surrounding areas. There’s a lot to do here, along with restaurants and shopping. You could spend at least two days here with a camera in hand and doing a few other things.

WHAT GEAR SHOULD I BRING?

Full Frame Camera with a wide-angle lens with an 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

SEE DETAILS BELOW

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?

Wear warm clothes in the cooler and cold months. Bring a backpack with all your camera equipment. Keep in mind that this is Maine, and at night, the temperatures will drop, even in the summer months. You might need to do some hiking in the sand, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. If you have an extra hand, consider bringing along a thermos of coffee. It can also be helpful to bring a headlight, extra batteries, or a portable charger.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO THERE?

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy in and around the pier, from shopping and indoor karting to mini golf and weekly firework shows. For a more relaxing day, you can go fishing or take a bike ride on the Eastern Trail. And if thrill-seeking is your thing, amusement parks and parasailing options are also available. The possibilities are endless, and the fun never stops in this vibrant beach town.