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Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
Trip Report: Vermont Fall Colors - October 2022
Published November 11, 2022
M. Scott Peck writes in his esoteric novel, The Road Less Traveled, “Going into the unknown is invariably frightening, but we learn what is significantly new only through adventure.” And so, it was off into the unknown for the inaugural BCJ Fall Vermont trips!
Personally, I enjoy going into a new workshop area that I have never visited or have any historical data from previous trips from other guides. Obviously, one needs to be prepared but just the thought of the unfamiliar boils up enthusiasm and excitement in me. With the incredible and meticulous pre-trip research of Matt Meisenheimer as well as some Google research myself, Matt and I descended on Vermont with dozens of potential shooting locations and areas where we wanted to visit and scout. We had dropped pins from Burlington to Saint Johnsbury and a plethora of places in between, and quite frankly, our GPS maps looked like an overzealous 3-year old’s Birthday party Pin the Tail on the Donkey game. One of the challenges with a trip that is dependent and relies much on an extremely variable condition like Fall colors, is one can do all the Google map, Social media, and internet research that you want, but until you are actually at the area, with boots on the ground, looking at what the leaves are doing, where the color is and will be, you’ve really only just got a bunch of specks on a map. After several days of sunup to sundown scouting and lots of driving in the dark on backcountry roads, Matt and I felt confident in our locations for the trips. For these maiden journeys, Matt would be leading one group and I would be joined by the ever so talented José Martinez leading a second group. José and I would then also lead a third group of enthusiastic leaf peepers/photographers a week later.
I must admit, when I first agreed to run these Vermont trips, I had some self-reservations. Though born in the East, I consider myself a Western boy. I have lived much of my life out West and feel a connection to the wide-open spaces and grand scenery the American West offers, and specifically photographically speaking. Admittedly I was also a bit worried that we were going to be too early on the colors, and as I flew into Burlington and saw a LOT of green, my apprehension grew. BCJ needs to plan these workshops at least a year in advance, so it really can be a roll of the dice on the trees and leaves cooperating in showing off their magnificent hues. But Vermont had some wizardry up its sleeve and quite frankly, surpassed my preconceived notions of what Fall in the state could offer a photographer! Pure Magic!
Miraculously much of what was green just 4 days prior transformed into an explosion of some of the most vibrant colors I have ever experienced as a photographer. This transfiguration was not just patches of color here and there but vividness that reached for as far as one could see.
Obviously, the foliage for these workshops is paramount, but our goal was to also highlight some of the classic scenes of the Northeast that assuredly the colors would enhance. Brilliant reds, glowing yellows, and radiant oranges are glamourous on their own, but add classic churches, quintessential farms and barns, charming Covered Bridges, cascading waterfalls, tranquil country roads, and of course the innumerable “ponds” which dot the landscape of the Northeast, and you have a recipe for a photographic adventure beyond anything compared. And what we found was whether it was a man-made or natural splendor, Mother Nature’s proliferation of color embellished the scene to another level. It became very clear that the hype of Fall in Vermont is well deserved, especially for a photographer.
Of course, as is typical with the vast majority of BCJ trips, the restaurants we visited were full of local flavor and zeal and some were downright akin to walking back in time decades into rural Vermont. Imagine if you will, Buttermilk blueberry pancakes the size of your face, topped with melting, whipped butter and smothered with as much pure, Vermont maple syrup you could muster. The aroma of bacon sizzling and a bottomless cup of steaming, strong, black coffee served to you by a waitress that calls you “Hon”, all while sitting on a swivel stool from the 50’s at the counter of the Central Valley Grill. Heaven.
To be so bold to project that the inaugural Vermont trips were colossal jewels placed in the crown of BCJ trips would be a safe assertion. This statement is also supported and made extremely evident by the multitude of smiles, and laughs, and alluring imagery captured and shared by the participants. And all this made possible by taking a road less traveled.
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.