Capturing Serenity: A Photographer's Guide to Upstate New York's Most Picturesque Glamping Spots

By Willow

 

Photographer on Rock over Coniferous Forest in Mountains

Upstate New York is a photographer's paradise, offering a diverse landscape of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and lush forests. When you combine this natural beauty with Wanderglade's unique glamping experiences, you get the perfect recipe for an unforgettable photography adventure. Let's explore some of the most picturesque spots that will make your camera – and your soul – sing.

The Adirondacks: Nature's Grand Canvas

The Adirondack Mountains offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, from misty mountain vistas to serene lakeside scenes.

Scenic Mountain Lake in Summer

Where to Shoot

  • Heart Lake: Capture stunning reflections of surrounding peaks at dawn.

  • Whiteface Mountain: For sweeping panoramas, especially during fall foliage season.

  • Ausable Chasm: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," it's perfect for dramatic landscape shots.

Where to Glamp

For a unique glamping experience in the Adirondacks, consider a luxurious treehouse overlooking Heart Lake. This accommodation allows you to wake up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the leaves, providing the perfect backdrop for your morning photography.

Wanderglade offers a variety of curated rural retreats, from modern yurts to cozy cabins, each designed to provide tranquility and comfort. With transparent pricing and personalized travel maps, planning your escape to nature has never been easier.

Finger Lakes: A Tapestry of Vineyards and Waterfalls

The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its vineyards, waterfalls, and of course, the lakes themselves.

Where to Shoot

  • Watkins Glen State Park: A photographer's dream with its series of waterfalls and gorges.

  • Taughannock Falls: At 215 feet, it's higher than Niagara Falls and offers stunning year-round shots.

  • Keuka Lake Vineyards: Capture the rolling hills covered in neat rows of grapevines, especially beautiful during golden hour.

Where to Glamp

Imagine waking up in a modern yurt perched on a hillside overlooking Keuka Lake. As the morning mist rises from the water, you'll have front-row seats to a spectacular light show. These yurts come equipped with large windows and private decks, perfect for those lazy morning shoots.

Wanderglade’s selection of accommodations ensures you can find the ideal setting for your getaway, with the added benefit of community-curated maps to help you discover hidden gems in the area.

Autumn Trees Beside Lake

Catskills: Where Wilderness Meets Artistry

The Catskill Mountains offer a perfect blend of rugged wilderness and artistic charm, providing diverse subjects for your lens.

Where to Shoot

  • Kaaterskill Falls: One of New York's tallest two-tiered waterfalls, beautiful in every season.

  • North-South Lake: Offers stunning vistas of the Hudson Valley, especially from Sunset Rock.

  • Woodstock: Capture the essence of this artsy town, from colorful street art to charming cafes.

Where to Glamp

Stay in a restored Airstream near Woodstock, blending retro charm with modern comfort. Positioned in a clearing that offers unobstructed views of the starry sky, it’s perfect for night photography enthusiasts.

Wanderglade’s curated retreats in the Catskills provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home.

Hudson Valley: Where History Meets Natural Beauty

The Hudson Valley is a treasure trove of historical sites nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Where to Shoot

  • Mohonk Preserve: Offers miles of carriage roads and trails with stunning vistas.

  • Olana State Historic Site: Capture the Persian-inspired architecture against the backdrop of the Catskill Mountains.

  • Storm King Art Center: An open-air museum where massive sculptures interact with the landscape.

Where to Glamp

Experience the Hudson Valley in our glass-ceiling domes, offering an unparalleled glamping experience. Imagine lying in bed with your camera, capturing the Milky Way arching over you. During the day, the 360-degree views provide endless compositional possibilities.

With Wanderglade, you can easily plan your stay and explore local events that add a unique cultural dimension to your photography portfolio.

English Springer Spaniel Poses by the Lakeshore

Thousand Islands: Where Land and Water Intertwine

The Thousand Islands region offers a unique landscape where tiny islets dot the St. Lawrence River, creating a photographer's playground.

Where to Shoot

  • Boldt Castle: This fairytale-like structure on Heart Island is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset.

  • Singer Castle: On Dark Island, it offers a gothic contrast to the surrounding natural beauty.

  • Wellesley Island State Park: Capture the interplay of land and water from numerous vantage points.

Where to Glamp

Our luxury safari tents on Wellesley Island put you right in the heart of the action. With private docks, you can easily hop in a kayak for early morning water-level shots of mist rising from the river.

Wanderglade’s luxury accommodations ensure you have a comfortable base from which to explore the stunning landscapes of the Thousand Islands.

Essential Photography Tips for Glamping

  • Pack Light but Smart: When glamping, you have the luxury of a comfortable base camp. Still, for day trips, consider a versatile zoom lens to cover multiple scenarios without weighing you down.

  • Golden Hours are Golden: The soft, warm light just after sunrise and before sunset is perfect for landscape photography. Many of our glamping sites are positioned to take full advantage of these magical hours.

  • Embrace the Night: Upstate New York offers some fantastic dark sky areas. Don't forget your tripod and remote shutter release for stunning star trail shots.

  • Weather is Your Friend: Don't shy away from "bad" weather. Stormy skies, fog, and rain can add drama and mood to your images.

  • Respect Nature: Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. Capture memories, leave only footprints.

  • Local Insights: Make use of Wanderglade's local guides. They can provide invaluable information about hidden gems and the best times to visit popular spots.

Your Perfect Shot Awaits

Upstate New York is a visual feast, offering endless opportunities for photographers of all levels. With Wanderglade's unique glamping experiences, you can immerse yourself in this natural beauty while enjoying comfort and luxury.

Our personalized travel maps, curated experiences, and thoughtfully positioned accommodations take the stress out of planning, allowing you to focus on what you love – capturing the perfect shot.

So pack your camera gear, book your Wanderglade glamping experience, and get ready to capture the serene beauty of Upstate New York. Who knows? Your next award-winning shot might be just a glamp away.

Remember, in the world of photography and travel, the journey is just as important as the destination. And with Wanderglade, every step of that journey is designed to inspire, relax, and ignite your creativity. Happy shooting!