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Strolling through Stowe on a Misty, Fall Morning

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  Famous view of downtown Stowe. This is the little village where I live. There were several other photographers at this spot when I stopped here this morning. I jumped out quickly enough to take this photo, then jumped back in to get the kids to school. Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe is a quintessential New England town that truly comes alive during the fall. From late September through October, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change color. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along winding country roads, with each bend revealing a new vista of colorful hillsides and charming rural farms. A stroll through the town of Stowe itself offers a picture-perfect experience, with its white-steepled church, cozy cafes, and boutique shops that invite you to slow down and soak in the charm. Beyond the beauty of the town, Stowe is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails like those on Mount Man
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Nebraska Notch Hike in Peak Fall Colors

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  Thanks to the drone you can get a better idea of just how amazing, gorgeous, and secluded this area is.     It can get pretty crowded here in Stowe during the peak changing of the leaves season. But if you know where to go, you can find some dramatic fall scenery, without the crowds. The Nebraska Notch hike is one of these places. It starts all the way at the end of Nebraska Valley road. The road dead ends into the members-only Mansfield Trout Club, but there is a separate parking area for day hikers, just above the building. The hike winds its way along the banks of Lake Mansfield, before angling up towards the Nebraska Notch. It is about 2 miles and 800ft elevation gain. At the top you find yourself on the famous Long Trail, and an overnight shelter for hikers.    The Fall colors were amazing around the lake, and only got better as I climbed higher on the trail. I didn't see another soul, all the way to the top. It was just pure, natural serenity. The shelter had some very cool
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Peak Fall Colors here in Vermont: Hike to Elephant's Head in Smuggler's Notch

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  I took this photo from about 300ft above me with my dji mini 4k drone. The colors leading into Smugglers Notch show why this is one of the most famous drives for 'leaf peepers' here in America. Leaf peeping season is on here in Vermont. Early October brings some amazing natural views to our state, especially up in the mountains where I live. Here in Stowe, tourists from all over flock here to catch a glimpse of the forest turning bright yellow, fire red, and all shades of orange. It only last for a short while and we never know if it will be a good year, but for now, the wait is over. I wanted to get some unique shots of the changing of the leaves, so I decided to head up to Smuggler's Notch. There are some amazing hikes and views, and that should be where the colors start to change first. I was in luck! I stopped right at the beginning of the notch at a picnic area to send up my drone for a look above the canopy. The colors were magnificent. I had always wanted to hike u
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Sunset on our Stave Island Summer

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Sailing into the sunset on Lake Champlain. You never know what kind of weather to expect from the last weekend in September in Lake Champlain, but we scored an amazing one for our end of season trip with the family out to Stave Island. Nestled in the middle of Lake Champlain, between Vermont and New York, Stave Island is the perfect getaway for the kids. There is miles of shoreline to explore, a bog with a secretive snapping turtle, stories of hidden treasure, a beach, a tower to climb, and acres of woods to play in. With no shows or tablets, it is the perfect place to commune with nature and get in touch with the wild. Every sunset is appreciated, usually with a sundowner cocktail in hand, and the night sky can be absolutely brilliant. Running into Fall at the Stave Island farm house We soaked up every minute of this weekend, knowing that it could be our last until we open the island back up next Spring. Catalina, Fisher, and I even managed to get a circumnavigation of the island in o
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Photography Tips for a Trip to the Galapagos Islands

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  1. Embrace Early Mornings & Late Afternoons The golden hours — just after sunrise and before sunset — offer soft, warm lighting that enhances the natural beauty of the Galápagos landscapes and wildlife. The cooler temperatures also make the animals more active, giving you better opportunities for capturing dynamic shots of creatures like sea lions, iguanas, and birds in their natural behaviors. The early morning light really brings out the yellow dragon scales of this land iguana. 2. Use a Zoom Lens for Wildlife To capture the diverse wildlife, from blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises, a zoom lens (70-300mm or more) is essential. Many species are protected, and you won’t be able to get too close without disturbing them, so a zoom allows you to photograph animals in detail from a respectful distance. My 400mm lens captures this Galapagos subspecies of the Yellow Warbler nicely ( Setophaga petechis aureola ) 3. Pack a Polarizing Filter The bright sun, vibrant blue waters, and vo
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