Acadia Night Skies

Astrophotography Tour
Acadia National Park, ME

Step into the magic of Acadia’s starlit coastlines

This immersive experience is perfect for photographers eager to master the art of capturing the Milky Way and celestial wonders. Acadia’s dark skies and dramatic Atlantic coastline offer an extraordinary setting for astrophotography. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll learn advanced techniques to photograph the night sky—from single-exposure shots to image stacking for noise reduction.

We’ll explore iconic locations such as Otter Cliffs, Eagle Lake, and Jordan Pond, using rocky shorelines, tide pools, and starlit cliffs to create storytelling compositions. Whether you’re new to astrophotography or looking to refine your skills, this tour provides the guidance and creative environment to elevate your work.

Skills You'll Learn

  • How to plan your shoots using the PhotoPills app for perfect alignment with the Milky Way

  • Shutter speed calculations with the NPF rule to avoid star trails

  • Incorporating foreground elements to create depth and storytelling in your images

  • Post-processing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop for stunning, professional-quality results

Prerequisites

  • A basic understanding of manual mode on your camera

  • A DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of long exposures, with a wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster recommended)

  • A sturdy tripod is essential

This tour is ideal for photographers looking to expand their portfolios with breathtaking nightscapes while learning the technical and creative skills to excel in astrophotography.

Tour Details

Dates: only available around the new moon
April 22–May 2, 2025
May 20–Jun 1, 2025
June 19-30, 2025
July 20-30, 2025
August 20-30, 2025

Price: tiers for group tours
2 people: $1,395.00 per attendee
3 people: $1295.00 per attendee
4 people: $1,095.00 per attendee
5 people: $995.00 per attendee


Group Size: Minimum of 2 and limited to 5 participants for a personalized experience
Duration: Two nights of immersive field sessions, hands-on practice, and small group discussions
Location: Acadia National Park, based in Bar Harbor, Maine

What We’ll Provide

  • All transportation during the tour

  • A full itinerary and daily schedule of events

  • Hands-on astrophotography guidance, including step-by-step demonstrations and instruction

  • Access to prime Milky Way viewing locations

  • Weather and resource app assistance

  • Recommendations for local lodging, dining, and entertainment

  • A one-on-one post-processing experience via Zoom

What You’ll Need to Cover

Photography Gear

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera

  • Wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or greater

  • Sturdy tripod

  • External intervalometer (if your camera doesn’t have one built-in)

  • Multiple memory cards and at least two batteries

  • Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries

  • Smartphone with the PhotoPills app installed

Essentials

  • Sturdy hiking boots or shoes

  • Ability to navigate uneven, sometimes slippery terrain in low-light conditions

  • Hand warmers for comfort during night shoots

Travel Considerations

  • Transportation to and from Bar Harbor, Maine

  • Lodging and meals during your stay

  • A valid national park pass for the duration of the tour

Additional Recommendations

Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive one day early and leave one day after the tour to fully enjoy the experience without rushing.
Equipment Extras:" Bring a laptop and external hard drives for backing up images. Multiple lenses can provide different perspectives and enhance your portfolio.

Why Choose This Tour?

This two-night astrophotography experience is perfect for photographers eager to expand their skills and create stunning images of Acadia’s iconic landscapes and night skies. With a small group size and expert instruction, you’ll receive personalized attention while exploring one of the most picturesque locations in the U.S.

Reserve your spot today—spaces are limited and only offered around the new moon to ensure ideal shooting conditions!