The Beauty of Fall in New England: Breathtaking Photography to Tell Your Travel Story Travel Tips and Photography for a New England Road Trip
- Susanne Kremer
- Sep 26, 2024
- 6 min read
Join me on a journey through New England’s most breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. This story blends stunning photography with off-the-beaten-path travel tips, perfect for tourism leaders, editors, and anyone seeking to license captivating visuals or create wanderlust-filled stories for their audiences or their Homes!
There’s something magical about fall in New England. The trees erupt in a symphony of colors, the air carries a crispness that heightens every sense, and the landscape, filled with charming towns and iconic landmarks, offers endless photography opportunities. My last two-week photography trip to New England , which spanned from September 30th to October 13th, was one of those experiences that not only filled my portfolio but also left me with unforgettable memories. Starting in Franconia Notch State Park and finishing in the bustling streets of Boston, it was a whirlwind of stunning scenery, challenging weather, and the beauty of the Northeast in its prime season.Travel Tips and Photography for a New England Road Trip
Day 1-3: Franconia Notch and Smugglers Notch
The journey began in Franconia Notch State Park, where I was greeted by an incredible view that epitomized New England’s fall foliage. At the Franconia Notch overlook, I captured a heartwarming scene—a man with his dog enjoying the breathtaking view. This peaceful moment set the tone for the rest of the trip, a reminder to take time to appreciate the beauty around me.
The next few days took me to Smugglers Notch, a narrow pass that cuts through Vermont’s Green Mountains. The deep reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall foliage complemented the rugged terrain, creating picture-perfect compositions around every bend. My Sony A7R IV handled these vibrant scenes beautifully, and I could already tell this trip was going to yield some of my best work yet.
Day 4: The Taftsville Bridge
Vermont is known for its iconic covered bridges, and the Taftsville Bridge was no exception. Built in 1836, this red beauty spans the Ottauquechee River and is framed perfectly by the surrounding autumn colors. It was a peaceful day, and the soft light filtering through the clouds made for ideal shooting conditions. I spent a few hours here, experimenting with long exposures and trying to capture the reflection of the bridge in the calm river water.
Day 5: White Church in Strafford
As I continued south, I arrived in the charming town of Strafford. One of the highlights here was the white church that seemed to float amidst the vibrant fall foliage. The striking contrast between the white steeple and the fiery colors of the trees made this shot one of my favorites. It’s a quintessential New England scene—something that captures both the history and beauty of the region in one frame.
Day 6-7: Sleepy Hollow Farm, Woodstock
One of the most anticipated stops on my trip was Sleepy Hollow Farm in Woodstock, Vermont. This is arguably one of the most photographed locations in all of New England, and for good reason. The rolling hills, colorful trees, and charming barns make for a storybook-like scene. I arrived just as the morning frost was beginning to disappear, giving the landscape a magical glow. The early morning sun illuminated the farm, and I spent hours capturing this iconic scene from every possible angle. On a frosty morning, I set up my Sony A7R IV, carefully composing the shot to capture the light as it kissed the top of the barns.
Day 8: Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee
Moving on from Vermont, I headed into New Hampshire, where the serene Squam Lake awaited me. Squam Lake at sunset was a vision, the golden light reflecting off the water and the trees along the shore glowing with warm autumn hues. I found a beautiful overlook that provided a wide view of the lake and its surrounding islands. As the sun set, the sky turned shades of pink and purple, contrasting perfectly with the fall colors.
Lake Winnipesaukee was next on the list, and I took some aerial shots to capture the scale of this massive lake. The contrast of the deep blue water and the surrounding forest, ablaze with color, was simply breathtaking. One of my favorite shots was of the colorful wooden houses near the lake, which added a human element to the otherwise natural scene.
Day 9: The Kancamagus Highway
No fall trip through New England is complete without driving along the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic byway runs through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and is known for its incredible fall foliage views. I took an aerial shot of the winding road, snaking its way through the mountains, with vibrant trees lining either side. The drive was like being immersed in a painting. I made several stops to capture waterfalls, hidden cottages, and the iconic overlooks that dot the highway.
Inside the car, I took a behind-the-scenes shot while driving through this scenic paradise. Even from inside the vehicle, the beauty of the landscape was overwhelming.
Day 10-11: Cape Elizabeth and Marshall Point Lighthouse
After several days in the mountains, it was time to head to the coast. Cape Elizabeth greeted me with a spectacular sunrise. The famous Cape Elizabeth lighthouse stood tall against the backdrop of the glowing horizon. I took some behind-the-scenes shots with my drone, flying towards the lighthouse as the sun began to rise over the Atlantic Ocean. It was a moment of perfect serenity—just the sound of the waves and the light breeze.
Marshall Point Lighthouse was next on the itinerary, and despite battling a bad cold at this point in the trip, I was determined to capture this iconic location. I even took a selfie in front of the lighthouse, bundled up in my jacket and scarf. My Sony A7R IV and Hasselblad HD6 were workhorses throughout this trip, allowing me to capture high-resolution images that will stand the test of time.
Day 12: Maine’s Culinary Delights
New England isn’t just about landscapes—it’s also about food. One of the highlights of my Maine visit was indulging in the local seafood. At Orchard Beach Pier, I enjoyed a Maine lobster feast with the lighthouse in the background, making it not only a culinary experience but also a photographic one. I couldn’t resist taking a few close-up shots of the lobster, followed by some images of the famous Maine clam chowder and blueberry crumble pie. These quintessential Maine dishes were as delicious as they were photogenic.
Day 13: Acorn Street and Boston’s Financial District
After exploring the natural beauty of New England, I spent the last few days in Boston. Acorn Street, with its cobblestone pathway and colonial-era charm, was a must-see for any photographer visiting the city. The brick buildings, flanked by red and orange leaves, were a perfect finale to my fall foliage tour.
In contrast to the historical charm of Acorn Street, I also captured some long-exposure shots of the Financial District at night. The bright lights of the skyscrapers reflected in the nearby waters, creating a dynamic contrast between the old and the new—a reminder of how Boston effortlessly blends history with modernity.
Challenges of the Trip: The Cold That Wouldn’t Quit
Despite the incredible landscapes and countless photographic opportunities, this trip wasn’t without its challenges. About halfway through, I came down with a pretty bad cold. There were days when I felt too exhausted to explore as much as I wanted, but I pushed through, determined to make the most of every moment. Looking back, I’m glad I persevered because some of the shots I captured—especially at Cape Elizabeth and Marshall Point Lighthouse—ended up being the best of the trip.
Gear Used: Hasselblad HD6 and Sony A7R IV
Throughout the trip, I relied heavily on my two trusty cameras: the Hasselblad HD6 and the Sony A7R IV. The Hasselblad was perfect for capturing those high-resolution landscapes, while the Sony was great for more spontaneous shots and behind-the-scenes moments. Having both cameras allowed me to switch between styles and techniques, ensuring I could capture every scene in the best way possible.
Reflecting on the Journey
This two-week trip through New England was one of the most rewarding photography experiences I’ve ever had. The combination of fall colors, iconic locations, and the diversity of landscapes—from mountains to lakes to coastal scenes—provided endless inspiration. Each day brought something new, and while my terrible cold was an unexpected hurdle, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the experience.
For anyone planning a trip to New England in the fall, my advice is simple: prepare for long days, bring a a lot of warm Layers, and don’t forget to slow down and appreciate the small moments. Whether it’s a quiet sunrise over Cape Elizabeth or a frosty morning at Sleepy Hollow Farm, these are the moments that make the journey unforgettable.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
As I sit here, looking at my photos and reflecting on this journey, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness New England’s fall in all its glory. This trip may have been challenging at times, but it reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Capturing these fleeting moments, from the golden light over Squam Lake to the vibrant streets of Boston, is what keeps me passionate about my work.
If you’re looking to license stunning visuals or need a photographer to create wanderlust-filled stories for tourism, magazines, calendars, books, and more, feel free to contact me directly. I’m also available for assignments to bring your next project to life and please subscribe to my Blog and follow me on instagram @skremerphoto!
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