Postcards from Vermont: A Photography Journey through Vermont and New Hampshire

For most Landscape and Travel photographers, the allure of fall colours is irresistible. During the Autumn of 2022, I embarked on a picturesque adventure through Vermont and New Hampshire, capturing the vibrant hues of autumn. My journey began in Boston, where I flew in from Baltimore, ready for a week of stunning landscapes and endless photo opportunities.

Day 1: Arrival in Boston and Drive to St. Johnsbury

Landing in Boston, I swiftly picked up my rental car at Logan Airport and hit the road towards St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The anticipation of the fall foliage was palpable as I drove through the scenic routes, each mile bringing me closer to my destination. Arriving at the Fairbanks Inn, my home from October 3rd to 6th, I felt a sense of excitement for the days ahead.

Days 2-4: Exploring St. Johnsbury and Surroundings

The Peacham Congregational Church is said to be one of the most photographed buildings in all of New England.

Peacham, a picturesque hill town in northeastern Vermont, has a population of 732 people that swells to over 1,000 in the summer months.   The village center with its cluster of early to mid-19th century Federal and Greek Revival homes has been designated a National Historic District. Several large working farms are located a short distance from the village. The rolling fields, together with secluded ponds, brooks, and dense woodlands, give the town its distinctive rural character.

During my stay in St. Johnsbury, I immersed myself in the quaint charm of the area. One of my first stops was the town of Peacham, renowned for its quintessential New England beauty. The drive via Macks Mountain Road was a photographer's dream, with several spots offering breathtaking views. Peacham did not disappoint; its serene landscapes and rustic charm provided countless photo opportunities.

Macks Mountain Road is a shortcut from Walden to Peacham

Joe's Pond was another gem, with its tranquil waters reflecting the fiery autumn leaves. I spent hours here, capturing the interplay of light and colour. The highlight, however, was the AM Foster-Covered Bridge. This iconic structure, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and vibrant foliage, was a scene straight out of a postcard.

AM FOSTER COVERED BRIDGE, VT

Fueling my adventures was Amato's, conveniently located near the Fairbanks Inn. Their hearty meals energized me for the long days of exploration and photography.

Day 5: Journey to Franconia Notch State Park

On the morning of October 6th, I checked out of the Fairbanks Inn and headed to New Hampshire, aiming for the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. The Gorge, with its towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls, was a mesmerizing subject for my lens. The scenic trek leading past flowing water and a waterfall was invigorating and I didn’t notice that I was reasonably tired after the drive and the hike with my camera gear till I got out of the Gorge.

Flume Gorge Trail at Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire, USA

Pushing myself, I embarked on another trek to Artist's Bluff. This short but steep hike was a test of my endurance. The narrow path, crowded with fellow photographers and Instagram influencers, was a testament to the bluff's popularity. As the sun began to set, I decided to make my way down before darkness fell. The descent was challenging, with overgrown roots and a rough path, but the effort was well worth the panoramic views I had captured.

Days 6-7: Discovering Woodstock and Surroundings

A scenic Farm near Woodstock, VT

After a tiring day, I checked into the Holiday Inn Express at White River Junction. This location served as my base for exploring Woodstock and its renowned fall colour attractions. Over the next two days, I visited Sleepy Hollow Farm and Sugarbush Farm, each offering a unique perspective on the autumn landscape. The vibrant colours and idyllic settings made for some of my favourite images of the trip.

Final Day: Return to Boston

As my trip drew to a close, I reluctantly packed up and headed back to Boston. The colours were still peaking, and it was clear that the best was yet to come. But that's the challenge with nature and travel photography—you can never time it perfectly. I spent my last night at the luxurious Colonnade Hotel, indulging in some well-deserved room service and reflecting on the incredible week I had experienced.

Reflection

My journey through Vermont and New Hampshire was a whirlwind of beauty, challenge, and fulfillment. The early mornings and long days were exhausting, but each moment spent behind the camera made it all worthwhile. As I flew back to Baltimore, my heart was sated with the memories of the stunning landscapes and vibrant colours that I had the privilege to capture. The top images from this trip will find their way to my collection called Postcards from Vermont which I had the privilege to exhibit at the Inaugural Edition of Madras Art Weekend. You can find some of these images in the Print Store.

Equipment Used on this trip

Leica SL2 , Lumix S5, Lumix S 24-104 f4, Osmo Pocket -1 , Gitzo Tripod and Arca Swiss C1 Cube Head, Mindshift Backlight 26 L Bag