Peak Fall Foliage (Maine and New Hampshire) Photo Tours and Workshops

This trip was expanded and updated for 2024 and 2025.

Join us on an autumn photo adventure to photograph beautiful fall landscapes in Maine and New Hampshire. Explore the northern forest during peak fall foliage. We will photograph some of New England's most scenic places. We will be visiting several locations including Rangeley, the Maine Coastline, Northern NH, and the White Mountains.

We will photograph autumn reflections, waterfalls, rivers, the coast, spectacular mountain vistas, covered bridges, and many more subjects.

Timing and planning are crucial when it comes to experiencing the peak foliage in New England, as it varies across different locations and elevations. Being aware of the timing sequence, from the earliest peaking areas to the last, is essential. Surprisingly, many tours tend to venture out when the foliage has already passed its peak. Moreover, navigating the crowds during the peak traffic season requires skill and knowledge. Rest assured, we will guide you to the optimal locations at the right time, ensuring you capture high-quality images while avoiding the crowds.

This is a landscape photography tour but we will also be on the lookout for wildlife. This area is one of the best places to see moose in New England. However, given the alarming decrease in the moose population, the chances of a recovery seem slim, but surprises are always possible. Here is an article.

With decades of experience as a New England resident, John has dedicated himself to photographing and exploring this magnificent region. As a seasoned professional photographer, he possesses an intimate understanding of the area.

When:

October 1-6, 2025 (3 spaces left)

Where:
Rangeley Lakes (Maine), Coastal Maine, White Mountain National Forest (NH) and other locations.

Directions

Itinerary:
We believe in capturing the best light during our workshops which includes sunrise and sunset shoots (weather permitting). Early morning and later afternoon has the best lighting for photography. Early morning has some other advantages as well such as less traffic, crowds, and wind. The schedule will be flexible to maximize these conditions. Most days we will have a mid-day break.

Day 1: Participants will fly into the Portland Maine Airport. The hotel will have a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. We will meet at the hotel at 3 pm where we will have a quick group meeting and introduction. This hotel is near the Maine Coast.

Day 2: Sunrise at a beautiful lighthouse along the coast of Maine. We will return to the hotel in time for check out and start the drive to Rangeley. This is a beautiful drive with many photogenic stops planned along the way. We will check in to the Rangeley hotel and then leave to photograph the afternoon light until sunset. After our sunset shoot we will eat dinner at a cozy restaurant.

Day 3: We will photograph the beautiful Rangeley area. There are six major lakes plus several small lakes, waterfalls, ponds, rivers and streams.

Day 4: Sunrise in the Rangeley area. Then we will eat breakfast and photograph our way south to the White Mountains Hotel. Along the way, we will explore the northern forest and its wildlife, rivers, and ponds. We will photograph until sunset.

Day 5: We will visit multiple areas through the White Mountains. This includes sunrise and sunset.

Day 6: Sunrise shoot. We will have everyone back before hotel checkout time. We will then drive to the Portland Maine Airport (under two hours) with a couple of quick photo stops along the way. We will be at the airport by 3 pm.

Group Size:
Our groups are small. This allows for flexibility in our plans if interesting and unexpected photo opportunities present themselves. It will allow us to work with each participate to provide complete, informative, helpful lessons.

Skill and Fitness Level Requirements:
Anyone with an interest in photography from beginner to professional.

The participants should have a love of nature and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

There are several short hikes on this trip. All hikes are less than a few miles and relatively easy.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

Price Includes:

• Five nights lodging (double occupancy). If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy). it is an additional $300. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want your own room.

• Transportation. No need to rent a car.

• Professional Instruction on nature photography

• Permits, and admission to state parks

• This trip is planned to maximize time outdoors photographing. We may have classroom time to discuss photography, post processing and/or give photo critiques. I will customize the program(s) to cover the wishes of our small group.

Not Included:

• Food and drinks. We will visit some local restaurants. Each participant will be responsible for their own food and drink tab.

• Air Travel is not included.

Price: $3795 per person
Deposit: $1000 per person
Balance Due: Six months before the start date of the tour

Payment:
We accept checks made out to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards on our website.

Cancellation Policy:

Testimonials:
We will help you create beautiful images and teach you the skills and techniques you can use to take your photography to the next level. When the tour is over, you will have a solid understanding of nature photography and your camera.

About Us:
John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has been photographing for over 35 years. John has a love of natural history. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding nature not only increases your appreciation of it but also helps you become a better nature photographer.