Images of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park photography by SUE ANNE HODGES
The Claremont Hotel, in Southwest Harbor, Maine which has stood overlooking the entrance to Somes Sound since the summer of 1884, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this summer with a series of commemorative events. Nice article at
http://mdi.villagesoup.com/Community/story.cfm?storyID=166663
More photos at
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise photo©Sue Anne Hodges
The first days of summer offer special opportunities for photographers. The sun rises and sets at it’s northern most location. So places on the north side of the island or places that face north will get light that they don’t get other times of the year. Every year I plan accordingly and try to be in the right place at the right time. My biggest challenge was a few years ago when I decided I wanted to get a shot of the sun rising over the Porcupine Islands. Little did I know it would take me 3 years to get the shot!
Many mornings began with overcast skies or fog rolling in. But I kept returning in hopes of that perfect sunrise.
On one morning that looked like it had possibilities, I had high hopes and was frustrated when driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain there was a traffic jam! It turned out a commercial for the new Chevy Impala was being filmed.
How frustrated I felt…They were going to get the shot I wanted! But they too were having trouble getting any sun. We were eventually allowed to pass through and yet again, met with a disappointing sunrise. On the way back down the mountain we were stopped again. Luckily my husband was with me , and he was driving. So while he waited, I jumped out and got a nice shot of the sun breaking through. The advertising crew was happy and so was I. But it was still another year before I would finally get the image I wanted. Finally a beautiful clear morning and a view of the sunrise and the islands. About 20 other people were there that morning but no one was more thankful than I was for that glorious view. (Sunrise can be seen anytime of year from Cadillac Mountain but it is much further to the right in framing it. So shots of it don’t show the islands too.)
Sunrise on the first day of summer is around 4:45 a.m. so make sure you are up early and on top of the mountain by at least 4:30. Some of the best images are actually just before the sun comes up! And don’t forget sunset is also at the northern most point in the west. For either there are plenty of other good spots including right in Bar Harbor which is on the northern part of the island!
For more images of Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park go to my site at www.SueAnneHodges.com
Asticou Azalea Garden, Northeast Harbor, Maine photo© Sue Anne Hodges
One of my favorite places in spring is Asticou Azalea Garden, in Northeast Harbor, Maine. It is generally at it’s peak the end of May or beginning of June. The spring green colors of Acadia are also amazing that time of year. They are almost as varied as the fall foliage. Tip: To fully enjoy the spring foliage make sure you bring the bug spray. It is too beautiful to let those pesky black flies keep you indoors!
The 2009 Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Guide Book is now available! My images have appeared in the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Guide book since 1992. And I am happy to have worked with them again on this year’s book. Every year they do a wonderful job of providing great information for planning your vacation in Bar Harbor Maine and Acadia National Park. This year’s book is no exception, with lots of photography, maps, and information about lodging, restaurants, and activities. It will get you started thinking about summer now! You can view and download it on line by clicking here or contact them at www.barharborinfo.com to request a printed version.
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Guide Book 2009
ISLAND LIGHT 