Why You Should Visit Svalbard In Norway For Photography

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM at 20mm, LEE 100mm 2-stop graduated neutral density filter, Gitzo tripod, Induro ball head. Exposure: 0.4 sec., ƒ/11 ISO 100.

The Svalbard archipelago lies about halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. About the size of West Virginia with a population of only 2,500 people, Svalbard is a mostly untouched Arctic wilderness of mountains, valleys, glaciers and fjords.

The main settlement of Longyearbyen can be reached by a three-hour flight from Oslo, and accommodations here include hotels, guesthouses and camping. A short walk along the main road leading out of town into Advent Valley will bring you this view of Hjortfjellet—the mountain just left of center—across the valley. You don’t have to go far to find beautiful nature here.

Weather In Svalbard

Svalbard experiences particularly unique seasons. Owing to its proximity to the top of the planet, there are periods of permanent darkness in the winter and periods of permanent daytime in the summer. Mid-October to mid-February is the polar night period where you can expect temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The ground is typically snow covered from November until May.

April to August brings the midnight sun. Temperatures peak in July at an average of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The glacial valleys and lack of trees mean it’s often windy and feels colder than it is. The short shoulder seasons in between are a nature photographer’s dream with seemingly ever-lasting sunsets.

Photo Experience

I’m fortunate enough to be able to look at these mountains from my house every day. Hjortfjellet is an iconic presence, and you can see it from everywhere in Longyearbyen. I must have thousands of photos of it. This was a memorable one for me, though, because the conditions rarely come together so perfectly. An early snowfall on the peaks combined with a sunset that seemed to set the tundra on fire was a special opportunity. I was at home as the sun started to come through the clouds. I just grabbed my camera bag and ran down to the valley. The light only lasted for about 20 minutes, but luckily, it was long enough for me to get this shot.

Best Times To Visit Svalbard

Flights to Longyearbyen run year-round. All times of year offer good photographic opportunities in Svalbard. The dark season is the most restrictive because there are fewer options to get out in nature, but you may be rewarded by the northern lights. The light winter months offer the chance for stunning winter landscapes and exploration via snowmobile.

In the summer months, it’s possible to see a lot more of the archipelago via boat, and there’s more wildlife about. My favorite times are the winter and autumn sunset periods: mid-February to mid-April and mid-August to mid-October. You can be looking at sunsets that last for hours during these times of year. One important thing to remember is that polar bears can be encountered in the wild here, and you need to be armed with a rifle when leaving the settlement. Arranging a trip with one of the many local tour companies is your best bet.

Contact: Visit Svalbard, en.visitsvalbard.com.

See more of Stuart Thomson’s work at stuartthomson.no.

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The Needles

Photo By Max Foster

The Black Hills of South Dakota cover 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountainous landscapes. With expansive pine forests, rugged rock formations, streams, lakes and more, the Black Hills offer a variety of recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most visually striking areas lies within Custer State Park and is known as the Needles. With soaring granite spires, pinnacles and towers, the Needles are a stark contrast to the forest below. There are several hiking trails in the area, but the Cathedral Spires trail is a moderate hike with breathtaking views. Leading to a small flat forested area with pinnacles on all sides, this trail is a must-hike.

Weather At The Needles

The weather in the Needles area is cooler than many areas in the Black Hills due to its elevation. With some trails topping out at 7,000 feet, it can be cold any time of the year. January and February are the coldest months, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 10- to 20-degree range (sub-zero temperatures are also very possible). March is usually the snowiest month, with up to 25 inches of snow. May and June are typically rainy, with thunderstorms developing in the afternoons and clearing in the evenings. Summer is dry and warm, with temperatures reaching the 80s. As with any mountainous area, a warm insulated jacket is a good idea throughout the year, and rain protection is a must in spring and summer. Since the forest surrounding the Needles is coniferous, the most significant photographic change happens when snow blankets the landscape.

Photo Experience

The Needles have endless nooks and crannies offering an infinite number of compositional opportunities. Whether you’re shooting from below the spires or high above, this relatively small area is packed with incredible views. The spires look best with soft front or side light to accentuate their angled and jagged features. Numerous rocky outcroppings surround the spires, so it’s possible to hike or scramble up to gain a bird’s eye view. A wide-angle lens can be used to showcase the spires while also including a foreground, but don’t neglect your telephoto lens. Zooming in on the individual spires with trees below can give the viewer a sense of scale and a glimpse of the rugged nature of the granite. Bring a sturdy tripod, and if the wind picks up, be prepared to hold it steady to ensure sharp images. A circular polarizer is recommended to enhance contrast and eliminate glare, especially after rainfall. 

Best Times To Visit The Needles

Depending on the weather, it’s possible to shoot at any time of day. However, the spires tend to look best with soft light near sunrise and sunset or during twilight. Stormy days can also offer dramatic clouds and spotlighting on the landscape. Make sure to account for hiking time as most trails are over a mile long and include elevation gain. Bring a headlamp for safety, especially near the edges of any steep drop-offs.

Contact: South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, gfp.sd.gov/csp-scenic-drives.

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See more of Max Foster’s work at maxfosterphotography.com.

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Lake Moultrie

Lake Moultrie is South Carolina’s third-largest lake and was created in the 1940s. It’s fed by its larger neighbor, Lake Marion. Lake Moultrie has shallow swamps, black water ponds and in some areas is still dotted with bald cypress trees, making it a great location for nature and landscape photographers.

Most photographers who visit the area will want to use Charleston as their base camp of discovery. Charleston has many affordable hotels and restaurants and some of the best photography spots along the South Carolina coast, including Magnolia Plantation, Folly Beach and Botany Bay, to name just a few.

Plan on driving about one hour northwest of Charleston to reach Lake Moultrie. While most of the shoreline is private property, there are a few good areas from which to photograph, including waterfront in the town of Cross, the Amos Lee Gourdine Boat Landing, Sandy Beach campground, and others if you’re willing to drive and scout from the road for lake access points. It’s a huge body of water, so set aside several hours in the midday when the light isn’t optimal for photography to find your perfect spot for sunset and sunrise shooting.

Weather At Lake Moultrie

Late spring to early fall can be swelteringly hot and muggy in South Carolina. Late fall through early spring brings the best weather for photographers. The winters in South Carolina are usually very mild and can be a great time to visit in the off-season. Early March to mid-April will bring the best weather and light to the region for scenic landscape images.

Photo Experience

Photographing Lake Moultrie will be a challenge as most of the best trees for good photography are further out in the water from the shore of the lake. A kayak, canoe or small boat will allow you to explore more areas of the lake for the best compositions. There’s a spot in the town of Cross on the lake’s western shoreline that has many bald cypress trees close to the edge of the water, making this location a great place to shoot from a tripod.

I suggest you bring a medium telephoto in the range of 70-200mm and a wide-angle lens. The telephoto is great for isolating single trees or small groups of trees out in the water against the ever-changing skies over the lake. On a calm morning or evening when lots of clouds cover the sky, get in low and close to the water’s edge with a wide-angle lens to capture epic landscape images.

Best Times To Visit Lake Moultrie

Sunrise and sunset can be equally good times for photography. The lake’s often-calm waters will provide the opportunity to capture mirror-like reflections amongst the ghostly form of the cypress trees.

Contact: South Carolina Department of National Resources, dnr.sc.gov/lakes/moultrie/description.html.

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See more of Joseph Rossbach’s work at josephrossbach.com.

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High Falls Of The Pigeon River

High Falls of the Pigeon River sits on the border of Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, and is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota at 120 feet. The waterfall can be reached by hiking an easy 1-mile trail from the visitor center at Grand Portage State Park. The park is day-use only, but several other state parks along Lake Superior offer camping year-round. With numerous hiking trails, lakes, rivers, beaches and forests spanning the 150-mile shoreline, the North Shore of Lake Superior provides endless photographic opportunities.

Weather At Grand Portage State Park

Northern Minnesota experiences significant weather changes each season. In winter, it’s not unusual to experience several days of temperatures below zero, along with snowstorms and windy conditions in the area surrounding High Falls. Spring is relatively mild with temperatures in the 30s to 50s. Summer heat is tempered by the proximity to Lake Superior, which can keep temperatures 5 to 10 degrees cooler than farther inland. Autumn has the highest average precipitation levels but also brings a decrease in mosquitoes due to the first freezes of the year.

Photo Experience

High Falls is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Minnesota. The North Shore area of Lake Superior is known for its rocky and rugged terrain, and High Falls is no exception. At the end of the boardwalk trail, there’s a platform that offers unobstructed views of the falls. The foreground foliage nicely frames the falls while the mixed forest of evergreen and broadleaf trees rises above the falls on both sides of the river.

Overcast days offer the best chance at photographing the falls without harsh contrast, but since the waterfall faces east, sunset is also a great time to shoot. In the early morning, spray from the falls can create rainbows, which are a nice complement to the scene. I recommend using a wide angle to capture the falls and surrounding forest, but telephoto lenses can also be used to capture the intimate details of the water cascading down the rock ledges. With abundant foliage and water, a polarizer filter is a must. 

Best Times to Visit High Falls

Each season offers quite different conditions at High Falls. The first snow of winter is an amazing time to visit, with a blanket of white on the trees surrounding the unfrozen falls. Later in winter, the entire falls freezes, which makes it look like a gigantic ice sculpture. Perhaps the most photogenic time of year is autumn, when the surrounding foliage bursts with color, and the water flow is detailed and nuanced. Autumn is the busiest season on Minnesota’s North Shore, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the crowds at this time of year.

Contact: Explore Minnesota, exploreminnesota.com/profile/grand-portage-state-park/1909

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See more of Max Foster’s work at maxfosterphotography.com.

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Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Southern New Mexico. This series of mountain ranges won its designation as a monument in 2014. The monument encompasses nearly 500,000 acres and completely surrounds the city of Las Cruces, with a population of just over 100,000. One can find solitude literally minutes away in any direction. The elevation ranges from 3,900 to 9,000 feet above sea level with a vast variation in vegetation, from creosote to cacti to ponderosa pine. Most photographers are drawn to the dramatic spires of the Organ Mountains, but there’s so much more to explore in this large and diverse national monument.

Weather 

Weather here can vary greatly. On a winter’s day, it can be in the low teens in the morning, while that afternoon could find you in a T-shirt in 70-degree weather. In winter, you can usually find a light dusting of snow and the occasional snowstorm that leaves a blanket of up to a foot (and sometimes more). It rarely lasts more than a day or two. If rains happen to fall in January and early February, you’re rewarded with a profuse blanket of Mexican poppies in the month of March.

Summers can be hot, and temperatures can climb into the 100s. The monsoon season usually starts in mid-July. Afternoons will bring billowy thunderheads and skies filled with virga and vividly colored sunsets. Under heavy storms, lightning will put on a spectacular display against the backdrop of the mountain peaks.

Photo Experience At Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

With yellow blooms still on the turpentine bush, it was unusual to have snow already on the Organs. The grass was tall from a heavy monsoonal flow. On this particular fall afternoon, I decided to hike up an unnamed mountain to photograph one of the many dead junipers made into ghost trees by a fire 10 years prior. I found my composition and waited for the harsh light to disappear, and as the clouds began to take on color, I took my photograph. With a series of focus-stacked images, I was able to achieve sharpness throughout the composition.

These mountains are rugged, and some of the best photography to be had is obtained by hiking. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a headlamp for the hike out. 

Best Times To Visit

Wildflowers are completely dependent on rainfall. March may have poppies, but a constant source of color can be found from early spring to late summer in the various cacti blooms. Especially profuse starting in early April is the claret cup cactus. Its deep crimson blossoms dot the landscape. Various cacti continue throughout the summer and end with the fishhook barrel cactus that can be found blooming in early August. If monsoonal flows bring heavy rains, the desert comes alive with wildflowers from August into October. Typical winter days find mild temperatures, which makes for great hiking weather.

Contact: Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov/visit/omdp

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See more of Wayne Suggs’ work at waynesuggsphotography.com.

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Waimea Canyon

Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” due to its multi-colored canyon walls etched deeply into the terrain, Waimea Canyon on the south shore of the “Garden Island” of Kauai was formed when the Waimea River carved its way through the lava and basalt formations of the region. Waimea is Hawaiian for “reddish water.” Driving through the canyon takes you through both Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks. Throughout the canyon, there are hiking trails where you can see tropical foliage, green and red scenery, waterfalls and rainbows.

Weather

The park’s location on the south side of the island means that it doesn’t get nearly as much rain as the north and east sides, and due to its elevation, the average temperatures are lower than the rest of the island. Elevation at the first lookout is about 3,400 feet. Average high temperatures range between 61 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the year, which is about 20 degrees cooler than the nearby town of Waimea. It will generally rain between nine and 12 days per month throughout the year, but the rain doesn’t last long and creates wonderful conditions.

Photo Experience

From the town of Waimea, State Route 550 winds about 18 miles through the canyon, offering several lookouts. This shot was taken from the popular Waimea Canyon Lookout, and continuing along the highway, you’ll encounter other lookouts. From the Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout, the 800-foot Waipo’o Falls are visible after a heavy rain, and the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout offers a view of the nearby island of Ni’ihau. Further up the highway is the spectacular Kalalau Lookout, which has stunning views of the Na Pali Coast.

If you travel to the end of the highway, you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking views in all of Hawaii at the Pu’u o Kila Lookout. There, the jagged green cliffs of the Na Pali Coast contrast with the red soil as you gaze out toward the impossibly blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. If it’s cloudy when you go, wait around a while for the clouds to disappear.

If you’re interested in getting away from the crowds, there are many trails throughout the park that offer exceptional photographic opportunities. The late-afternoon sun provides the best light for photography since the canyon walls will catch the light, and the reds and greens will glow. If there has been recent rain and there’s still moisture in the sky, you may even catch a rainbow. Sunrise can be special here as well.

Best Times To Visit Waimea Canyon

Because it’s Hawaii, there’s no bad time of year to visit. The summer and winter months tend to be more crowded, but don’t let that stop you. Winter means that the days are shorter, and the temperatures will be only a few degrees cooler. It’s always a good idea to have a light jacket when visiting Waimea Canyon.

Contact: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park

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See more of Jeff Nigro’s work on Instagram @jnigro64.

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Shi Shi Beach

In Washington’s northwest corner lies the Makah Reservation, home of the Makah Tribe and gateway to the rugged beauty of the Olympic Coast. Shi Shi Beach is situated near Neah Bay, a bustling harbor in the heart of the reservation and a great place to base your explorations. The Pacific Ocean and Olympic National Park create the western border of the tribal lands, while Cape Flattery and the Strait of Juan de Fuca define the northern boundary, with the coastal peaks of Vancouver Island seemingly within arm’s reach. Access from the east is via State Route 112 and is a four-hour drive from Seattle.

Weather At Shi Shi Beach

The Olympic Peninsula includes portions of temperate rainforest. Expect cool, wet weather that gives rise to the lush green forests. The region is accessible year-round, though spring through fall will be the most enjoyable. Some of the services and accommodations around Neah Bay are closed during the winter, so check ahead. Be prepared with proper clothing if venturing out during the winter months which can bring big surf, up to 8 inches of snow and icy trails. Spring and summers are cool and damp, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to near 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Coastal fog is common but can really add to the mood of images. Sunny skies can be had only a few miles away; keep your options open and think about placing yourself at the transition zone for more dynamic skies.

Photo Experience

The multitude of sea stacks adorned with weathered spruce growing at impossible angles is a primary attraction to the Olympic Coast. Iconic Shi Shi Beach, Point of Arches and Cape Flattery are must-see locations for landscape photographers. Makah recreation permits—required to access these areas—are $10 per calendar year and easily purchased in Neah Bay. Additional parking fees are charged for overnight visits to Shi Shi Beach as overnight parking isn’t allowed at the day-use trailhead.

While photo opportunities are available at some roadside turnouts along State Route 112 and Tsoo-Yess Beach Road, I highly recommend a day hike or overnight trip along Shi Shi Beach for the unique sea stacks, lighting and tidal conditions. As Shi Shi is part of the National Park System, camping permits and approved bear-proof containers must be obtained. Tide charts are also a must since portions of beaches are submerged at high tide and require advanced planning for safe passage.

Wide-angle to mid-range zooms were my go-to lenses for capturing the towering stacks and sky. Sunset light tended to work best along the west coast, though sun shining through fog can create some surreal effects. A tripod for low-light shooting or smoothing wave action with long exposures was necessary.

Best Times To Visit

I chose to visit in the spring, when temperatures are cool and crowds minimized. Midweek visits might lessen camper congestion on beaches for overnight camping. As access to some areas may be limited depending on conditions, be sure to inquire with the Makah Tribal Council when planning your trip.

Contact: Makah Tribal Council, makah.com

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See more of Harry Lichtman’s work at HarryLichtman.com.

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Mount Robson

Located approximately 435 miles northeast of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Mount Robson somehow manages to surpass all of the giddy expectations that a nine-hour drive can produce. On a clear day, the last stretch of the journey east on the Yellowhead Highway toward Mount Robson Provincial Park reveals the 12,972-foot peak of Mount Robson suddenly in a way that requires a moment for the brain to reconcile what the eyes see. While the area is remote and rugged, the roads are paved and well-maintained, providing easy summer access.

Weather At Mount Robson

Known to the Secwépemc people as Yexyexéscen, Robson claims superlatives as the tallest and most prominent peak in the Canadian Rockies. Its size and location allow it to readily capture atmospheric moisture moving east from the Pacific, giving Robson an elusive quality as it’s most often hiding behind cloud cover. As with all alpine regions, weather changes quickly and often dramatically. While this provides a dynamic, exciting experience for outdoor photographers, it’s best to keep your waterproof shell handy. The single biggest challenge a photographer will face here is weather.

Photo Experience

Robson’s well-lit snow cap and prominence above the dark valley creates a common challenge for landscape photographers. My short window of opportunity opened at sunset when the peak was quite bright and the trees I wanted to include in the foreground were quite dark. This was an opportunity to utilize every last bit of the 15-stop dynamic range in my Sony a7R III. The white snow was just on the edge of overexposure while the trees were almost black in the image preview. Trusting the camera’s histogram really paid off here.

The image was captured from the very accessible Mount Robson Provincial Park visitor’s center. Camera shake is always a concern, so I avoided the wood observation deck and relied on my camera’s onboard timer to trigger the image with the camera mounted on a tripod. The clouds were moving quickly, and I wanted to capture that movement, so I used a 10-stop neutral-density filter and a circular polarizer. This combination allowed a 110-second exposure at ƒ/20 and ISO 200. Given the tricky exposure and the fleeting nature of the light and clouds, 110 seconds felt like a very long time while I waited to see if my settings were correct.

Best Times To Visit Mount Robson

The area is most accessible from late May through October. As the peak of Mount Robson is so often shrouded in clouds, patience and a bit of luck go a long way. In my case, the peak was completely covered for all but about an hour of my multi-day visit, so it’s also best to keep those batteries charged. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

Contact: BC Parks, bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/mt_robson.

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See more of Mike Magee’s work on Instagram @lightlarceny.

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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located about 7 miles north on Colorado State Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Route 50 east of Montrose. The North Rim has a separate entrance, located approximately 11 miles southwest of Crawford. Allow two to three hours to drive from one rim to the other. The South Rim overlooks are the most accessible and include Painted Wall View, which is best photographed at sunrise or sunset, when softer light defines the wall’s unique textures and patterns. This is a great time to photograph here, especially when clouds or a colorful sky complement the views.

Weather At Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s North Rim and East Portal is typically open from mid April until mid or late November. The South Rim is open every day; however, the entire South Rim Road is usually open to vehicles from late-April to mid-November. In winter, the South Rim Road remains open to the visitor center at Gunnison Point. The remainder of the road is closed to vehicles but open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit. Average summer temperatures reach into the high 80s on the rim, with thunderstorms common this time of year.

Photo Experience

Judging by visitation, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most underrated parks in the National Parks system. Painted Wall is one of 12 overlooks along the South Rim of Black Canyon, and this is the overlook I was most excited to photograph from. I arrived a few hours before sunset knowing that I’d need time to explore the area around the main overlook and find the exact composition I wanted. After I carefully scouted the terrain around the edge of the overlook, I found this foreground of rocks, which I felt added both interest and balance to the scene. All that was left was to wait for the setting sun to be positioned just above the distant cliff, which would produce the desired lighting I had envisioned for my image. 

Best Times To Visit

With easy access to most of the overlooks when South Rim Road is open to vehicles, anytime from late-April to mid-November can be a great time to visit the park. Personally, I prefer spring and fall, when temperatures are usually the most comfortable to hit the park’s trails. Next to winter, these are also the seasons when visitation is at its lowest, and the park can feel almost empty. Spring is an ideal time for bird watching here, but the canyon is a great place to observe wildlife during most of the year, especially larger mammals, including elk, coyotes and the park’s most elegant and visible animal, the mule deer. When accessible, the park’s East Portal is a popular place for fishing on the Gunnison River and to also experience a completely different perspective of the canyon from within its depths.

Contact: National Park Service, nps.gov/blca/index.htm.

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See more of David Shield’s work at davidshieldphotography.com.

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Grand Island National Recreation Area

Grand Island National Recreation Area is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, about a half-mile offshore from the town of Munising. This 13,500-acre wilderness island is part of the Hiawatha National Forest and features massive sandstone cliffs, just across the lake from its famous neighbor, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Summer visitors arrive by ferry or kayak and enjoy hiking, mountain biking and backpacking. Winter visitors face the daunting and potentially dangerous task of crossing Lake Superior on snowshoes, cross-country skis or snowmobiles to access a wonderland of ice caves and ice curtains that stretch for miles along its rugged shore. 

Weather At Grand Island National Recreation Area

Lake Superior can produce extreme weather that can evolve very quickly. Winter temperatures can range from the upper 20s all the way down to well below zero. Be sure to check local weather reports before making the trek, keeping in mind that the windchill on Lake Superior will feel much colder than the predicted temperatures. In addition to bringing ice cleats for the ice curtains, it’s good to pack hand warmers for thawing your tripod if the icy conditions freeze the locks. Since there are no services of any kind on the island, bring extra layers, emergency gear and food as well as water in an insulated thermos. If the snow is quite deep when you visit, wear snowshoes for the crossing, rent a snowmobile or consider hiring a local guide to transport you.

Photo Experience

The deep cold of a typical Upper Peninsula winter creates spectacular blue-green ice curtains by freezing the water that flows continuously from mineral springs and seeps in the cliffs. These ice formations are constantly changing, ultimately building enormous, intricately textured walls of blue-green ice extending 20 feet or more from the rocky ledges above. The cliffs along the southeastern part of the island (about a half-mile from Sand Point on the mainland) are the most ideal for photography. Visit on a sunny day, if possible, to capture the vibrant colors of sapphire, aquamarine and emerald in the ice. Some of the most engaging images can be made by shooting from behind the ice curtains with an ultra-wide lens, allowing the sun to shine through and highlight the colors and textures in the ice. Plan to set off before dawn as the sunrise will illuminate the cliffs and the cool-toned ice curtains with wonderfully warm hues of magenta and gold. If time allows, follow the shoreline just west of the ice curtains to the East Channel Lighthouse, a beautifully weathered wooden structure that’s perfectly situated to catch the late-afternoon sunset light.

Best Times To Visit

Winter access to Grand Island is highly dependent on lake ice conditions. Some years, the ice in the 80-foot-deep channel between the mainland and Grand Island doesn’t freeze sufficiently to allow crossing. Other years, the ice builds just enough to make it possible to cross, typically in early March, but such favorable conditions may only last a few days, depending on weather and lake currents. Ice levels aren’t measured or monitored by the National Park Service, so you’ll need to check with local outfitters, monitor the weather carefully, and exercise extreme caution before considering the trek.

Contact: USDA Forest Service, fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha

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See more of Neil Weaver’s work at neilweaverphoto.com.

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Alabama Hills National Scenic Area

The Alabama Hills National Scenic Area is located near the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and a couple miles east of the small town of Lone Pine, California. Dozens of natural arches are within easy walking distance from any of the trailheads. If some of these vistas look familiar, that might be because this area is a favorite location for Hollywood movies and television programs.

To the west of the Alabama Hills are the mighty Sierra Nevada mountain range and Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain peak in the contiguous United States. To the south of Whitney is Lone Pine Peak (centered in Mobius Arch in the photograph here), which is often mistaken for Mount Whitney because of how close the mountain appears compared to the farther-back Whitney.

Weather At Alabama Hills

Weather varies from season to season. Summer brings the thunderstorms and regular 100-plus-degree temperatures, so drink lots of water and try to stay cool. Winter temperatures can dip below freezing during the nighttime and early morning. Winter also has a chilling north wind that will suck the warmth from your body, so dressing in layers and having hand warmers will help out a lot.

Photo Experience

The photo you see wasn’t my first choice for composition, but my original idea of photographing beautifully colored sunrise clouds over this arch was scrapped when the clouds didn’t push over. It happens, and you’ve got to photograph what nature gives you.

I live nearby this location and visit often—so often that I have plenty of the classic compositions that everyone photographs while they’re at the Mobius Arch. I wanted to try something completely different. I wanted to capture Lone Pine Peak centered in the Mobius Arch, the half-moon and the view to the south. I had a 10mm lens mounted on my Canon EOS 80D (approximately 16mm equivalent), and it still wasn’t wide enough to capture the scene. So, I took four exposures and stitched them together in Lightroom.

I recommend bringing lenses that range from wide angle to telephoto for this location and that you try capturing the arch from every angle, from up-close wide angle to far down the trail with a medium telephoto.

Best Times To Visit

Every season is a great time to photograph the natural arches of the Alabama Hills, but sunrise in spring is my absolute favorite. There’s still a good amount of snow on the mountains, small patches of wildflowers on the trail, the summer rush of visitors aren’t there yet, and the alpenglow on Mount Whitney is beautiful. No matter the time of year you visit, you won’t be disappointed with majestic views of the Sierra Nevada or the wonder of the natural arches.

Contact: Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov/visit/alabama-hills-national-scenic-area.

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Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area

Nikon D200, AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED at 18mm (27mm equivalent), Manfrotto 190XB tripod with Manfrotto 3437 ballhead. Exposure: 3 sec., ƒ/22, ISO 100.

The Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is one of several remote badlands in northwestern New Mexico. Throughout the area known as the San Juan Basin, the same geological features that contain beds of coal and gas coveted by industry have also been carved by the ages into fanciful badlands, populated by strange “hoodoos” of rock. The nearby Bisti Wilderness is the most well-known and easily accessible of these badlands and provides a good introduction to the area.

The Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah and other badlands are on the “checkerboard,” where the square miles of land alternate in ownership between state, Bureau of Land Management and the Navajo Nation. Slow down while driving and watch out for livestock. Maps are recommended to navigate the lonely open-range roads of the area. A high clearance vehicle is usually not needed, but all-wheel drive might keep you out of trouble.

As for the badlands themselves, there’s not much variance in elevation between the highest and lowest parts of the landscape, so topo maps are of limited use. Just keep your eyes open. These alien landscapes are as fragile as any that you’ll ever visit, so please tread lightly because your footprints might be visible for years to come.

Weather At Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness

In summer, dusty winds and brutal sun prevail, and the high desert heat of June and July could be too much for some unaccustomed hikers. Sunscreen and lots of water are the most important items to carry in your pack. The summer thunderstorms make for some of the best backdrops for photography, but they can also strand you for hours when the dirt roads become impassable. If stormy skies are what you’re looking for, be prepared to possibly stay a while.

The badlands can be hiked year-round, even in winter, since storms rarely leave snow on the ground for long.

Photo Experience

This image was captured in April of 2010, just after sunset. I had been at this location several times before but either at the wrong time of day or under a less-interesting sky. The challenge was getting the shot under quickly fading light while waiting for a few seconds here and there with no wind to sway the grasses. 

Best Times To Visit Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah

The evening or morning light emphasizes the rich colors often hidden by the harsh mid-day sun, and the best light for photography, as you might expect, is usually within an hour on either side of sunset or sunrise. Dusk and pre-dawn can exaggerate the richest and most unexpected hues in the badlands, making a tripod the most important piece of equipment you should bring. If you intend to shoot in the morning, it’s best to hike an hour or more before sunrise, so selecting a location beforehand is a good strategy. As for the time of year, I prefer the warmer months because when you intend to capture both the evening light and dawn light during one visit, there are fewer hours to wait through the shorter nights.

Contact: Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov/visit/ah-shi-sle-pah-wilderness.

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See more of Mike Spieth’s work at mikespieth.com.

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Bear Rocks Preserve

The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Rocks Preserve is remote, rugged, high-elevation West Virginia mountain land with an often-severe and quick-changing boreal climate. It’s atop the Allegheny Front, the predominant ridge of the Appalachians and the “eastern” continental divide. This ridge has a rim of sandstone cliffs and giant rock outcropping with a 2,000- to 3,000-foot drop below to hills and valleys. To the east, there are breathtaking 30-mile views where seven mountain ridges are visible on a clear day. Along the rim are stunted red spruce trees with flag-formed limbs pointing to the east as a result of the almost-constant and often high-velocity winds.

Large, striking and uniquely shaped white sandstone and quartz rocks are found throughout the Bear Rocks Preserve area. These wind- and rain-sculpted boulders rise up out of the heath barrens and tundra-like areas. In addition to the sculpted boulders are “rock streams” that formed during glacial periods and can be hundreds of feet long. Large areas of heath barrens and peat bogs, more typical of Canada, are scattered along the west side of the Allegheny Front.

The preserve is located at the north end of Dolly Sods Wilderness off Forest Road 75, a gravel road with some potholes and rocks that must be avoided. At the north end of Road 75, there’s a parking lot for about 30 vehicles; trails into the preserve are north of the parking lot. This area is about 40 minutes south of Davis, West Virginia, which can be accessed best via U.S. Route 48. Excellent overnight accommodations are available at Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park, which are also outstanding photo locations.

Weather At Bear Rocks Preserve

Bear Rocks Preserve is known for its frequently severe, ever-changing climate. Strong prevailing winds bring clouds from the west and, while rising to clear the Allegheny Front, are cooled, causing mist and rain totaling over 60 inches a year. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. In the warmer months, high winds and temperatures in the high 40s and the low 50s at daybreak on the Allegheny Front can drop the wind chill to near freezing, requiring winter clothing. By the same afternoon, one can adequately dress in a shirt. The first snow typically occurs in late September or October.

Photo Experience 

For over a half mile along Allegheny Front at Bear Rocks, there are giant rock outcroppings punctuated by flagged red spruce trees, providing the opportunity for hundreds of compelling compositions using these foreground elements. Looking east, the valleys, hills and distant mountain ridges provide interesting middle and background elements. This is one of the best sunrise locations in the east. The high elevation combined with cool morning temperatures often provide fog and cloud formations where the play of light can be dramatic.

Hiking west of the Allegheny Front, there’s a vast expanse of heather punctuated with boulders and trails created by blueberry pickers. Beyond that are the headwaters of the red creek, which is a huge peat and cranberry bog with large patches of cotton grass. Then, moving further west is a grassy bald containing a few red spruce trees and stunted windswept easterly leaning deciduous trees. Hiking south into the Dolly Sods Wilderness, one can travel through three climate zones in a day.

This is truly a wilderness presenting a great variety of topography and habitat with very distinctive features waiting to be photographed. For the outdoor photographer, it’s an inspirational experience. 

Best Times To Visit Bear Rocks Preserve

Spring provides many great photo opportunities with large expanses of azaleas in early June and Mount Laurel in late June, followed by rhododendron in early July. In late August, summer wildflowers appear in the wetlands and bogs that are found throughout the area. Fall is the most popular time because of the blueberry plants whose leaves turned deep red in early October, as depicted in the photograph featured here. The road to this area is closed during winter months.

Contact: The Nature Conservancy, nature.org.

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See more of Kent Mason’s photography at WVphotographs.com.

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Owl Creek Pass

Owl Creek Pass is located in the Uncompahgre National Forest of southwestern Colorado. Surrounded by the Cimarron Range, which towers above groves of aspen, spruce, firs and scrub oak, this area is surely one of the most scenic in Colorado.

Travelers passing through Ridgway can access this area by taking County Road 8, which is adjacent to the Ridgway Reservoir, all the way to the pass. Those coming from the north can access the area through Cimarron Road off of U.S. Route 50. Those accessing from Cimarron Road should note that it turns into County Road 858. Take this past Silver Jack Reservoir until you come to County Road 861, which will split to the right. Take this as you cross over the East Fork of the Cimarron River and come to a “Y” intersection. Keep right to veer onto County Road 860 as it twists and turns around Turret Ridge, taking you high up to Owl Creek Pass itself.

Both routes are well-maintained gravel roads suitable for any vehicle in good weather. Use caution and high-clearance four-wheel drive if there’s inclement weather in this area.

Weather At Owl Creek Pass

Due to the high elevation of this mountain pass, the road to Owl Creek Pass is closed during the winter months by heavy snow. From late spring to fall, you can experience almost any weather conditions. Snow, hail, thunderstorms, rain and thick fog can occur any time of the year here. Temperatures can vary from the 90s in the summer months to the low teens in the fall and winter. During fall, temperatures average in the mid to low 60s during the day, making it comfortable for hiking around the forests. At night, expect the temperatures to drop to near freezing. Always be prepared for any kind of weather here, as with any mountainous area. Conditions can change at a moment’s notice.

Photo Experience

One might expect this area to be crowded with large groups of photographers; however, compared to many other areas of southwest Colorado, it’s possible to find plenty of places to photograph by yourself. Roadside shooting offers many options for those who prefer not to hike.

Lenses ranging from 16mm all the way to 600mm focal lengths can be useful to photograph grand vistas, intimate forest scenes and even the occasional wildlife like elk and bears. My preferred lens while exploring this area was my 70-200mm. Even at 70mm, I was able to photograph some grand vistas and the colorful swaths of autumn foliage on the mountainsides.

Getting off the beaten path is easy as well with trails to take you up into the mountains and wilderness areas. There’s certainly no shortage of options for outdoor photographers in this area.

Best Times To Visit Owl Creek Pass

While late spring and summer can provide lush green forests and beautiful wildflower blooms, fall certainly seems like the best time to photograph and explore this area. With a rainbow of colors changing in early October and the mountains rising high above it all, it really is a picture-perfect time to be here. Aspen colors can range from lime green to red in some areas and create beautiful contrasts with those cloudy blue skies or, if you’re lucky, a vibrant sunrise or sunset. The scrub oak on their own provide a pretty spectacular show as well with orange, yellow, red and green intertwined with groves of aspens and even cottonwoods. With comfortable afternoon temperatures and the crisp autumn evenings, fall is my favorite time to be there.

Contact: U.S. Forest Service, fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug.

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See more of Peter Coskun’s work at pjcphotography.com.

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Lake Superior’s North Shore

Lake Superior is incredibly vast, and with its distinction as the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area—31,700 square miles—this inland sea lives up to its name. Superior’s coastline borders on three U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario, and its characteristics are as varied as its size. The lake’s North Shore, stretching more than 150 miles from the port city of Duluth, Minnesota, to the U.S.-Canada border and beyond, lays claim to some of the most stunning and accessible scenery in the American Midwest.

Minnesota State Highway 61 parallels the North Shore and provides access to seven state parks, all of which boast raging rivers and streams, cascading waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. Most parks also contain an abundance of rugged Lake Superior shoreline, varying from sandy and cobblestone-filled beaches to 180-foot cliffs. Camping is available in all but Grand Portage State Park at the Canadian border. Several small towns punctuate the shore and offer additional opportunities for camping, lodging and recreation.

Weather at Lake Superior

The massive size of Lake Superior greatly influences weather conditions along the North Shore and moderates temperatures near the lake. Even in the middle of summer, it’s a good idea to bring clothing for all seasons. A switch in the wind direction from west to east can plunge temperatures near the lake from more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit to the 50s within a couple of hours. Locals call this phenomenon “turning on the air conditioning.” Superior’s thermal reservoir also delays the onset of seasonal change, with spring and early summer being sluggish to warm while early autumn tends to allow shirtsleeve conditions longer than inland locales.

Winter brings snow and often brutally cold temperatures. Dress in layers. Boots and ice cleats are highly recommended as snow and ice accumulate along the shore. Those braving winter conditions may be rewarded with glorious sea smoke at sunrise when temperatures fall well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Later in the season, easterly winds drive ice floes from the lake, adorning the shore with millions of crystalline shards.

Photo Experience

A few miles south of Beaver Bay, Minnesota, the cliff-perched Split Rock Lighthouse provides countless photo opportunities of the region’s most iconic landmark and its surrounding landscape. However, numerous beaches, cliffs, waterfalls and inland vistas await the photographer willing to explore beyond the well-trod attractions.

The location where I made this image lies within the northernmost region of Minnesota’s Lake Superior shore, between the town of Grand Marais and the Canadian border. In this remote area, three small tree-topped rock islands lie just offshore, each roughly 10 miles apart. This island is situated halfway between the other two, near the town of Hovland.

Having photographed this island before, I knew that an autumn sunrise would provide optimal light for my choice of composition. As the sun emerged above the horizon behind the island, clouds filtered the morning light, creating sensuous backlighting on the curved, cobblestone-lined shore and foreground bedrock. Lake Superior is known for its autumn gales, so I usually try to capture a slice of its tempest, even on relatively calm days, with a perfectly timed wave crashing against the shore. 

Best Times To Visit Lake Superior

The early birds among us can delight in the fact that the sun rises over Lake Superior throughout much of the year on the North Shore. Only during the late spring and summer does the sun rise northerly enough to occur over land in locations near Grand Marais, which also happen to be the only places along the North Shore to see a sunset over the lake near the winter solstice. The region also boasts some of the darkest night skies in the eastern half of the U.S., making it ideal for astrophotography and capturing the aurora borealis.

The North Shore provides a variety of photographic opportunities year-round. My personal favorite time of year is late September and into October when the foliage is at peak color. It’s also a time of year with comfortable days and cool nights, few bugs and ticks to contend with, and noticeably fewer tourists—especially mid-week. Finally, October often brings one of those raging Lake Superior storms and its massive 20-plus-foot waves.

Contact: North Shore Visitor, northshorevisitor.com.

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See more of David Barthel’s work at northshoreimages.com.

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Pigeon Spire

Bugaboo Provincial Park is located in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The park contains isolated 10,000-foot granite spires soaring above ice fields and glaciers with stunning views in all directions. Access to the Bugaboos begins in the small town of Brisco on British Columbia Highway 95. Turn west onto Bugaboo Creek Road and navigate the maze of logging roads for 28.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. The park provides chicken wire and wood posts to build a fence around the lower half of your vehicle, which prevents the porcupines from chewing the rubber parts off your car!

The approach trail is steep, consisting of 2.8 miles and 2,360 feet elevation gain to the Alpine Club of Canada’s Conrad Kain Hut, and another 0.6 miles and 820 feet elevation gain to the Applebee Campground. In spots, the trail has been carved into steeper rock sections with cables to grasp.

Weather At Pigeon Spire

A hallmark of the Bugaboos is how quickly the weather can change for the worse. A predawn start is required since afternoon storms, some with serious lightning, are the norm. The storms usually come in from the west. In my multiple trips to the Bugaboos, I’ve experienced severe lightning storms, white-out conditions and snowstorms. Always be prepared. Due to the harsh conditions, I elected to bring my old backup camera gear.

Photo Experience

The West Ridge route on Pigeon Spire is one of the most classic and spectacular rock climbs in the Bugaboos. The approach to the Pigeon Spire requires experience with glacier travel to traverse the Upper Vowell Glacier and to ascend/descend the steep Snowpatch-Bugaboo Col. Be aware, there have been serious accidents on the col. The climbing route isn’t technically difficult, mostly fourth class scrambling with plenty of exposure. There is one 5.4 technical section near the summit and one other exposed area that may require a rope for extra security.

An alpine start from the hut allowed us to gain the West Ridge as the sun rose and to capture the image before the light became too harsh. When the ridgeline became more pronounced and steeper, I knew immediately this was the Bugaboo climbing image I envisioned. I let the other climbing team in our party proceed along the ridge until they appeared dramatically on the ridgeline. Bright, colorful jackets made them stand out. The soft morning light and the gray granite spire made for an easy, straightforward exposure.

I zoomed in to isolate the most dramatic section of the ridgeline and to ensure the climbers were visible for scale. My main photographic goal was to capture an iconic climbing image, but the location of Pigeon Spire provides awe-inspiring views and numerous photo opportunities, most notably of the Howser Towers.

Best Times To Visit

A trip to the Bugaboos is a serious undertaking, with a limited climbing season from mid-June to September. The best weather is in July. The roads to the trailhead are often closed in the shoulder season. Additionally, the approach trail is usually covered by snow until June.

Plan your photography in the mornings. The midday sun is harsh, and afternoons are either stormy or you’re pressed to return to camp before dark.

Contact: British Columbia Parks, bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/bugaboo.

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Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is located in Olympic National Park in Washington state and is accessible via U.S. Route 101. The beach is the northernmost beach in the Kalaloch area and is approximately 10 miles north of Kalaloch Lodge. The beach is located a quarter mile from the parking lot and is an easy hike, although you might have to climb over some driftwood.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, Really Right Stuff tripod and BH 55 ballhead, B+W Kaesemann circular polarizer, Formatt Hitech 100x150mm Firecrest Soft Grad ND 0.9. Exposure: 1/15 sec., ƒ/11, ISO 400.

Weather At Ruby Beach

It was late September when I visited Ruby Beach. The weather was in the 50s with quite a bit of rain. The year-round temperatures don’t fluctuate too drastically, ranging from an average low in the mid 30s in the winter to an average high in the low 70s in the summer. During the summer, you can expect relatively warm, dry conditions. This is the best time of year to see thick fog on the beaches. In the fall, temperatures get cooler with more rain and windy conditions. Winter is the wettest season, with many storms rolling in from the ocean. Like winter, spring is also quite wet, and you can expect cool to mild temperatures.

I suggest if you’re planning to visit any of the beaches in Olympic, be prepared with rain gear. It’s a good idea to check with the visitor center for the most accurate weather and tide conditions, as this way you can be as prepared as possible.

Photo Experience

Olympic National Park’s coastal region is truly an amazing place. I’ve traveled all over the country shooting landscapes, and this is definitely on my top 10. Ruby Beach has to be one of the more challenging places to capture, mainly due to weather and tides. During the time I was there, I shot several different beaches in the area, but this composition at Ruby Beach was really what I was after. Day after day, I was met with some new obstacle, be it rain, no clouds, the tide was wrong, etc. On my last day there, the sun broke through some ominous clouds, and I saw one of the best sunsets of my career. Thankfully, I didn’t pack it in before sunset.

For this image, I probably had around 15 to 20 minutes before the light was gone. There’s a brief window of time in order to capture the sunset here, so come prepared. I was set up an hour before sunset to check camera settings, tripod stability against the wind and light control with filters. 

Best Times To Visit Ruby Beach

Although inclement weather in late September into October can be challenging, don’t be discouraged by adverse weather because it can lead to some of the more dramatic compositions. One of the best parts about Ruby Beach is that shooting in the morning takes on a whole other feeling. From the early morning until around 10 a.m., there’s often a thick fog that flows off the ocean through the towering rock formations and up into the mountains. During sunset, there are great opportunities to capture amazing colors, especially if there’s some good cloud cover. Stick around for the blue hour, as it can be quite stunning as well.

Contact: National Park Service, www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm.

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See more of Jay Scott’s work at fallenlightimages.com.

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Toroweap Overlook

Toroweap Overlook has one of the best views in the solar system. This is an area that I had longed to visit—it’s unlike your usual experience at Grand Canyon. On the more familiar south side of the park, you generally see a vast expanse of canyon terrace landscape, and usually you can’t see the river at all. Toroweap is on the north side of the canyon, where it narrows enough to corral the Colorado River beneath 3,000-foot cliffs and where the larger of the canyon rapids, Lava Falls, lays below.

Toroweap is more difficult to get to than the south side of Grand Canyon. Dropping down out of the southern edge of Utah heading into Arizona, you must take a 61-mile dirt road and arrive at a destination that’s beautifully noncommercial. Be prepared for no water, gas or any comforts. Campsites are low in number and must be reserved. Bring spare tires—yes, more than one recommended. I rescued two ladies who had flats—then I got one myself!

Weather At Toroweap Overlook

The weather on the Colorado Plateau is mostly dry and lacks mountainous terrain to influence local weather patterns. However, this can promote fast-changing weather events—dry and sunny to fast-moving thunderstorms in one short hike. This is especially true during the monsoon season of the late spring and summer months. But, as outdoor photographers are keenly aware, weather can make for the best photo opportunities right alongside the worst photo experiences. Otherwise, hot and dry days are normal. Winter can be particularly brutal with snow, ice and freezing wind.

Photo Experience

I wanted a little different shot of this overlook. What did that mean? I scaled down part of the cliffs where some other photographers refused to try to go. That just made me think that there was a good photograph hiding. It was getting dark, but sunset was the time of day that I needed for this shot. I just hoped that the darkening climb back up wouldn’t make me regret the “portents of doom” from other onlookers. Yeah, it scared the hell out of me, even with great caution.

“Canyon Dreams” is one of the last images of Toroweap looking west that I took that day. I love how the depth of the canyon is showcased as the last rays of the setting sun warm the cliffs to the left. This image shows this grand vista from a little below the cliffs instead of the usual top-of-the-rim shots where most photographs are made. I especially like the looming cliffs on the right side of the image and then the blazing sunlit cliffs on the other. This photo poetically captures and conveys the enormous feel of the entire experience. OP

Best Times

I’d pick spring and summer as the best times for camping, photography and exploring. Be prepared for hot weather but beautiful, cool nights. (It’s also a fantastic place for astrophotography due to exquisite darkness.) I choose this time due to the dynamic weather for photography, but if it’s more hiking and comfort you’re looking for, spring and fall might be the best seasons. Also, the weather difference between the South Rim of Grand Canyon and the North where Toroweap is located can be striking, so watch the weather forecasts and plan ahead to suit your planned activities.

Contact: National Park Service, nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/tuweep.htm.

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See more of Craig Bill’s work at craigbill.com.

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Meduxnekeag River

Monticello is located on the northern branch of the Meduxnekeag River in Aroostook County, Maine, and is made up of about 38 square miles of rolling hills and beautiful farmland. Starting from a small pond to the west of Monticello, the Meduxnekeag River winds 35 miles through the scenic woodlands and pastures of Monticello before crossing the border into Canada, where it joins its confluence, the Meduxnekeag in Wakefield, New Brunswick. Once you get off of Interstate 95 in Houlton, take a left and drive 10 miles north, enjoying the potato fields in bloom during mid-summer or the crisp feel of the snow-covered landscape in the winter. An old rail bed provides access all over the county for more secluded views with miles and miles of ATV and snowmobile trails.

Weather At Meduxnekeag River

Summer in the county can get very hot and humid, with temps getting up into the 90s and dew points well into the 60s, making for some hot and sticky days. During the fall, you can enjoy cool temperatures and a landscape that looks like a patchwork quilt of yellow and orange. Winters can be brutal, with snowstorms of over a foot at a time and temperatures hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit for weeks—and sometimes dipping well below zero.

Photo Experience

On this day in mid-winter, the temperature had warmed up a bit to around 30 degrees as a snowstorm dumped a good solid foot of heavy, wet snow overnight. Traveling to work from Houlton to Presque Isle that morning, I threw my camera in my car in the hopes of a photo opportunity as the storm cleared out. Once I got to Monticello, the sky started to set off with some beautiful colors, so I pulled over on U.S. Route 1 and used the Meduxnekeag River as a leading line to the sunrise. The trees along the river were beautifully coated with fresh snow, and the sky was full of color as the sun rose over the horizon. I focused my lens and started photographing the winter wonderland that mother nature had painted. As the clouds were moving, they covered the sun, and the beautiful light was gone almost as fast as it came. What a morning!

Best Times

Aroostook County can provide photographic eye candy year-round, whether you like to canoe or kayak the river, hike the orange and yellow forests of fall or ski, snowshoe or snowmobile in the winter. You can always find something magical to photograph around the county.

Contact: Aroostook County Tourism, visitaroostook.com.

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See more of Christopher Mills’ work at camillsphoto.com.

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Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

The 900 miles along the California Pacific Coast, strewn with dramatic rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, majestic mountains, desert lands and redwood forests, offer enormous opportunity for photography.

Coastal redwoods occupy a narrow strip of land approximately 470 miles in length and 5 to 47 miles in width along the Pacific Coast; the most southerly grove is in Monterey County, California, and the most northerly groves are in southwestern Oregon. Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks and Redwood National Park are all close to each other. To the south of these is Humboldt Redwoods State Park. For those seeking a comprehensive list of all redwood hikes, check out redwoodhikes.com.

Weather At Del Norte Coast Redwoods

Temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees throughout the year. Snow isn’t unusual in some parts in winter. In summer, the warm weather brings in the much-sought-after fog through the forest. When the coastal fog rolls through the forest, it has a profound impact on simplifying the composition and creating an overall ethereal feel to the scene. Distractions are reduced, light is softened, and tonal contrast is subdued, making it possible for strong, simple patterns to emerge. Fog is a frequent occurrence in the mornings.

Photo Experience

The challenge we often face while photographing a forest is the complexity of the scene before us. The opportunity to simplify the composition presents itself with increased frequency—although with unpredictability—in the early morning, when the coastal fog rolls in. Fog has the transformative power to change the mundane to magical. The depth of field is reduced, distractions eliminated, ethereal light diffused through the scene, and voila. What was a random concoction of visual elements is suddenly transformed into an aesthetic arrangement.

Late mornings on days that the fog lingers, the rising sun pierces its warmth through the fog, and the “god beams” are formed. This creates a both challenging and rewarding experience in photographing the coastal redwoods. Unlike conventional landscape photography, where it’s possible to arrive in time to set up your composition and then wait for the light to change, the “beam chaser” has to react instantaneously to the light. It’s hard to know exactly where in the forest the beams will emerge. When they do, there’s a short window of time to create the image.

It’s best to use a wide-angle lens to capture these mammoth trees and to get low to the ground in order to convey the feeling of their immense height.

Best Times To Visit 

In late May and early June, the rhododendron bushes are adorned with the lush light green of fresh leaves punctuated by the bright pink of the delicate blooms. Be it a foreground component to lure the viewer into the composition or to add a beautiful accent color, the “rose of the forest” provides intense visual appeal.

Contact: California Department of Parks and Recreation, parks.ca.gov.

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See more of Sapna Reddy’s work on Instagram @sapnareddy.

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