Yes, I know it's just in the middle of May..., but I am starting to plan my Fall color trip already! and I think I need some helps from the local experts like you guys.
I usually spend my time during the Fall season right here in the very colorful Colorado, but I think I would like to enjoy this coming Fall in New England.
I live in Vermont, and can tell you where most of the photos in the links you posted are located.
Most of them are well know photography locations. The Jenne Farm, for example, can have 20 or more photographers there at sunrise on a good Autumn day.
The timing of peak color will vary every year, but you can usually count on some good color around Columbus day weekend, especially in the central part of the state. The northern part of Vermont (Northeast Kingdom) peaks about a week earlier.
I own both of the books in your links. The Dave Middleton book is excellent. It is current and he lists many great places to shoot. The other booklet was published in 1995 and is not worth it. Many of the locations they list have changed significantly. I do believe the same company has published a more recent booklet on the area though.
If you decide on Vermont, let me know. I'd be happy to spend a day, or two, showing you around and doing some shooting with you.
- 20 or more photographers at sunrise, I think I can deal with that. It just reminds me of my photo trip to Maroon Bell (Aspen) 2 years ago.
- The more books I read, the more locations I want to go.... So, Is the first week of October ok to shoot the lighthouse ( now I'm think of Maine ) ?
- My plan now is.... Coastal and lighthouses of Maine for the first week of October (1-7), then Fall color for the second week (8-14). What do you think? Is it ok? too late for Fall color?
- I'm also interested in the beautiful coastal villeges with lots of boats and beautiful structures. Where should I go to find this? And is it to late to visit them in October?
Nantucket? Bar Harbor? Camden? Rockport?
- I think I really should get those Dave Middleton books ( both Vermont and Maine ) from Amazon.
BP- I am not a regular in this forum (I am from Michigan), but in the late 70's - early 80's lived in Vermont for about 5 years. Last fall I went back during the first full week in October for a photo trip. I bought the Middleton Book and agree with Rich that it is worth it. I also purchased a book published by a guy back in 1973 called "How to Find The Photo Scenics In Vermont (by Arnold Kaplan). He is somewhere in Massachusetts and I had an e-mail exchange with him about a year ago, prior to my trip. He solicits comments about the locations (have they changed, etc.). I sent him those and got no response. From the bio and photo in the book, he seems like an older gentleman, but as far as I know is still around. The price was reasonable. It is kind of a pamphlet style, locally published book. What is good about it is the depth of information he gives. He talks about each location, including the correct time of day to be there for lighting, and has little hand-drawn maps with suggested "tripod holes." Also has some local information and reasonably good directions to get there, parking, etc.
I found some of the information to be dated. For example, one village, East Orange, has had so much new growth from the suggested road, there is only one small opening to photograph. We briefly visited another Village, East Topsham, and were unable to find a clear shot there, either. I plan to go back during mid-day this year and scout it a little more carefully (I believe that is the home of inkjetart.com, also, so maybe they would have some information).
Some of it is still good info (I have the Waits River shot you see at that website. What it doesn't show is how much "hand of man" changes are there. There are power lines, a stop sign, a gas or sewer pipe (nice bright orange) that all show up in the photo. There is a new, bright green metal roof on the building to the right. With some work in photo shop, I was able to make a print that looks pretty good though). Its worth it as long as you realize that in 30 years, there have certainly been some changes. Try here to locate the book: http://sevenhillscameraclub.org/nefotogd/vt.htm.
I also picked up a guide (from Amazon, I think) called Vermont Covered Bridges. It is a trifold type deal that has a map on one side and a narrative about the bridges on the other. There are many, many covered bridges in Vermont.
There are also a ton of waterfalls. Here is a resource I found very helpful: http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com.
Last but not least, there is a forum that you can visit daily starting in September, to get updates on the conditions: http://www.pbpub.com/bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=1.
Over the 25 years I had been gone, I forgot one thing about Vermont. Michigan is essentially flat and all the roads go east and west and north and south. You can always "get there from here." Vermont is NOT like that (you probably have the same issues in CO). Plan on every trip taking longer than you thought.
Best of luck. I will be there during the second week of October.
One additional thought. NOTHING beats local knowledge. If Rich is willing to give you tips and escort you. Take him up on it. Rich, could I maybe be in touch with you as fall approaches? I have relatives who own a farm up in Bakersfield. I plan to fly into Burlingon and rent a car for the week. I will stay up there most of the time, but have determined that the most photogenic part of the state is actually further south (for the subjects I want). I will probably stay at least a night or two further south, to be on location at the right times (I want to get the Waits River shot with some color--I am sure you remember the lack of color last year).
Thank you so much for your help. I've done some research based on your advice, and here is my summary so far.
1. I will probably arrive in Boston. (Cheaper airfare from Denver than other airports in that area)
2. The first 3-4 days in Maine, and 4-5 days in Vermont.
3. Both of the Middleton books are the main references, and also use other books ( like the Vermont Cover Bridges ) for add-on.
4. The coastal villeges towns and lighthouses that I want to see are already listed in the Middleton's Maine.
5. I haven't seen the Vermont book yet, but I assume it has the same quality and structure as the Maine book. So, I think i should be OK on planning.
I will buy the books from Amazon soon.... Any other books that i should buy?
And I will probably ask more questions (in detail), or show you my itinerary after I read them.
BP: I am spoiled. I have family in the Northern part of the State and there is always a place for me to stay there. I can't say I have ever stayed in a motel in Vermont---or a B&B or anything. I'll bet Richard can help Also, if you move around in that Vermont Foliage website I gave you, there is a board for innkeepers. "Inns" seem to be a big thing in Vermont. I have eaten meals in a few of them and that might be a good way to go---if you can find one that will put you in place to get to your shooting locations before the light, and home reasonably quickly afterward. I will be looking for something in South central VT for a couple days this fall, myself.
If you are interested in covered bridges? I recommend this site : http://www.vermontbridges.com/
I know Joe Nelson fairly well. He is an retired Engineer, and avid photographer. He loves covered bridges and had published a nice hard-covered book which he sells on his web-site. It's not really a photography book, but it covers every covered bridge in Vermont.
Rich
BP: No, the one I have is the one by Robert Hartnett called Vermont Covered Bridges Map and Guide. Its more of a map than a book. The customer reviews on the book look pretty good, too, though.
Discussion
9 repliesYes, I know it's just in the middle of May..., but I am starting to plan my Fall color trip already! and I think I need some helps from the local experts like you guys.
I usually spend my time during the Fall season right here in the very colorful Colorado, but I think I would like to enjoy this coming Fall in New England.
Something like this is what I want to see.
http://www.terragalleria.com/america/north-east/vermont/vermont.all.html
http://www.gostowe.com/activities/drives.php?s=fall
I am interested in the fall color with some beautiful barns, houses, or churches.. or the whole road covered in yellow (like in the second picture)
Anyway, the whole mountains covered in fall color is not what i'm looking for because i have seen a lot of that in Colorado.
Am I too picky?
I would like to ask you...
1. Where should I go? and When is the best time for that location?
2.Which books should I buy? Are these good?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881505331/qid=1148010520/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/103-2323122-4432629?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
http://phototravelercatalog.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.100.exe/scstore/newengland.html?L+scstore+nzjj6110+1148028182
3. Please, any suggestions are welcome.
Thank you all in advance.
BP
I live in Vermont, and can tell you where most of the photos in the links you posted are located.
Most of them are well know photography locations. The Jenne Farm, for example, can have 20 or more photographers there at sunrise on a good Autumn day.
The timing of peak color will vary every year, but you can usually count on some good color around Columbus day weekend, especially in the central part of the state. The northern part of Vermont (Northeast Kingdom) peaks about a week earlier.
I own both of the books in your links. The Dave Middleton book is excellent. It is current and he lists many great places to shoot. The other booklet was published in 1995 and is not worth it. Many of the locations they list have changed significantly. I do believe the same company has published a more recent booklet on the area though.
If you decide on Vermont, let me know. I'd be happy to spend a day, or two, showing you around and doing some shooting with you.
Rich
- 20 or more photographers at sunrise, I think I can deal with that. It just reminds me of my photo trip to Maroon Bell (Aspen) 2 years ago.
- The more books I read, the more locations I want to go.... So, Is the first week of October ok to shoot the lighthouse ( now I'm think of Maine ) ?
- My plan now is.... Coastal and lighthouses of Maine for the first week of October (1-7), then Fall color for the second week (8-14). What do you think? Is it ok? too late for Fall color?
- I'm also interested in the beautiful coastal villeges with lots of boats and beautiful structures. Where should I go to find this? And is it to late to visit them in October?
Nantucket? Bar Harbor? Camden? Rockport?
- I think I really should get those Dave Middleton books ( both Vermont and Maine ) from Amazon.
Thanks for any help
BP
I found some of the information to be dated. For example, one village, East Orange, has had so much new growth from the suggested road, there is only one small opening to photograph. We briefly visited another Village, East Topsham, and were unable to find a clear shot there, either. I plan to go back during mid-day this year and scout it a little more carefully (I believe that is the home of inkjetart.com, also, so maybe they would have some information).
Some of it is still good info (I have the Waits River shot you see at that website. What it doesn't show is how much "hand of man" changes are there. There are power lines, a stop sign, a gas or sewer pipe (nice bright orange) that all show up in the photo. There is a new, bright green metal roof on the building to the right. With some work in photo shop, I was able to make a print that looks pretty good though). Its worth it as long as you realize that in 30 years, there have certainly been some changes. Try here to locate the book: http://sevenhillscameraclub.org/nefotogd/vt.htm.
I also picked up a guide (from Amazon, I think) called Vermont Covered Bridges. It is a trifold type deal that has a map on one side and a narrative about the bridges on the other. There are many, many covered bridges in Vermont.
There are also a ton of waterfalls. Here is a resource I found very helpful: http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com.
Last but not least, there is a forum that you can visit daily starting in September, to get updates on the conditions: http://www.pbpub.com/bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=1.
Over the 25 years I had been gone, I forgot one thing about Vermont. Michigan is essentially flat and all the roads go east and west and north and south. You can always "get there from here." Vermont is NOT like that (you probably have the same issues in CO). Plan on every trip taking longer than you thought.
Best of luck. I will be there during the second week of October.
One additional thought. NOTHING beats local knowledge. If Rich is willing to give you tips and escort you. Take him up on it. Rich, could I maybe be in touch with you as fall approaches? I have relatives who own a farm up in Bakersfield. I plan to fly into Burlingon and rent a car for the week. I will stay up there most of the time, but have determined that the most photogenic part of the state is actually further south (for the subjects I want). I will probably stay at least a night or two further south, to be on location at the right times (I want to get the Waits River shot with some color--I am sure you remember the lack of color last year).
Andy
Thank you so much for your help. I've done some research based on your advice, and here is my summary so far.
1. I will probably arrive in Boston. (Cheaper airfare from Denver than other airports in that area)
2. The first 3-4 days in Maine, and 4-5 days in Vermont.
3. Both of the Middleton books are the main references, and also use other books ( like the Vermont Cover Bridges ) for add-on.
4. The coastal villeges towns and lighthouses that I want to see are already listed in the Middleton's Maine.
5. I haven't seen the Vermont book yet, but I assume it has the same quality and structure as the Maine book. So, I think i should be OK on planning.
I will buy the books from Amazon soon.... Any other books that i should buy?
And I will probably ask more questions (in detail), or show you my itinerary after I read them.
Do you guys have any favourite places to stay?
Andy
If you are interested in covered bridges? I recommend this site : http://www.vermontbridges.com/
I know Joe Nelson fairly well. He is an retired Engineer, and avid photographer. He loves covered bridges and had published a nice hard-covered book which he sells on his web-site. It's not really a photography book, but it covers every covered bridge in Vermont.
Rich
I photographed several of the bridges near Montgomery and in Waterville last October.
Andy
I just found this one from Amazon... Is it good? I don't see any review there.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0936896787/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-2323122-4432629?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155
Rick:Thanks for the info about the covered bridge.
Andy: Is this the book about covered bridges that you mentioned?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881503738/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-2323122-4432629?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155
Andy