Chasing Fall Colors at Willoughby Lake – Landscape, Nature, and Wildlife Photography in New England
Yesterday, I set out on a photography adventure that reminded me exactly why I fell in love with landscape, nature, and wildlife photography in the first place. As a New Hampshire photographer based in the North Country, I spend a lot of time traveling around New England and the United States, searching for those perfect moments in nature—the kind of fleeting beauty that makes you stop and breathe it all in.
This time of year, nothing compares to fall foliage in New England. The season has officially peaked, and the vibrant reds, oranges, and golds seem to set the hillsides on fire. Every year feels new, different, and breathtaking in its own way. Yesterday, I decided to take a drive just across the border into Vermont to visit Willoughby Lake in Westmore. It’s a stunning location known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and wide sandy beaches. Add in peak autumn color, and it’s every landscape photographer’s dream.
Fog, Patience, and the Perfect Shot
When I first arrived at the lake, I was greeted not by sweeping views but by thick fog. The water was calm and quiet, the shoreline barely visible. Many people might have packed up and left, but as any nature photographer knows, patience is often the key to capturing extraordinary images.
I set up my gear, took in the stillness, and waited. Slowly, as the sun climbed higher, the fog began to lift. The cliffs surrounding Willoughby Lake emerged like giants from the mist, and the foliage on the hillsides revealed itself in brilliant shades of crimson and gold. It was the kind of moment every landscape photographer hopes for—a transformation from mystery to magic, where nature puts on a show for those willing to watch.
Drone Photography Over Willoughby Lake
Alongside my traditional camera gear, I also brought my drone to capture aerial footage of the lake. Drone photography adds a whole new perspective to my work. From above, Willoughby Lake looked like a ribbon of deep blue framed by fiery foliage. The contrast of water against color is something you just can’t fully appreciate from the ground.
I also flew the drone over one of the sandy beaches, capturing both wide panoramas and closer details of the shoreline. The symmetry of the waves meeting autumn leaves scattered along the sand made for an image that blends both landscape and fine art photography. For me, these perspectives help tell a fuller story of what it feels like to be in that place at that moment.
Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, Geese, and a Blue Heron
Nature photography is never just about the scenery—it’s also about the wildlife that brings a landscape to life. As I explored the lake, I noticed plenty of ducks paddling along the shoreline and groups of geese flying overhead. But the real highlight was spotting a majestic blue heron.
The heron stood silently near the water’s edge, blending almost perfectly with the reeds. With careful steps, I managed to capture a few shots before it took off in flight, wings wide and powerful against the backdrop of autumn colors. Wildlife photography like this takes quick reflexes and a good eye, but when you capture that perfect moment, it’s unforgettable.
Why I Love Being a NH Photographer
Living in New Hampshire gives me easy access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in New England. From the White Mountains to hidden lakes, from fall foliage to snowy peaks, every season offers something new to explore. But part of my journey as a photographer has also been traveling beyond New Hampshire. I’ve been fortunate to capture landscapes, wildlife, and nature scenes throughout the United States—from rugged coastlines to quiet forests, from mountain ranges to wide-open plains.
Still, there’s something special about New England, especially in autumn. As a NH photographer, I feel lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty right outside my door. It fuels my creativity and inspires me to share these moments with others.
Prints and Photography Gifts Available
Many of the images from my trips, including this recent adventure to Willoughby Lake, are available as prints and photography gifts through my online cart. Whether you’re looking to decorate your home, brighten your office, or find a unique gift for a nature lover, there’s something for everyone.
Prints of landscapes, nature, and wildlife allow you to bring a piece of the outdoors into your space. Imagine a large print of Willoughby Lake in autumn hanging above your couch, or a calming image of fog lifting from the water in your office. I also offer smaller prints, calendars, and gifts that make it easy to share the beauty of New England photography with friends and family.
When you purchase from my cart, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting an artist who spends countless hours exploring, waiting, and capturing fleeting moments in the natural world. Each photograph is a story, a memory, and a reminder of how extraordinary our landscapes and wildlife truly are.
Landscape, Nature, and Wildlife Photography in Every Season
While autumn is perhaps the most celebrated season in New England, landscape and nature photography here is a year-round adventure. In winter, the mountains and lakes are covered in snow and ice, creating serene, monochrome landscapes. Spring brings renewal—flowers blooming, rivers rushing, and migratory birds returning. Summer offers lush greens, golden sunsets, and the chance to capture wildlife in its busiest season.
That’s why I love continuing my photography journey across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and beyond. Each trip offers new perspectives and new chances to tell the story of our changing natural world.
Final Thoughts
Yesterday’s trip to Willoughby Lake in Westmore, Vermont was a perfect reminder of why I do what I do. From waiting out the fog to capturing drone footage, from photographing fall foliage to spotting a blue heron in flight, the day was full of beauty and inspiration.
As a NH photographer traveling through New England and across the United States, I strive to share these landscapes, nature scenes, and wildlife moments with anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of fall, the calm of fog lifting off a lake, or the elegance of a heron in flight, I hope my work speaks to you.
Don’t forget—you can bring these scenes into your own space. Browse my prints and gifts available in my store, and take home a piece of the natural beauty that inspires me every day.
