Summer at Portland Head LightSummer at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

This summer, we drove up from D.C. to Maine for an August vacation. Maine is wonderful in the summertime. The weather was pleasant and the scenery was amazing. While we spent most of our time in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and the surrounding area, we made stops in Portland, both on our way up from D.C. and on our way back. Portland Head Light (above) was especially scenic.

Most of the scenery we got to enjoy was in Acadia. Here's a sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain:

Cadillac Mountain Summer SunriseA summer sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine.

On my first visit to the top of Cadillac Mountain, I encountered thick fog and couldn't see anything. That was quite disappointing, so I was relieved on my second try to get this beautiful sunrise. There's nothing worse than getting up at 4:00 AM to take a sunrise photo and encountering thick fog. (Don't most people sleep-in when on vacation?)

Fortunately, sunset photos don't require waking up so early. Here are a couple of photos from Otter Point:

Summer Sunset at Otter PointTurbulent ocean water crashes against the rocks during a summer sunset at Otter Point in Acadia National Park, Maine. Summer Twilight at Otter PointTurbulent ocean water crashes against the rocks at twilight during the summer at Otter Point in Acadia National Park, Maine.

In this case, shooting the sunset meant skipping dinner with everyone else. Unfortunately, the best times for shooting landscapes happen to be the most inconvenient.

Here's another sunset, but this time at Bass Harbor Head Light:

Bass Harbor Head Light Summer SunsetBass Harbor Head Light is a lighthouse at the head of Bass Harbor in Maine. It was constructed in 1858.

Maine is well known for its lighthouses. The following is one more of Portland Head Light:

Blue Skies Over Portland Head LightSummer at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

This trip in August was my first attempt at shooting landscapes in Maine. I think it was quite a success. We all had a lot of fun too. I'll definitely have to go back!