Grand Teton Photography Locations

Grand Teton Photography Locations

Oxbow Bend Grand Teton National Park #67724 Purchase

A photography trip to Grand Teton National Park can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It can also be one in a series of return trips to photograph the park in-depth, and in all seasons. Whichever it is for you, photographing this gem in the national park system can be a daunting challenge. This is especially true if it is your first visit to Grand Teton.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Grand Teton National Park Trip Planning, a visit to photograph this or any other national park can be a very rewarding experience. It can also be a disappointing exercise in frustration. Good planning and having enough time available to meet your photography goals increase your chances of success.

Since I’ve already outlined trip planning in my previous post, let’s start talking about locations. Grand Teton is a big park with dozens of great areas to photograph in. However, for this post, I’m going to focus only on some of the more popular front-country road accessed locations. But first.

Grand Teton in Clearing Storm #67405 Purchase

Some Essential Tips To Remember

Essential Tip #1: Nearly all photography locations in Grand Teton National Park are best photographed in early morning light and sunrise. Of course, this means you’ll need to accustom yourself to rising very early and setting up on location before dawn. However, most of those same locations are also great for evening and sunset photography. But in Grand Teton sunrise has the edge.

Essential Tip #2: Scout out your desired locations ahead of time. Leisurely walk around and previsualize compositions in advance. That way when you return in the morning or evening you won’t waste precious time and light scrambling around wondering where the best compositions are.

Essential Tip #3: Throughout this post, I reiterate the value of photographing during the morning and evening golden hours. However certain lighting conditions can make excellent photography possible during every part of the day. Just because the golden hour is over is no reason to stop photographing. Have an open mind and be creative!

Essential Tip #4: Be ready to encounter hordes of other photographers nearly everywhere you go. Plan to arrive and set up in your chosen spot an hour and a half to two hours early. Yes, that means for sunrise photography you’ll be there in position while the stars are still out. Dress warmly, you’ll be standing there for a while! And expect to be elbow to elbow and lock tripod legs with other photographers.

Essential Tip #5: Be respectful of other photographers and park visitors. For many of them, this literally can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip that they scrimped and saved for. Everybody wants to get that perfect photo from the best spot. But don’t be one of those jerks that pushes and shoves their way into the front. If you arrive late that’s your fault, come back the next day, or better yet get creative and find a new composition nearby. And please be friendly. So many photographers can be reluctant to converse as if they’re going to reveal a special photo secret or technique by talking to their neighbor. Grow up, we’re all here for the same reason, have fun you may make some new friends.

Essential Tip #6: PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE, be respectful of the environment! All of our parks and wildlands are being loved and photographed to death. If there are signs prohibiting entry or are roped off for restoration, don’t ignore them, no matter how tempting it may be to get that photo. It also should go without saying, don’t alter the scene by cutting down branches that get in your way. If necessary retouch unwanted objects out in Photoshop. Read more about Outdoor Ethics here.

Essential Tip #7: Wildlife such as bison, moose, and elk are abundant in Grand Teton National Park. All wildlife from bison and elk to squirrels and birds have difficult lives just trying to survive on a daily basis. Please give them a wide berth and strictly observe park regulations. Never ever, under any circumstances, for any reason, approach wildlife. They can easily be stressed and provoked into attacking. While you’re recuperating in the hospital, park officials will be busy destroying that animal. I’m sure that’s not in your trip plan.

T.A. Moulton Barn Grand Teton National Park #67410 Purchase

Mormon Row Barns / Antelope Flats

This is is one of the closest locations to the town of Jackson and offers a variety of photographic opportunities. Historic Mormon Row has several noteworthy structures, but the two iconic Moulton Barns are the biggest attractions here. Both barns are close enough that you can photograph both of them during the same golden hour session. However, if you have time available try for one and return the next day for the other. That way you can avoid rushing and finding another parking in the limited parking areas. This area also has some attractive old cottonwood trees to aid in compositions, which are especially nice in fall color.

Antelope Flats Wildflowers Grand Teton National Park #52085

Antelope Flats is a great area to photograph carpets of yellow balsamroot wildflowers in spring. They make a wonderful foreground element to the dramatic snow-covered Teton Range. Some of the best displays are in the vicinity of the Gros Ventre (pronounced “Grow Vaunt”) road. Early June is the best time of the year to photograph balsamroot and lupines in the Teton Valley. Again, you’ll want to thoroughly check out the entire area the day before to find where the best displays are.

Best time of day for photography: Morning, though excellent in the evening.
Best season for photography: Moron Row spring, summer, fall. Antelope Flats wildflowers, late May-June.

Snake River Overlook #67652 Purchase

Overlooks Along U.S. Highway 191/89

These include Blacktail Ponds Overlook, Glacier View Turnout, Teton Point Turnout, and Snake River Overlook. All, except perhaps Blacktail Ponds Overlook, have excellent wide-open views of the Teton Range. Photography at these locations doesn’t get much easier, as compositions can be made a few steps from the parking lot. As you move from Blacktail Ponds Overlook in the south to Snake River Overlook in the North the view of the Teton Range changes considerably.

Snake River overlook is the most popular since it was here that Ansel Adams made his famous 1942 photo of the Tetons. Be forewarned that over the years trees in the scene have grown considerably. Today, because of this, the Snake River is partially obscured. The view is still wonderful though.

Best time of day for photography: Morning, though excellent in the evening.
Best season for photography: All Seasons

Schwabacher’s Landing Grand Teton National Park #67503 Purchase

Schwabacher’s Landing

This is one of the prime locations in the Grand Teton for photography, and one of the few accessible to the Snake River. Expects to see lots of other photographers here at sunrise.

There are several excellent options here, including the iconic view of the Grand Teton framed by trees reflected in the still waters of beaver ponds. This photo is a short walk north from the parking lot at the end of the road. It’s imperative to arrive very early, as the ideal composition is within a narrow range of only about four feet wide. Be polite, your neighbor will be photographing the same scene only inches away from you.

Schwabacher’s Landing Grand Teton National Park #67383 Purchase

There is also two creekside (actually branches of the Snake River) areas that provide great photo opportunities. The first is along the trail to the beaver pond viewpoint. The second, just as interesting but less photographed, is 1/4 mile back down the road. Both of them offer compositions where the Teton Range is reflected in the calm waters. There is also an abundance of cottonwoods trees here, making fall photography an absolute must.

Schwabacher’s Landing is a location that offers so many possibilities that you can easily just photograph just here if you only have a couple of days available in the park.

Essential Tip #8: Be aware that this entire area is in a fragile wetland environment. Please observe signs of areas closed for restoration. This is also prime moose habitat. Be alert when walking through brush, I once came across a female and her calf here. If you’ve never seen a moose in person you’ll be amazed at how big they are. Don’t get in their way!

Best time of day for photography: Morning, and evening. Beaver ponds photo, mostly morning.
Best seasons for photography: Fall, Spring, Summer. This area is closed and off-limits in winter to protect wildlife habitat.

Teton Range from Cunningham Ranch #67608 Purchase

Cunningham Ranch

This is one of my favorite areas in the park for photography. It has excellent photographic potential but many photographers pass it over for Schwabacher’s Landing or Oxbow Bend. The views of the Teton Range here are outstanding. The western pole fencing makes a great composition element. It’s also possible to access views along the Snake River, via a long walk through pastures. Occasionally you’ll see herds of elk, or horses from the nearby Triangle X Ranch grazing here, another great aid for compositions.

The Teton Range from Cunningham Ranch #49377 Purchase

Nearby on the East side of Highway 191/89 is the North access to the Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping Area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. A wide parking lot just outside the park boundary is the only place in the entire valley available for winter camping.

Best time of day for photography: Morning, and evening.
Best season for photography: All year

Oxbow Bend Sunrise Grand Teton National Park #67699 Purchase

Oxbow Bend

This is arguably the granddaddy of all photo locations in Grand Teton National Park. The views of Mount Moran and the Teton Range reflected in the still waters of the Snake River are recognizable throughout the world. In addition, this is a prime wildlife viewing area. You can often see Trumpeter Swans floating lazily on the water, along with moose grazing in the willows across the river. I once saw an enormous herd of elk fording the river here, a scene reminiscent of Serengeti migrations.

Oxbow Bend Sunset #67566 Purchase

You can also observe mobs of photographers, every morning and evening, every day. Don’t even think of finding a prime spot unless you get here well over an hour in advance of golden hour. Most photographers try for a spot at the parking lot edge, however, there are plenty of excellent options among the willows along the river.

Aside from the view from the river, there are also a couple of other spots well worth checking out. This is one of the best areas in the park for fall photography, mainly due to the abundance of aspens groves and willows. About a quarter-mile east of the Oxbow Bend parking lot is another pullout at the edge of large groves of aspens. During the height of fall color, these trees make spectacular frames for the Teton Range.

Teton Range above Oxbow Bend #52069 Purchase

Also, on the benchland above Oxbow Bend, there are great views looking down to the aspens surrounding the area, and out to the Teton Range. This view is accessed from the trails on the Christian Pond Loop. If you have the time it’s well worth returning to photograph these two areas after photographing the main attraction. And of course, they’re another option if the riverside crowds are a bit too much for you.

Best time of day for photography: Morning, and evening.
Best season for photography: Hands down, fall is best, but excellent throughout the year. Also one of the best locations in the park for winter photography.

Wildflowers Grand Teton National Park #52034 Purchase

Pilgrim Creek Road

Between Jackson Lake Junction and Colter Bay Village is Pilgrim Creek Road. This approximately three-mile-long gravel road gives access to the Teton Wilderness in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. For photographers, the first mile or so of this road gives access to some of the best spring wildflowers in the North end of the park.

Unlike wildflowers around Antelope Flats, this area can be a bit more tricky to photograph. The peak bloom usually happens around early June, but a good show depends on a wet season. During a drier than normal spring, there may not be a large enough bloom to make the trip worthwhile. Also, some of the best groupings may not be obvious from the road, so make sure to park your vehicle and thoroughly scout the area on foot.

Best time of day for photography: Morning, and evening.
Best season for photography: Spring

Winter along Teton Park Road #3725 Purchase

Teton Park Road

This long stretch of road encompasses everything from Moose Entrance in the South to the Jackson Lake Junction in the North. Beginning in the North the Potholes and Mount Moran Turnouts offer closer photos of the Teton Range, and in particular the Cathedral Group. In June this is also a very good area for yellow balsamroot wildflowers.

The main highlights of this area are the trails along Leigh, String, and Jenny Lakes. You can park at the Leigh and String Lakes Trailhead and do the entire loop hike. Or you can park at the Jenny Lake Overlook and walk only a portion of the trail. Either way, this is the best place to get up close and personal photos of the Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon.

Further south the Taggart Lake trail will take you to stunningly close views of the Grand Teton.

Essential Tip #9: Leigh, String, and Jenny Lakes are best photographed at sunrise and early morning. The lake waters are more apt to be still and mirror-like at this time. Also, the proximity here to the walls of the Teton Range will put most of the areas along Teton Park Road in shade during the second part of the day.

Best time of day for photography: Morning
Best seasons for photography: Spring, Summer, Fall. Teton Park Road is closed in winter at Taggart Lake Trailhead in the South and Signal Mountain Lodge in the North. However, in winter this road is open to cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Teton Range from Jackson Lake #67525 Purchase

Other Grand Teton Photography Locations

As mentioned earlier, this post covers only the more popular easily accessible locations for photography in Grand Teton National Park. There are many more opportunities to explore including these:

Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve
Viewpoints along the North section of Jackson Lake
Extensive trail system along Jackson Lake starting from Colter Bay Village
In the backcountry, a network of trails gives access to the backside of the Teton Range and includes numerous lakes, canyons, and subalpine meadows. All overnight backcountry trips require permits.

Camera Equipment Suggestions

What camera gear should you bring on a Grand Teton photography trip? In a nutshell, everything you have. Ok, maybe not everything, especially if you’re a gear junkie with dozens of lenses and camera bodies. But the subject matter in the park is so diverse you’ll probably end up using everything from ultra-wide to telephoto lenses.

Basic Essentials:

Tripod
Wide to ultra-wide lenses
Normal range lens
Telephoto lens; for landscapes up to 200mm should be fine, but much longer focal lengths if you also plan to photograph wildlife.
Polarizing filter
Graduated Neutral Density Filters; I still prefer to use these in the field over creating the effect in post-processing. Although in some situations they are not always the best option.
Remote shutter release

In Conclusion

Combining all the information and tips in this post and Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning, you now should have everything you need to know to have a productive, safe, and enjoyable trip to Grand Teton National Park. Now get out there and have fun!

Essential Tip #10: BE CREATIVE! Use your own eyes and mind. Just because 20 other photographers are photographing the exact same scene, in the exact same position, with the exact same gear and settings, doesn’t mean that you have to follow suit. Photographing something uniquely and creatively could be as simple as just turning around to see what’s behind you!

Thanks for reading, feel free to share this post with your friends and colleagues!

Oxbow Bend Sunrise Grand Teton National Park #67681 Purchase

All photos appearing in Grand Teton Photography Locations are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!

Want to learn more? Take your Creative Photography to the next level with Private Instruction and Guided Photo Tours.

Related Blog Posts to Grand Teton Photography Locations:
Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning

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February 29, 2020March 30, 2022

Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning

Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning

Moulton Barn Grand Teton National Park #67219 Purchase

This post is the first in an ongoing series of articles intended to help landscape and nature photographers plan photography trips to big locations on a small budget.

Photography in Grand Teton, or any National Park, can be a very rewarding experience. It can also be a disappointing exercise in frustration. Even the most meticulous planning is not a guarantee of success. It all depends on what your goals are, and how much time you have available.

In this post, I’ll be offering some planning tips and suggestions which can help increase your chances of success during a Grand Teton photography trip. Whether the results are better vacation photos or portfolio-quality images, they’ll also help you obtain a more enjoyable and memorable experience.

Planning A Grand Teton Photography Trip

Theoretically, you can spend as little as a day in the park and come away with a few good photos. In reality that probably won’t happen. So I would recommend at least three days to concentrate on one, or maybe two locations. A better time frame would be a week. For a comprehensive trip to include all of the park’s highlights, at least two to three weeks would be ideal.

Make sure you have as much time available to meet your goals. And make those goals realistic, don’t expect to create portfolio-grade images every morning and evening during your stay. It’s incredibly unlikely that you will have excellent light to work with during every golden hour photo session. On my last trip, I spent two weeks in the park and had only one evening and two mornings of decent light.

Of course, it’s also a silly notion to think that planning on just one trip to Grand Teton you’ll come away with award-winning images from every corner of the park. Just like you can’t go to the grocery store and expect to buy all the food you’ll ever need if your lifetime. You’ll need to return again and again.

Learn to go with the flow, relax, get to know, and interact with your subject matter. If you only come away with one or two good photos that’s great, you can always return another time. Good photography is about much more than grabbing trophy images, it’s a lifetime learning journey that should be savored, not rushed.

Guided Tour Or Solo

Once you determine how much time you’ll have available the next thing you’ll need to decide is whether to go with an established workshop/photo tour or do the trip on your own. There are many advantages and disadvantages to either option.

Photo Tour/Workshop Advantages:
-Led by a seasoned professional photographer with intimate knowledge of the park and the opportunity of learning new techniques from a pro.
-Meals, lodging, and transportation usually included
-Being part of a group dynamic

Photo Tour/Workshop Disadvantages:
-Limited freedom to photograph where and when you want
-Daily schedules can be very rigid
-Travel times and distances from lodging to locations can be great
-Cost can be prohibitive

Solo Photo Tour Advantages:
-Unlimited freedom, photograph where you want when you want
-Ability to lodge or camp where you choose, cutting down on travel time to locations
-Huge cost savings

Solo Photo Tour Disadvantages:
-Extra research needed to find the best locations
-Finding lodging on the fly daily can be difficult
-Lack of assistance from a leader or group members
-No one to share ideas or experiences with

During my entire career as a professional photographer, I’ve traveled mostly solo. I love the freedom and flexibility associated with this mode of travel. And I know for certain that I’ve been able to get better photos because of it. So this is the mode I’ll be giving tips on in this post.

Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning: Seasons

Many photographers consider autumn to be the best. However, Grand Teton National Park offers spectacular photographic opportunities in all four seasons.

The Teton Range in Winter #4660 Purchase

Winter: Planning a winter photography trip to Grand Teton requires more preparation and gear. In winter Teton Park Road is closed to vehicles, as is the popular Schwabacher’s Landing. Antelope Flats and Mormon Row Roads are also inaccessible. However, all the viewpoints along Highway 191/89 from Jackson to the Flagg Ranch in the north are open, including the famous Oxbow Bend overlooks. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are an excellent option to access some of the easier areas of the park.

Most of the lodging and services in the park are also closed for the season. Lodging options are mostly in the Jackson area in winter, and camping is nearly nonexistent with just a few spots open in the Shadow Mountain area. With temperatures that can dip down to -30º you won’t have much company. But with the right weather and lighting, you’ll come back with some rare winter images of the park.

Spring: Since the Teton Valley sits at an altitude of just over 6000′ winter conditions can last well into spring. May would be about the earliest I would consider visiting for spring photography. Late May through June is the best time to visit to see wildflowers. During this time many areas of the valley are blanked with brilliant yellow balsamroot and blue lupines, to name a few.

Antelope Flats and Gros Ventre (pronounced “Grow Vaunt”) roads, along with Pilgrim Creek Road near Colter Bay are among the best areas for spring wildflowers. Most of these areas are also wide open for including the snowy Teton Range as a dramatic backdrop for compositions.

Wildflowers Grand Teton National Park #52086 Purchase

Summer: This is the high season for tourism in the park, and possibly one of the most challenging for photographers. This is not only because of having to deal with crowds but also because of weather conditions.

During the height of summer, high-pressure ridges can create beautiful warm sunny weather, which unfortunately keeps the sky free of clouds. Most photographers consider blank blue skies and gray rainy days as some of the worst conditions to work with. With global warming in full swing, these conditions can last well into September.

Along with those warm sunny days comes the yearly threat of wildfires. In recent years the park’s blue skies are often hazy with thick blankets of smoke. Another consideration of summer photography is that as the season progresses the Teton Range gradually loses its white cloak of snow. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that snowy mountains look more attractive than bare rock.

Fall: This is arguably the most popular season for photographers in Grand Teton National Park. Although the crowds of tourists and vacationers are mostly absent, there are now throngs of photographers to take their place. And for good reason. In a good year, the changing colors of aspens, cottonwoods, and willows can be as outstanding as autumn in New England.

In addition to the lively colors of foliage, the changing seasons bring back storms that not only clear the air but also dust the range with a fresh coat of snow. Quite possibly some of the most sought-after national park images in the country are those of the Teton Range in full autumn color after a snow storm.

Sunset over the Teton Range #3966 Purchase

Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning: Lodging

Location, location, location. It’s all about location. And Grand Teton is no exception, it’s a big park with many great locations spread throughout it. Generally, you’ll have time to photograph only one location during the morning or evening golden hour. By the time you can reach the next spot the light will most likely have faded. And remember this isn’t a race or contest, slow down and appreciate where you are!

The closer you stay to your subject matter the better chance you have of being in right place at the right time. And you will be more relaxed and focused when you get there.

Absolutely nothing is worse than planning on being at a certain spot before sunrise than being late because of hitting the snooze alarm one last time and then having a long drive ahead. Stopped for speeding, or worse, hitting a moose in the dark during your haste? Ughh!

No matter where you stay, be it in a national park or forest service campground, or a motel or resort, be prepared to make reservations well in advance of your trip, if possible. Even in the shoulder seasons vacancies in lodging and campgrounds can be difficult to find. Popular campgrounds will fill by early morning. Research and plan ahead. It’s no fun driving around in the dark after a long day trying to find a place to sleep.

In the Town of Jackson: If you crave luxury and have deep pockets then look no further than the town of Jackson. Some of the most opulent hotels and resorts in the West are in this town, as are many chain and mom and pop motels. However, be aware that all of them will have a considerably higher price due to their location.

Also, keep in mind that distances from the town of Jackson to many of the most scenic park locations can be anywhere from 15-35 miles. Not a terribly long drive, but back and forth to a motel over several days can really add up. And don’t forget that ideally, you’ll need to be at your desired location before sunrise and until after sunset. So you won’t be sleeping in that expensive bed for very long.

Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping Area #67195 Purchase

In Grand Teton National Park: There are seven lodging options within the park boundaries. These range from rustic cabins and ranches all the way up to the full-service luxury hotel of the Jackson Lake Lodge. Depending on where in the park you want to orient your photography efforts, these facilities can put you just a few minutes from some of the most dramatic vistas in the park.

There are five official front country campgrounds in the park with varying amenities. At the time of this writing, none of them are available for advance reservations. Most of them will fill to capacity before 10:00 a.m. Jenny Lake is one of the best and most sought-after campgrounds. If you choose Jenny Lake campground be prepared to line up for a site well before sunrise, it routinely fills by 6:00 a.m.!

Bridger-Teton National Forest: There are several national forest campgrounds outside the eastern boundaries of the park. These include a couple on Gros Ventre Road and U.S. Highway 26-287.

In my opinion, the most ideal national forest campsites are in the Shadow Mountain camping areas of Bridger-Teton National Forest. This area is in an ideal location just outside of the eastern middle edge of the park. These sites are always my first choice when visiting the park. I know of at least one site here which has an incredible elevated view of the entire Teton Range and valley.

Camping in the Shadow Mountain area is free on a first-come-first-served basis. Stays are limited to five consecutive nights. However, it is primitive camping with only vault toilets and no running water. In addition, parts of the roads can be very difficult to negotiate, high clearance is advised and some can be impassable to trailers. As with everywhere else in the park vicinity, these sites fill up early.

Highway 191 Grand Teton National Park #49386 Purchase

Fees, Passes, Provisions, Cell Signals

The entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park is currently $35 for a private vehicle and is good for seven days. An annual pass exclusive to Grand Teton National Park is $70. Note that both of these passes are good only for Grand Teton, they do not carry over to neighboring Yellowstone National Park.

Consider an America The Beautiful annual pass if you photograph in many national parks and federal recreations areas throughout the year. This pass costs $80 and is good for National Parks, BLM lands, National Forests, and more.

Various amenities like gas, groceries, showers and laundry services are available in several areas of the park. However, if you are on a budget plan to make a trip to Jackson to stock up on supplies. Park concessioners charge a premium for their goods. Although sometimes the cost of driving back to Jackson is more than an inflated price for goods in the park.

Grand Teton is one of the few national parks where you can get a decent cell signal in most areas. In the vicinity of visitor’s centers and lodges, you should be able to receive a signal strong enough to surf the web and transfer small files. Further out it will probably be only one or two bars strong.

In the next post, Grand Teton Photography Locations we’ll go into detail about how and when to photograph specific locations in the park.

Thanks for reading, feel free to share this post with your friends and colleagues!

Oxbow Bend Sunrise Grand Teton National Park #67686 Purchase

All photos appearing in Grand Teton Photography Trip Planning are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!

Want to learn more? Take your Creative Photography to the next level with Private Instruction and Guided Photo Tours.

Planning a Grand Teton Photography Trip

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September 20, 2019November 14, 2022

Trip Update: Grand Teton Yellowstone

Trip Update: Grand Teton Yellowstone

Oxbow Bend Grand Teton National Park #67699 Purchase

When I announce my planned list of locations at the start of a lengthy photo tour I always stress the subject-to-change factor. Now that I’m over eight weeks into this trip it’s very apparent that factor has long ago come into play.

For example, the Grand Teton Yellowstone segment of this trip was originally going to last for around 5-7 days. However, the abundance of subject matter, changing seasons, and weather patterns extended my stay to nearly three weeks! When I return to the office I’ll be posting more details on these two iconic locations. Suffice it to say these parks were a definite change of pace from the quiet solitude of backpacking in the Sawtooths and Winds. I’ve now had my fill of park traffic jams, and crowds of selfie-obsessed young women!

Great Fountain Geyser Yellowstone National Park #67744 Purchase

It’s also apparent that I most likely will not be continuing to the Canadian Rockies. After Leaving Yellowstone National Park I’ll be making my way up the Rocky Mountain Front Ranges into Glacier National Park. This will probably be the final destination for the trip. Since by the time I arrive fall color should be close to peak, and I’ll be working hard to take advantage of it.

Moulton Barn Grand Teton National Park #69710 Purchase

*The photos appearing on this post are quick on-the-road edits. However, they will be reprocessed and made available for sale when I return to the office.

*Please note, due to being out of cell or WiFi range for most of this trip I may not be able immediately to respond to any licensing requests or blog comments. Print orders that are placed while I’m away on this trip will not be shipped until I return to the office. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Yellowstone Falls Sunrise #67940 Purchase

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July 16, 2019November 14, 2022

Summer Photography Tour 2019

Summer Photography Tour 2019

Little Redfish Lake Sawtooth Mountains Idaho #56176 Purchase

Summer Photography Tour 2019 is about to begin! This year’s trip is very exciting as I’ll be photographing some of my favorite destinations in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Beginning in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho I’ll be backpacking in to some of the most dramatic mountain wilderness areas in the lower 48 states and Canada.*

Many of these locations have been on my schedule for several years. However, due to several summers where wildfire smoke hampered photography I had to put them on the back burner. The Wind River Range in particular suffered greatly from these fires. My past two trips to the Winds were frustrated by smoke filled skies, and I came back with only a few photos.

This year, however, is turning out to be mostly free of major wildfires. So I’m going to fully take advantage of the opportunity and hit as many locations as I can. Of course fire smoke is only one obstacle to good landscape photography. I’ll also need good light and some interesting clouds at the right time and place. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

*Please note, any print orders that are placed while I’m away on this trip will not be processed until I return to the office.

Sawtooth Mountains and Wind River Range

Stanley Lake, Sawtooth Mountains #55933 Purchase

The Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho will be a very exciting segment for me. In the past I’ve photographed these mountains from various viewpoints looking into the range. This will be my first foray on trails into the interior. While the exact destinations are not set, at this point I’m planning two separate backpacking excursions, of three to four days each. And of course I’ll also be taking full advantage of the numerous natural hot springs while in the area!

Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range #49203 Purchase

The Wind River Range of Wyoming will be the central focus of this trip. This spectacular section of the Rockies contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes, all spread over three designated wilderness areas. While a few areas can get downright crowded with hikers and climbers, there are numerous trails that rarely sees any boot traffic.

If all goes well I will be making three backpacking trips in the Winds, keeping me busy for around 10-14 days. Destinations on my agenda include the Hailey Pass Washakie Pass Loop, Deep Lake, the ever popular popular Cirque of the Towers. Titcomb Basin will be next, and lastly the Green River Lakes area.

On to Montana

Missouri River Breaks Sunrise #4559 Purchase

After a brief visit to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks my next destination on the schedule is the spectacular Beartooth Highway. One of the highest roads in North America it tops out at 10,497′ on the Wyoming Montana border. Although I don’t have any specifics spots in mind yet, I plan to spend several days exploring and photographing.

North of the Beartooth Highway I’ll make my way through the Missouri River Beaks country. Most people associate Montana with soaring mountains, cool forests and crystal clear lakes and streams. However the eastern half of the state is open grasslands, badlands, cattle ranches and wheat farms. This is Big Sky country, a region where the antelope truly play! Although I love mountains, this wide sprawling country captures my imagination, and I’m always excited to return.

Glacier and Waterton National Parks

Logan Pass Glacier National Pass #46490 Purchase

Moving westward the next stops are Glacier and Wateron National Parks. Glacier was the second national park I visited, while in my youth on a family vacation. It is also the location of my first true backpacking adventure, accompanied by two high school classmates just after graduation. Unfortunately that was the last time I did a backpacking trip in the park. All my return visits have been road and day-hike based trips.

Glacier is one of the more heavily visited national parks in the country. Parts of the park, such as Logan Pass, can get so crowded during the summer months that parking lots can be overflowing by 8:00 in the morning. I’m hoping that by the time I get to Glacier it will be after Labor Day weekend , and the crowds will have thinned considerably.

Although I’ve visited and photographed in Glacier several times over the years, I’ve visited adjacent Wateron only once. Wateron is much smaller than Glacier, has similar terrain, and represents the southernmost section of the Canadian Rockies. Geologically speaking, however, the Canadian Rockies actually extend to the southern border of Glacier National Park, along U.S. Highway 2.

This will certainly be a good opportunity for me to make up for not visiting Waterton.

The Canadian Rockies

Limestone Lakes Height of the Rockies Provincial Park #461098 Purchase

Finally, after photographing in Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, I have one last location to visit. I’m optimistically adding Limestone Lakes in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park British Columbia at the last minute. This is one of the more demanding backpacking trips I’ve ever done. However after more than a hundred miles of hiking I should be in good enough shape to tackle it again.

Limestone Lakes is in a very remote and seldom visited corner of the famous Canadian Rockies. It’s about a 17 mile hike into the lakes area, with more than half of that distance on rugged cross-country terrain. Even the trail on the first part is mostly a faint path. The last time I was there I didn’t see anyone else for five days. Hopefully when I get to this last segment of the trip the weather will cooperate.

By this time, If I make it this far, fall color in the higher elevations should be taking hold. Hmm, maybe I can add on a few more weeks and destinations…

Height of the Rockies backcountry camp #46205

List of Locations

Below is a tentative list of locations included on this lengthy trip. If you have any locations you’d like me to include, or if you’re in any of these areas and would like to meet up, just drop me an email!

Sawtooth Mountains and hot springs
Wind River Range Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Beartooth Highway
Missouri River Breaks Montana
Glacier National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Scroll down to see even more photos!

Sawtooth Mountains Wildflowers 55923 Purchase

Deep Lake Wind River Range #49281

Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #49241 Purchase

Terry Badlands Montana #52614 Purchase

Lake Josephine Glacier National Park #4704 Purchase

Limestone Lakes Height of the Rockies #46239 Purchase

Limestone Lakes Height of the Rockies #46248 Purchase

Summer Photography Tour 2019

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November 5, 2018November 14, 2022

New Images Michigan Minnesota South Dakota Wyoming

Mackinac Bridge Michigan #63748 Purchase

I’m excited to announce that the final installment of new images from my epic summer photo tour is ready for viewing. This group of images includes all new locations from the Upper Midwest, South Dakota, Wyoming, along with a bit of Montana. Also note that the New Images Gallery contains a sampling of selected highlights, however you can view the entire collection listed under each state, in left sidebar menu of the U.S. States collection. Below is a complete list of locations represented. You can also view and purchase prints or licensing of these photos by visiting the New Images Gallery.

Michigan: Big Sable Lighthouse, Mackinac Bridge, Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point, Au Sable Point Lighthouse, Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains
Minnesota: Goosebury Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, Grand Marais, Superior National Forest, Touch The Sky Prairie
South Dakota: Badlands National Park
Wyoming: Devils Tower national Monument
Montana: Clark Fork River

Coming soon, more new images! Also, next in line, fall photos from the North Cascades, including Washington Pass, Cutthroat Pass, Maple Pass, and Heather Meadows.

Elliot Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Michigan #63946 Purchase

Lake Superior Michigan #63803 Purchase

Superior National Forest Minnesota #64156 Purchase

Split Rock Lighthouse Minnesota #64034 Purchase

Badlands National Park South Dakota #64277 Purchase

Devils Tower National Monument Wyoming #64398 Purchase

Previous new images post

New Images Michigan Minnesota South Dakota Wyoming

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October 14, 2018January 23, 2019

New Images Illinois Ohio West Virginia Pennsylvania

New Images Illinois Ohio West Virginia Pennsylvania

Sunset at Lindy Point West Virginia #63422 Purchase

Following up on my previous post I’m happy to announce that another installment of new images is ready for viewing. This second group of images from my recent seven week photo tour includes all new locations from the Midwest, along with a section of the Appalachian Mountains. Note that the New Images Gallery contains a sampling of selected highlights, however you can view the entire collection listed under each state, in left sidebar menu of the U.S. States collection. Below is a complete list of locations represented. You can view and purchase prints or licensing of these photos by visiting the New Images Gallery.

Illinois: Starved Rock State Park; Matthiessen State Park; Heron Pond Cache River State Natural Area; Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods
Ohio: Hocking Hills area and State Park
West Virginia: Blackwater Falls State Park, waterfalls and Lindy Point Overlook
Pennsylvania: Laurel Highlands; Ohiopyle State Park; Youghiogheny River; Covered Bridges

Upper Falls, Old man’s Cave Hocking Hills, Ohio #63229 Purchase

Coming Up Next

Currently I’m working on editing and processing the last segment from the trip. I should have them uploaded and ready for viewing and purchasing in a week or two. This final group will include Michigan, both lower and upper Peninsulas, and Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Shore, along with a small segment of the Minnesota prairie. Also, last but certainly not least, I’ll have some photos from a very successful stay in Badlands National Park South Dakota, and Devil’s Tower Wyoming.

Finally, after all of the photo have been uploaded I’ll be revisiting the entire trip in a series of blog posts. In each post I’ll share some of my experiences, and also talk about the unique aspects of each location.

Lower Humbert Bridge, Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania #63507 Purchase

Matthiesson State Park Illinois #63088 Purchase

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September 29, 2018November 14, 2022

New Images Selkirk Mountains Bugaboos Kootenai Falls

New Images Selkirk Mountains Bugaboos Kootenai Falls

Bugaboo Provincial Park British Columbia #62907 Purchase

I’m happy to announce that my extensive summer photography tour has successfully wrapped up. After seven weeks and over 8700 miles driven, with numerous trails hiked, I’ve returned with plenty of new photographs. Most of these new photos are from locations I’ve never photographed in, such as Michigan, West Virginia, Southern Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Scroll down this post to see the complete list of locations and subject matter from this trip.

Mount Sir Donald, Glacier National Park British Columbia #62836 Purchase

The editing and processing of all these photos will take some time, however I have a small selection of highlights ready from the first part of the trip. This first section includes the Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia’s Glacier National Park, Bugaboo Provincial Park, and Kootenai Falls Montana. You can view and purchase prints or licensing of these photos by visiting the top of the New Images Gallery.

This summer again had wildfire smoke filling skies throughout the western states and Canada. However, at the start of my trip I was fortunate enough to experience a brief window relatively free of smoke. Although the smoke returned at Kootenai Falls it provided a warm tone which enhanced to mood of the photos.

Kootenai Falls Montana #63070 Purchase

List of Locations:

British Columbia Canada: Glacier National Park; Bugaboo Provincial Park; Backpacking, Heli-Hiking
Montana: Kootenai Falls; Clark Fork River
Illinois: Starved Rock State Park; Matthiessen State Park; Heron Pond Cache River State Natural Area; Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods
Ohio: Hocking Hills area and State Park
West Virgina: Blackwater Falls State Park, waterfalls and Lindy Point Overlook
Pennsylvania: Laurel Highlands; Ohiopyle State Park; Youghiogheny River; Covered Bridges; Fort Necessity National Battlefield, 18th century re-enactments
Michigan Lower Peninsula: Big Sable Point Lighthouse; Colonial Michilimackinac, 18th century re-enactments
Michigan Upper Peninsula: Mackinac Bridge; Whitefish Point Lighthouse; Tahquemanen Falls; Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; Au Sable Light Station; Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, Lake of the Clouds
Minnesota: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, waterfalls and lighthouse; Tettegouche State Park waterfalls; Grand Marais Light Station; Devil’s Kettle Falls; Grand Portage, High Falls Pigeon River; Boreal Forest; Touch the Sky Prairie
South Dakota: Badlands National Park
Wyoming: Devils Tower National Monument

Purcell Mountains meadow #62882 Purchase

New Images Selkirk Mountains Bugaboos Kootenai Falls

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August 1, 2018November 14, 2022

Summer Fall Photography Tour

Two Lane Country Road, Oregon #59814

I’m very excited to announce my latest photo schedule. Beginning this week I will be leaving on a Summer / Fall Photography Tour which includes a wide variety of cool locations. While the length of the trip and the specific locations are subject to change, it’s safe to say this one will be big.

Possibly extending into the fall season the trip will begin in the Bugaboo Range of the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia. Then I will be moving on to the Midwest and the Appalachian areas of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Looping back west will take me through Michigan’s Upper Penninsula and the North Shore of Lake Superior. If time allows on the return home I may also fit in photographing the Wind River Range of Wyoming and a few selected sites in Montana.

Listed below are some of the locations and subject matter I hope to work with. However, with a trip this big it is difficult to say how factors such as weather and time constraints will affect the list. Of course I am always open to suggestions for locations and subject matter you have interest in seeing. Feel free to contact me through email, texts or FB Messenger.

General Locations:
Purcell Mountains British Columbia: Bugaboos, Jumbo Pass
Ohio: Hocking Hills Region
West Virginia: Appalachian Mountains, Babcock and Blackwater State Parks
Pennsylvania: Laurel Highlands Region
Michigan: Lake Michigan Lighthouses, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Minnesota: North Shore Lake Superior
Wind River Range Wyoming
Subject Matter:
Mountain views
Farms/Agriculture
Lighthouses
Waterfalls
Historic Sites
Country Roads and Byways

Thanks for viewing this post!

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October 23, 2017November 14, 2022

Bluenose Coast Nova Scotia

Blue Rocks Nova Scotia #58819 Purchase

Bluenose Coast Nova Scotia

In my last post, I left off with our departure from Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia. In this post, I’ll be talking about our visit to the Bluenose Coast of Nova Scotia. This area of Nova Scotia has been high on my photography wish list for many years. Bluenose Coast contains some of the most famous tourist attractions in the Province. Situated southwest of Halifax the area includes Peggy’s Cove, and the lovely coastal villages of Chester, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Blue Rocks. How the term Bluenose originated is up for debate, some say it is a derisive term dating to political divisions of the late eighteenth century. However, others will say it refers to a bluish variety of potato or the nose color of locals in winter.

Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia #58804 Purchase

Our drive from Cape Breton Island down to the Bluenose Coast was again a long tiring journey. Not only was the weather rainy discouraging, but the route we took was also longer than anticipated. Instead of taking a direct course via the main highway, we decided on a more scenic drive along the coast. While I won’t say this was a mistake we did find the road to be exceedingly long with very few coastal views. Most of the way traveled through heavily forested lands dotted with tiny villages. Occasionally the roads break out on the coast with views of numerous islands. According to our travel brochures, this area northeast of Halifax is a haven for wilderness-loving sea kayakers. I’d love to be able to return and explore this vast area with a boat.

The Fo’c’sle Pub Chester, Nova Scotia #58700

At Chester

Between the rain and the torturous road, we decided to finish the drive to Bluenose Coast the next day. We weren’t too thrilled at the prospect of finding our way through the Halifax area at night. After anxiously getting through Halifax in the morning we decided to base our stay at Graves Island Provincial Park. Well situated near all the sites I was hoping to photograph, Graves Island also had some of the best campsites on our trip. After setting up camp we went on to check out the nearby town of Chester. Founded in 1759, Chester is a quaint village on Mahone Bay noted for stately old homes and a thriving artist community. Along with a boat-filled harbor, Chester is also home to The Fo’c’sle, Nova Scotia’s oldest pub. I couldn’t resist photographing the whimsical dragon hanging above the entrance.

After a few weeks of photographing mostly nature-oriented locations, we were finally in Coleen’s environment. Picturesque coastal towns with lots of shops to browse through were something she had been looking forward to. Although I’m mostly a wilderness nature lover I also was enjoying the change. The next day was perhaps the most memorable of the entire trip. It was a big day with lots of sites to see and photograph on the Bluenose Coast. We began it with breakfast at The Kiwi Cafe in Chester, a colorful establishment with great food, after which we proceeded to Lunenburg and Blue Rocks. Along the way, we passed by Oak Island, the site of questionable buried treasure, made famous on the History Channel’s Curse of Oak Island tv show. Needless to say, we didn’t stop by to check it out.

Mahone Bay Sailboats #58726 Purchase

Mahone Bay & Lunenburg

Along the way, we had to stop in the town of Mahone Bay for the annual Scarecrow Festival and antique fair. Even without the festival, the town is worth a stop. Dating back to 1754, Mahone Bay has numerous eclectic boutiques, art studios, antique shops, B&Bs, and restaurants. Of course with the festival in full swing Mahone Bay was overflowing with tourists, including us. We ended up spending several hours there checking out shops and the over 250 whimsical handmade scarecrows. But we had to move on, I was anxious to scout Lunenburg and the tiny fishing community of Blue Rocks. Aside from Peggy’s Cove these two locations are perhaps the most scenic and photographed in all of Nova Scotia.

Mahone Bay Scarecrows #58715

Lunenburg is yet another old historic fishing town. In my mind, it was the most interesting one we visited. The town sits on a gentle hill overlooking the bay, with many of the historic buildings sporting vibrant colors. For photographers looking to capture these colorful buildings on the waterfront, there is no better spot than a park directly across the bay. You have the option of photographing from the waterfront or up a hill on the edge of a golf course. The latter offers a wonderful elevated view of the town and boats.

Colorful Lunenburg Architecture #58737 Purchase

Blue Rocks Fishing Community

After finding these locations and making a few photos we went on to scout Blue Rocks. Being new to the area it was a bit difficult to find among the maze of roads. However, there was no mistaking it on arrival. Blue Rocks is just a small community with several fishing shacks and boats on a calm inlet. The location though is classic, old colorful fishing shacks, and boats moored alongside with islands and the Atlantic as a backdrop. And the rocks are blue, with the layers eroded into fantastic shapes. With crystal-clear water and bright yellow skirts of seaweed, the rocks boats, and buildings present a dazzling array of colors and shapes. I was bubbling over excitement at photographing this wonderful location! The only thing missing though were clouds, the sky was an empty electric blue. Perfect for picnics and leisurely drives but not for photography.

Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia #58778 Purchase

It was still early so we went back to Lunenburg to check out the town and have a bite to eat. We found another gem at the tiny Salt Shaker Deli. I would highly recommend stopping by if you are in the area. The food was wonderful, probably the best seafood chowder in the Province, and the friendly staff and outstanding harbor view made for a memorable experience. And if this wasn’t enough, as we were finishing our meal I noticed some interesting clouds moving in!

Blue Rocks Rainbow #58795 Purchase

Blue Rocks Evening Photography

We planned to head back to Blue rocks after dinner for evening light, and then hurry back to Lunenburg to photograph the waterfront at twilight. Arriving at Blue Rocks the sky darkened and rain began to come down in sheets. A complete opposite of the earlier sunny blue sky. I was getting discouraged at my prospects when the showers began to move on. The elements for some great evening light were beginning to come together. Firstly a rainbow began to take shape, followed by curtains of rain and clouds being illuminated by the setting sun. Moving around I found many compositions among the boats and fishing shacks. As the light began to peak and fade I worked to photograph one of the most iconic shacks in the last glowing light of the evening. So far this was the best combination of light and subject matter on the trip.

Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia #58807 Purchase

Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia #58825 Purchase

Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia #58811 Purchase

We were also able to get back to the Lunenburg location in time for more photography. I quickly set up and made some photos just as the lights began to turn on in town with a purple twilight glowing above. All in all, it was a perfect autumn day, sightseeing in historic towns with Coleen, great meals, and successful photography. But there was more in store for us along the Bluenose Coast the next day at Peggy’s Cove, our final location in Nova Scotia.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia #58836 Purchase

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October 2, 2017November 14, 2022

Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island seaside farm #58624 Purchase

It’s funny how life can be so unpredictable. Some may be tempted to replace “funny” with frustrating, discouraging, exciting, or fun. Last year at this time I was on a dream trip with my wife Coleen to photograph in Nova Scotia and New England. This year I’m stuck at home in the office, working on marketing and fantasizing about future trips. So since I’m not able to get out on the road anytime soon, the next best thing is to relive last year’s trip by writing blog posts.

In my last post, I wrote about our brief visit to the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. In this post, I’ll be recapping our visit to Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia, one of the main highlights and destinations of the trip. As with any new location I hoped to see as much of the province as possible. We had to carefully choose only a few of the best locations to visit in our available time. After years of poring over Nova Scotia maps and images, I settled on a couple of areas. For me, Cape Breton Island and Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region were obvious choices. Cape Breton Island represented the rugged wind-swept character of Canada’s Atlantic Provinces. While Peggy’s Cove Region highlights the historic and thriving culture of the province. There is, of course, much more to see, but these locations will make a good start.

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia #58622 Purchase

Onwards to Cape Breton Island

After leaving New Brunswick we drove straight to our first destination, Cape Breton Highlands National Park. On the map, it looked like about a half-day drive. In reality, it took us most of the day to arrive, exhausted from driving, at Chéticamp in the park. Of course, we had to make a few stops along the way. Part of the appeal of Cape Breton Island is its Scottish heritage, most notable along the Ceilidh Trail. Picturesque Ceilidh Trail (pronounced Kay’-Lee) runs along the west coast and has its road signs written in both English and Gaelic. Along the way are quaint villages, world-class seaside golf courses, and North America’s first single malt distillery.

Further north the Ceilidh Trail gave way to the world-famous Cabot Trail. Possibly the most scenic drive in all of Atlantic Canada, the Cabot Trail encircles the entire northern section of Cape Breton Island. During our visit, we focused on the western section of the trail, from Margaree Harbour in the south to Pleasant bay in the north.

Fishing Boats Grand Étang Harbour Cape Breton Island #58583 Purchase

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Arriving in Cape Breton Highlands National Park was exhilarating. We were just about as far north in the province as we could drive. The land had begun to take on a wilder primordial feel, even more, evident high on the Cape Breton Plateau. There were few towns, and those were very small fishing outposts. Although Cape Breton Highlands lies only at 46º north, I had the feeling of being on the southern edge of the vast expanse of Canadian subarctic lands. I imagined that if I squinted hard enough I could see Newfoundland, then Labrador, and finally Baffin Island. I should state here that for most of my life I’ve had an obsession with everything arctic. Especially the Canadian Arctic, which holds a tight grip on my imagination, partly due to its rich and often tragic history of exploration.

After setting up camp in Cape Breton Highlands National Park I anxiously began to scout out the coastal drive. Along the west coast, the Cabot Trail climbs high and has stupendous views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. At its height, you can see to the Magdalen Islands, situated nearly in the center of the Gulf. I like to think this section of the Cabot Trail is Canada’s east coast version of Big Sur in California. After winding up along the coast the road heads inland to the plateau highlands and a dramatic change of scenery.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia #58564 Purchase

Cape Breton Highlands Plateau

Dominated by boreal forest with a distinct sub-arctic feel, the Cape Breton Plateauis a windswept wilderness of barrens, bogs, and lakes. Most people think of the Appalachian Mountains ending at Mount Katahdin in Maine. However, geologically they continue much further north. Cape Breton Plateau is an Appalachian mountain worn down by glacial activity. To reach the true end of this ancient chain of mountains you would need to travel as far as the highlands of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. Since the weather was grey and forbidding on the plateau I headed back to photograph the coastal drive in the evening light.

While in the park I wanted to hike the Skyline Trail to photograph the iconic view from the top. At the end of the trail, a dramatic headlands cliff overlooks the winding road and the vast expanse of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This trail and view are one of the hallmarks of the park. However, my timing to get there was poor. I failed to consider the length of the hike, it would’ve been dark by the time I made it there. I was fortunate to drive to an alternate overlook just in time to make a few photos of evening light breaking through the clouds.

Cabot Trail Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia #58637 Purchase

Margaree Harbour & Lobsters

The next day Coleen and I drove south to scenic Margaree Harbour to photograph fishing boats and coastal views. I enjoyed this area, there were picturesque seaside farms, sandy beaches, churches, and colorful boats. An interesting find was Centre de la Mi-Carême, an interpretive center focusing on the Acadian celebration of Mid-Lent with masks, music, and dance. Attracting us to the center was the display of colorful effigies on display in the parking lot. Unfortunately, our visit was cut short as the center wasn’t open at the time.

Back on the lobster hunt, as we found out in New Brunswick, lobster was out of season. However, we were lucky enough to find that in Margaree Harbour the Island Sunset Lobster Pound still had some available. After chatting with the friendly owner and a patron about our travels we hurried back to camp to cook our long-anticipated crustaceans. In the warm afternoon sun, we made a glorious mess of cracked shells lobster meat, and melted butter! This was the way to do it, out in the open air by the sea, not in a stuffy restaurant.

Margaree Harbour Cape Breton Island #58615 Purchase

Church in Margaree Harbour #58607 Purchase

Cabot Trail Coastal Photography

In the evening, and again the next morning, I went out to make photographs along the coast. I had some nice light for photography while in the area but it didn’t last very long. I came back with only a few new images, including one of a beached whale, headless and rotting on the beach. This is usually the situation when visiting a new location. Without prior firsthand knowledge of a location, it’s difficult to be in the right place at the right time. In my experience, I might get lucky a few times on an initial trip. But it normally takes several return visits to understand its character. There are some spots from which I still have not created a defining image, although I’ve been there many times and know it intimately.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park #58560 Purchase

Whale carcass, Cape Breton Island #58647 Purchase

Over to the Atlantic Side

After packing up our camp we began our drive north and over to the Atlantic side of Cape Breton Island. At Green Cove, we got our first real view of the Atlantic Ocean. Getting out of the truck to stretch our legs I found this to be a great place for photography. The headland is composed of beautiful pink granite laced with striped intrusions. Given the right lighting conditions, I could spend hours here photographing the fascinating patterns. Unfortunately, a storm front was arriving with the first drops of rain which lasted all day.

I wished we had better weather and more time to stay and explore beautiful Cape Breton Island. One of my biggest regrets was having to pass up a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Located on the far eastern edge of Cape Breton Island, the fort is a wonderfully preserved 18th-century military installation. Among the activities here are interactive tours and reenactments of 18th-century life. Including Louisbourg on our trip would’ve meant excluding other important locations further on. And I didn’t want to miss out on photographing iconic Peggy’s Cover and historic Lunenburg. So it was onward into the rain, and part two of this post!

Green Cove, Cape Breton Highlands National Park #58656 Purchase

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