photo tour Acadia NP: I will be in Acadia NP for the first time in three weeks. I was wondering if anyone here can recommend a photographer/tour company who gives tours of all the...

Deanie1113

I will be in Acadia NP for the first time in three weeks. I was wondering if anyone here can recommend a photographer/tour company who gives tours of all the fantastic scenic spots while allowing me to set up my tripod and let me shoot. I don't want a multi-day thing, just several hours and don't mind being with a group. I don't think I need a lot of guidance, but am certainly open to new ways of doing things. Acadia is crowded and since I've never been there I thought going with an expert would help me get to many pretty places with less stress. I checked into Photo Safari, but they only take you to photograph three spots. Thanks!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Couple of hours?? There is so much at Acadia and Mount Desert Island (MDI) to see.
You could spend a couple of hours on park loop road alone stopping here and there to take pictures.
(When I and my wife go, we spend a week on the island.)
Have you Googled "acadia photography tours"?

MDI Mainer

JK Putnam has a good reputation, though I personally have never taken one of his workshops:

https://www.jkputnam.com/private-photo-tours-workshops/

Howie Motenko has been an artist-in-residence at the park and is well regarded:

https://www.nps.gov/acad/getinvolved/air-motenko.htm

https://acadiaphotosafari.com/about-acadia-photo-tours

He, like Putnam, offers a personally designed guided tour.

If you want to self-guide, there are two photography guides to Acadia, both are very good:

https://amazon.com/Photographing-Acadia-National-Park-Essential/dp/0983380473/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=acadia+photography&qid=1565302659&s=books&sr=1-1

https://amazon.com/Photographers-Guide-Acadia-National-Park/dp/0881508861/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=acadia+photography&qid=1565302698&s=books&sr=1-2

And here is an old article from Yankee Magazine:

https://newengland.com/yankee-magazine/travel/maine/bar-harbor/best-5-photo-ops-in-acadia-national-park/

These should give you a good idea of the places you'd like to visit.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Deanie1113 wrote:

I will be in Acadia NP for the first time in three... (show quote)

I don’t know why you need a tour guide. My family went there about twenty years ago, and I don’t remember a minute of anything other than beauty. You shouldn't need to depend on someone else’s judgement.

Deanie1113

MDI Mainer wrote:

JK Putnam has a good reputation, though I personal... (show quote)

Such a great response! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. Will check all these out.

Deanie1113

rehess wrote:

I don’t know why you need a tour guide. My family went there about twenty years ago, and I don’t remember a minute of anything other than beauty. You shouldn't need to depend on someone else’s judgement.

Photographers who specialize in tours know places to go with beauty that aren't on the well-known grid and therefore aren't super-crowded. Acadia, I have heard, is extremely crowded and they probably know where and when to go to avoid crowds. I am sure that things have changed there in the past 20 years regarding navigating around the island and getting to great spots.

Elmo55 Loc: Illinois

I am at, and have been here for 2+ months, and I can not disagree with any comments made. I do agree with take your time, and enjoy your time here. The park service offers 2 free guided photography tours of 2-3 hours each (different guide each day), one on Tuesday and one on Friday (have to sign up 3 days in advance, and they start 7:30 AM). Highly agree with Longshadow's comment. 127 miles of hiking trails, and 57 miles of carriage trails to explore (if you are into walking and/or biking). Don't be afraid to talk to other photographers for recommendations. Who knows we might even cross trails as I am here until late October.

Deanie1113

Elmo55 wrote:

I am at, and have been here for 2+ months, and I c... (show quote)

Wow, FREE guided tours of 2-3 hrs. would be so cool ... and I love talking to other photographers, so yes, asking them for recommendations is a great idea. Thanks!

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Deanie1113 wrote:

I will be in Acadia NP for the first time in three... (show quote)

'While allowing me to set up my tripod........and don't mind being with group,,' is generally a problem. Groups don't wait. Find a private guide who will accommodate your requirements. I was there in June '18 and just missed the beginning of the season..so no crowds. I do hear that the roads will be packed and will make it more difficult to get to different places within your anticipated time frame. In my opinion, you are setting yourself up for disappointment in limiting yourself to 'several hours'. Be sure to discuss your exact requirements with prospective guides and tours. Good luck.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Rick Berk

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

jbk224 wrote:

'While allowing me to set up my tripod........and don't mind being with group,,' is generally a problem. Groups don't wait.

What are you photographing that requires a tripod? Make note of those {few} places and then go back on your own. Enjoy the trip. There is more to life than looking like Ansel Adams.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Deanie1113 wrote:

Wow, FREE guided tours of 2-3 hrs. would be so cool ... and I love talking to other photographers, so yes, asking them for recommendations is a great idea. Thanks!

We did the park sponsored tours on two trips. Ranger led- Our leader did photography and had a table book of Acadia published. It was nice, and you get to talk to other photographers.

MDI Mainer

RE the free Park Service photo excursions: the rangers are very knowledgeable, but are not usually professional photographers. Also, the clientele varies and can be more oriented to Instagram snaps than landscape photography. Sounds like you had one of the better experiences.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

MDI Mainer wrote:

RE the free Park Service photo excursions: the rangers are very knowledgeable, but are not usually professional photographers. Also, the clientele varies and can be more oriented to Instagram snaps than landscape photography. Sounds like you had one of the better experiences.

We did. One time he even suggested some blur shots (I need practice on that!) We'll probably check on the tours again this year when we go. He may not have been a "pro" but he seemed quite knowledgeable in photography.

ELNikkor

In 3 weeks? The park is always beautiful, but if you had waited a little longer, you'd have the benefit of fall colors.