Acadian Reflections: Autumn Leaves and Coastal Cliffs

Jan 17

Written By Albert Knapp MD & Ruth Oratz MD

In the high eastern corner of the United States the state of Maine hugs the North Atlantic. Rocky rugged coasts, roaring rivers with thrilling rapids, dense hardwood forests and tranquil lakes were carved by the slow descent of ancient glaciers. Today we think of Maine for its quaint sea-faring towns, scrumptious fresh lobster and fantastic outlet stores. But a trip to Maine in the autumn, though replete with culinary and consumer delights, is really about stunning fall foliage and the coastline off season.

Leaf peeping in New England begins in early October, but because Maine is so far North, the peak here comes earlier than in neighboring New Hampshire and Vermont. A drive North reveals a spectrum that sparkles in its range and amazes in its intensity. The display varies from year to year based on temperatures and amount of spring and summer rainfall. Ruth and I travelled up to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and then worked our way back down the Maine coastline. We were dazzled by Nature’s magnificent and inspiring pageantry.

I brought along my Leica S (Typ 007) and my favorite, indispensable Vario-Elmar-S 30mm-90mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH zoom lens. I also packed the Super-Elmar-S 24mm f/3.5 ASPH, the APO-MACRO-S 120mm f/2.5, the APO-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5 and the Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH. In addition, given the expected low light conditions, I knew I would need my Gitzo traveler G1127 Mk2 tripod coupled to a Kirk BH-1 ball head along with B+W Kaesemann polarizing filters. My Gura Gear Bataflae 32L backpack, a veteran of many campaigns, served me faithfully once again! Ruth sported her trusty Leica Q (Typ 116) Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH.

Lake, Bristol, Maine, USA. Leica S (Typ 007) Vario-Elmar-S 30mm-90mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH @ 44mm, 1/250 sec, f/11 & ISO 800. — Lake, Bristol, Maine, USA.
Leica S (Typ 007) Vario-Elmar-S
30mm-90mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH
@ 44mm, 1/250 sec, f/11 & ISO 800.

**Birch Trees Contre-jour, Sieur de Monts, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Leica S (Typ 007) APO-MACROSummarit- S 120mm f/2.5 @ 1/25 sec, f/8 &ISO 800.**

**Birch Bark Detail, Sieur de Monts, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Leica Q (Typ 116 ) Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH @ 1/640 sec, f/5.6 & ISO 3200.**

Forest photography requires patience, persistence and timing. Finding simplicity in the chaos of trunks and leaves and brush is a challenge. I never set an agenda when planning a forest trip but do take the time beforehand to research each site. My philosophy is straightforward: keep an open and creative mind and take things as they come, but think ahead! As Louis Pasteur aptly stated: “Chance favors the prepared mind”.

I find that overcast days are ideal for foliage photography as the lighting is diffuse and results in more saturated and pleasing colors. A polarizer, particularly a Kaesemann variant given the moist clime, is a must along with a sturdy tripod. Macro as well as contre-jour photography results in particularly beautiful foliage work. Most recently I have become enamored of reflections in the water, entranced by the myriad patterns and unexpected designs to be found. In the lakes and coastal waters of Maine I saw the foliage reflected in ever more lovely ways.

As we celebrate the centenary of the National Parks this year consider Maine. Acadia is a wonderland and the trip back and forth will not disappoint.