The Finger Lakes region is known for its breathtaking scenery, vineyards and wineries. The best part of this tour is that we will be experiencing both! We will visit a handful of cascading waterfalls and gorges, including the famous Watkins Glen, towering Taughannock Falls, and some lesser-known waterfalls and streams. Included in this trip is a stay at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, where you’ll have views looking out over Seneca Lake. We’ll be sure to fit in some wine tasting and vineyard exploring to complement our waterfall chasing. This tour is for the photographer looking for short, classic getaway and wants to master using Filters.
Our itinerary is subject to change. We may switch up days, shoot orders, etc. to accommodate for changing weather and the pace of the group.
🖼️Making Impactful Landscapes
✔️Using Tripods Properly
🔘 Using ND and Polarizing Filters
📷 Concepts in Composition
🎨 White Balance & Color
🗻Depth, Compression of Perspective & Scale
Discover the charm of Glenora Wine Cellars, the first winery on Seneca Lake, located just 10 minutes from Watkins Glen, NY, in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Stay in the Vintner’s guestroom, which has two queen beds, a spacious bathroom, and a private patio overlooking the vineyards and Seneca Lake. Enjoy your complimentary bottle of wine while you relax and take in the view.
You will have your own room (you won't need to share) for the duration of the trip.
If you are coming from Boston, North or South of Boston, you will meet Kris in Blackstone, MA for 9 AM. If you are coming from West of Blackstone, Kris will pick you up at a nearby Park-N-Ride along the route. The total ride from Blackstone is close to 6 hours. There will be a lunch and bathroom breaks on the way.
Our first stop is Tremen Falls . Nestled in a serene environment, the falls cascade down rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of rushing water.
We will spend time here getting acquainted with our gear and will serve as a starting point for the rest of the trip.
There is something for everyone at this popular spot!
Spend the entire morning exploring Watkins Glen, where cascading waterfalls and stunning gorge views await. As you wander through the park, you'll find numerous vantage points to snap pictures of the 19 waterfalls, each unique and mesmerizing. The vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage create a picturesque backdrop. Be sure to explore the winding trails and stone bridges for incredible angles.
This is definitely one of our favorite lunch spots in the area, with made-to-order deli sandwiches. Family-owned and operated, this butcher shop and meat market opened in 2018.
You can't come to the Finger Lakes and not try some of the wine!
Nestled along Seneca Lake, this family-owned vineyard invites you to savor a diverse selection of handcrafted wines. As you explore, you’ll enjoy views of the vineyards. Knowledgeable staff will guide you through the various vintages, sharing the unique stories behind each bottle.
Get ready for even more waterfalls. By now, you should really have the hang of it. Shequaga is located directly in the middle of a town, and Eagle Cliff is, in our opinion, one of the more picturesque.
Photograph the sunset in Harbor Park on Seneca Lake. Capture the hues as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a glow over the water.
Taughannock Falls is a stunning natural wonder. Standing at an impressive 215 feet, this waterfall is one of the tallest east of the Rocky Mountains. We will first shoot from the observation area and then take a short, scenic hike along the trail that leads you closer to the falls.
Ithaca Falls is our last stop on the tour. This waterfall cascades over 150 feet, creating a mesmerizing sight that attracts visitors year-round.
We will head directly from Ithaca back to Blackstone for the end of the tour. The drive from Ithaca is slightly shorter, at 5 hours. We will stop for lunch on the way back.
We will be in touch some time after the tour to organize an optional Zoom session to review our images together and offer critique.
This tour is easy. This tour is laid back. There will be rocky outcroppings but these are optional. Some walking in water (bring waterproof boots if you would like to wade). In Watkins Glen, we will be walking the entire gorge trail but in the downhill direction (about 800 steps), with a shuttle to bring us back to the top. Walking on pavement, grass and dirt roads.
✅ All overnight accommodation at Glenora Wine Cellars
✅ Ground transport from Massachusetts
✅ Breakfast at the hotel
✅ Park Admissions & Fees
✅ Photography guidance & instruction
✅ After-tour Zoom Session for Feedback
❌ Alcohol, Lunches, Dinners
❌ Any tips or gratuities
❌ Travel Insurance
You will automatically receive information about travel insurance with our partner, Redpoint, a couple of days after your successful trip registration. You can take a peek here.
Kris Simard is a photographer who specializes in landscape and nature. He seeks out and researches the best times and lighting for everywhere he shoots. He takes pride in immersing himself in a landscape to capture the unique perspective that defines his style. Kris lives in Blackstone, Massachusetts and has been an instructor with BlueHour for the past 6 years. He finds great satisfaction in selling his work. He says "to create images that someone appreciates enough to purchase and display in their own home is the ultimate compliment."
