Best photography spots in Maine

Maine is a magical place for photography and other creative mediums. There are some spots that are one of a kind and others where it doesn’t hurt to get there at sunrise or sunset.  With an endless supply of natural beauty and a wealth of untapped photographic possibilities, Maine is a dream destination for photographers. From rugged coastlines to craggy coves, beautiful lakes and ponds to tree-lined forests and rolling hills, there’s plenty to capture every season.

Whether you’re an avid photographer or a beginner, Maine has some of the best destinations for both professional and amateur photographers. We created this collection of locations to demonstrate the Maine Coast’s stunning beauty and its many opportunities to capture your own distinctive views from around the state.

Maine is full of beautiful photo opportunities. Taking the time to find a good shot can be a challenge and sometimes even tough, but here is a list of the 21 Best Photography Spots in Maine.

Best gear to photograph Maine

The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity.  A wide-angle lens.  14-24mm or something similar.  A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.

If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. A tripod is also highly recommended to capture those epic sunsets and night shots.

Best Photography Spots in Maine

1. Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse

The Cape Neddick Light, also known locally as Cape Neck and Nubble Light, has long attracted large numbers of tourists, and the light’s first keepers were quick to capitalize on the popularity. To view the lighthouse across the canal, an estimated half a million tourists visit Sohier Park each year. Even a computerized image of the lighthouse was sent into space on Voyager II as a part of the library of resources intended to educate extraterrestrials about Earth.

Cape Neddick Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Maine, immortalized as postcards, paintings, and even a stamp. The lighthouse has been standing at this spot since 1808, offering views of the ocean and its surrounding islands for over 200 years.

Cape Neddick Lighthouse is a must-see attraction when visiting Southern Maine. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, this working lighthouse is an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The  Cape Neddick Light is the oldest working light station on the coast, and one of Maine’s most beloved landmarks. Located in Biddeford Pool, a popular spot for swimming in summer, the lighthouse is accessible only by boat or small plane. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a must-visit when exploring Maine’s coast

2. Portland Headlight

The Portland Headlight is the iconic symbol of Portland and Maine, standing at the entrance to Casco Bay since 1808. This lighthouse sits on a rocky peninsula that is easily viewed from much of the city, or you can take a leisurely walk or hike out to it on the seaside trail. You can take your time exploring the buildings and gardens around here while enjoying spectacular views of the gorgeous Casco Bay scenery.

3. Bug Light Park

Bug Light Park is one of the most scenic spots to go for a walk or picnic. Its main attraction is the lighthouse, which stands over 100 feet high and is used by local fishermen as well as tourists. A trip to Bug Light Park will take you into the past as you wander through historical exhibits that tell the story of early Maine settlements. This area is also great for bird watching with its bays and wetlands, making it an ideal spot for exploring nature in a rustic setting.

Best Photography Spots in Maine

4. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

The Rockland Breakwater is located on the eastern side of Rockland Harbor. The Breakwater has always been an important element in the harbor, protecting boats and ships from rough seas. It also served as an early warning system for coming storms. Today, the Breakwater Lighthouse remains a recognizable structure in the harbor surrounded by water on three sides and open to the ocean on its fourth side. 

5. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the most famous lighthouse in Maine, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The best views of the headland and lighthouse can be found in the park below. A wide, somewhat steep dirt path leads down to the rocks surrounding Inselruhe Island at low tide and affords great views of both Bass Harbor and Little Long Island.

6. Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is the largest wilderness preserve in the continental United States, and it’s also one of Maine’s most popular destinations. Offering hiking trails through stunning alpine forests, as well as easy family-friendly treks along rushing rivers, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor adventurers.

Best Photography Spots in Maine

7. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. It sits on a granite island that separates an estuary from the Atlantic Ocean. The island has had a lighthouse since 1789, but the current lighthouse was built in 1808 by Thomas Bacon, and it is still an active Coast Guard aid to navigation today.

8. Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is a tiny town in Hancock County. Its historic district features restaurants and boutiques, while Acadia National Park draws tourists year-round thanks to its breathtaking views, hiking trails, and bike paths. Bar Harbor is also home to the Abbe Museum, which displays the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Edward S. Curtis and other Native Americans on display. 

Bar Harbor is known for its relaxed seaside lifestyle and spectacular views, but it’s also an ideal backdrop for a wide variety of adventures. Acadia National Park and the surrounding region offer something for everyone, from ice fishing to hiking, biking, and kayaking.

10. Lewiston Falls in Lewiston, Maine

Lewiston Falls is one of the most beautiful natural attractions I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It has a wide variety of hiking trails that you can explore, as well as three different spots to take pictures. It will be the best experience you’ll never ever forget! When you visit Lewiston Falls, be sure to take your camera for this one-of-a-kind view. The 70-foot waterfall is impressive, but the backdrop of mountains and trees makes it impossible not to capture its beauty.

Best Photography Spots in Maine

11. Kennebunk River

A hidden gem, the Kennebunk River is a clean, clear waterway that winds through Maine’s beautiful coastal woods and fields. The river offers some of the best fly fishing in Southern Maine and plenty of shoreline access for swimming and boating. While you’re there, make time to kayak or paddleboard on one of our local lakes and ponds.

12. Jordan Pond House Restuarant

The best photography spots in Maine are around Jordan Pond House Restaurant. The rocky shores, lush forest, and contrasting blue waters combine to create a dramatic scene. Whether you want to capture your first photos of the morning sun rising over the hills or looking up at a towering iceberg floating by while enjoying dinner, Jordan Pond House is sure to impress.

13. Otter Cliff

Otter Cliff is a rugged cliff along the southern shore of Maine, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The area features stunning views and is popular with photographers. For those who love the outdoors and solitude, the Otter Cliff is a great place to go for a hike. The cliff is 600 ft tall and drops down to the ocean at about a 70-degree angle, making it one of the steepest cliffs in Maine. This small outcropping far from the shoreline is a favorite of photographers because it offers both water views and cliff outlines. You can also see seals and puffins in the Spring and Summer months.

14. Kettle Cove

Kettle Cove is home to some of the most beautiful and unique photography spots in Maine. It’s often referred to as a hidden gem of the coast, making it one of our favorite places for a day trip or overnight adventure.

Kettle Cove is a series of sheltered pools and small islands in Acadia National Park, Maine. It’s often photographed from multiple angles, and while many of the best views are accessible by boat only, there are a few places photographers can stand to take breathtaking photos on land.

Best Photography Spots in Maine

15. Chimney Pond – Baxter State Park, ME

Chimney Pond is a deceptively large alpine lake tucked away in the northern Maine wilderness. It is known as one of the best photography spots in Maine with its remote location, stunning views, and ever-changing colors. 

Chimney Pond is a tiny, beautiful body of water tucked just off the coast of Acadia National Park. It’s by far one of the best photography spots in Maine, but you can only see it if you know where and when to look. You’ll have to have your camera handy at all times, so pack light for this hike and stay safe on the rocky shoreline.

16. Screw Auger Falls

Screw Auger Falls is a very popular waterfall in Maine. It is located in a beautiful nature reserve and makes for some great photography. The parking lot at the beginning of the hike is very small and you may find yourself hiking to your car if it’s busy! There are multiple entrances but the main one goes straight down to Screw Auger Falls. Every time I’ve been here there has been mist coming off the falls so you may want to bring a raincoat or poncho if you plan to stay for a few hours. From this hiking trail, there are multiple other trails that lead to additional waterfalls and streams, so be sure to explore them as well!

Screw Auger Falls is the best photography spot in Maine. It’s a waterfall that doesn’t take much time to get to and if you aren’t up for hiking, there are plenty of spots to stop along the way that allows you to see some beautiful views.

17. Old Orchard Beach

Orchard Beach is a magical place. You’ll always find something new here as you walk along its miles of captivating shoreline.  Make sure you bring your camera and a tripod to shoot the blue hour. This breathtaking beach will be sure to inspire you with its beautiful scenery.

Best Photography Spots in Maine

18. Isle au Haut

Isle au Haut is a beautiful, rugged island. It’s famous for its extreme cliffs, hidden coves, and fantastic hiking trails. But it’s also home to some of Maine’s most breathtaking views.

The Isle au Haut is the most remote of the islands off the coast of Maine. Cut off from the mainland by seven miles of rock-strewn water, it can only be accessed by a 20-minute ferry ride. The island has a population of less than 200, but despite its small size, there’s still plenty to see and do. From wild blueberry patches to the rocky shoreline and its incredible sunsets against the sky, there are plenty of photo opportunities here.

19. Little Hunters Beach

Little Hunter Beach is one of the best photography spots in Maine, with a stunning rocky shoreline flanked by granite. The sandy beach has small rock coves that are perfect for couples looking for privacy and peace. The five-acre beach is known for its great tide pools and clear waters, which are protected by a rocky headland and a narrow beach. Its location allows for some stunning coastal views in both directions, and there are opportunities for fishing or simply lounging in the sand.

20. Cutler Island Lighthouse

Looking for a unique location to shoot photographs? With a picturesque rocky shoreline, beautiful cove, and historic lighthouse, Cutler Island makes an ideal spot for photographers. Hike through the woods on the south side of the island to find the perfect vantage point of this seasonal lighthouse. Steps lead you down to a rocky beach where you can swim in the waters below.

21. Marshall Point Light

The Marshall Point Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Its location was perfect for protecting sailors from shoals and rocks that lie close to shore. The lens that once held a fifth-order Fresnel lens is currently undergoing restoration as it will be replaced with an acrylic lens.

These are the Best Photography Spots in Maine

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