Autumn in the Adirondacks NANPA Photo Tour (September 27-30, 2026)

Register

Early Registration: $895 NANPA/ASMP Members, $1095 non-members by June 27, 2026

After June 27, 2026: $995 NANPA/ASMP Members, $1195 non-members

If you are not currently a member, you may want to consider joining NANPA to take advantage of member pricing on NANPA photo tours (1 year membership $100)

Maximum number of attendees: 10

Last date to register: August 27, 2026

DATES:

• Sunday September 27, 2026 at 3 pm to Wednesday September 30, 2026 at 11 am.
• (optional) TBD 7-8 pm (Eastern Time) Pre-event Preparatory Webinar for participants
• (optional) TBD 7-9 pm (Eastern Time) Post event Image Sharing and Feedback Webinar for participants

Registration and Meet & Greet
Sunday September 27, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the hotel meeting room

EVENT OVERVIEW: 

Join Chris Murray for an Autumn Photography Tour in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of New York State.  We’ll photograph the stunning fall foliage in this magnificent region of streams, ponds, waterfalls, and forests.

The central Adirondack lake country around Saranac Lake is carpeted with lush forests sprinkled with countless lakes and ponds. Each Autumn the forests explode with color; yellows, oranges and reds are mixed with aquamarine, tangerine, cherry, and peach — the colors creating impressionistic paintings on the water.  With the changing of the seasons, fog rises from the water most mornings, softening the colors to beautiful pastels. The possibilities for creative photography are limitless.

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

We will be based in the town of Saranac Lake, NY during this photo tour.

The Adirondack Park is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in New York State. Declared as “Forever Wild” by the New York State legislature in 1892, the Park today comprises almost 6 million acres, an area larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. Of this area, roughly a third is Forest Preserve Land, the rest privately owned in a unique patchwork of public and private lands. What makes the Adirondacks unique from the other mountain ranges in the East is the abundance of water, a remnant of the last Ice Age. The Adirondacks have over 3,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams.

In addition to fall foliage photography, the area also offers some of the finest river, stream and waterfall photography in the Adirondack Park, especially along the Raquette and Ausable Rivers, which alternate between wild whitewater and placid stretches that reflect the fall colors.

We’ll photograph from sunrise to sunset, taking a break for a late breakfast. Dinner will be after sunset. Our weekend is timed for the peak fall color typically found in the area.

This event is designed for all levels of photographers – amateur, intermediate, advanced and professional – interested in improving their photography skills or looking for location guidance to capture images of this magical park.  If you are new to photography, Chris will be available to answer questions, teach new techniques and help you improve your photographic skills.  If you already have plenty of photography experience, Chris will ensure that you’re in the best locations at the best times for those perfect shots.

This tour is open for 10 participants to give each plenty of time with the instructor and to retain flexibility based on weather and the best opportunities.

YOUR TOUR LEADER:

Chris Murray

Chris Murray is a photographic artist, instructor, and writer working primarily in the woods, lakes, mountains, and streams of his home state of New York. His work has appeared in several magazines including Elements, On Landscape, Popular Photography, Shutterbug, Adirondack Life, and New York State Conservationist, among others. Chris leads photography workshops through the Adirondack Photography Institute and has also led NANPA Photo Tours to the Adirondacks area in the past.

Chris’ interest in photographing landscapes is derived mainly from his love of the natural world, the same love that led him to choose geology as his first profession. For Chris, the appeal of photography lies in the opportunity to create art in an environment that ceaselessly inspires him. In photography he strives to make images that are a reflection of his sensibilities and how he sees the world. His goal is not to document literal appearances, but rather make photos that are a creative expression of his emotional response inspired by the subject. Chris’ photography tends toward the quiet and intimate, scenes within a scene with a creative focus on simplicity and detail.

NEAREST AIRPORT(S):

There are a few options, but the largest and most practical airports are Albany International (ALB) or Hancock International Airport in Syracuse (SYR). Both are a 3-3.5 hour drive from Saranac Lake. 

Other, smaller airport options include:

• Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), (about 1 hr driver from Saranac Lake) is serviced by American and United Airlines and has connections to/from Philadelphia and Dulles International airport in Virginia.
• Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK), located in Lake Clear, is a 10-minute drive from downtown Saranac Lake. Cape Air offers three daily round-trip flights to Boston’s Logan International Airport, and one daily round trip to New York’s JFK International Airport.

EVENT TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation to and from the airport and during the event is not included and is the attendees’ responsibility. Car rental is available at the airport. A regular front wheel drive car is suitable for this event.

Ride Sharing: We will depart daily from the hotel. Ride sharing is recommended to keep the total number of vehicles down to a manageable size. You are welcome to either drive or ride with someone. This is a great way to meet and have fun with fellow photographers during the event. If you are a passenger in another participant’s car it is customary to offer the driver some gas money and chip in towards any vehicle admission/parking fee as a courtesy.

Note that NANPA, and Chris Murray, do not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assume no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

LODGING:

We will be based in Saranac Lake, New York during this photo tour.

NANPA is holding a block of hotel rooms for event participants at a hotel in Saranac Lake, NY at the following rates:

• Two Queen or One King Bed: $145 + tax/fees per night

Check in time 3 pm, Check out time 11 am.

Hotel details and reservation procedure will be shared with registered participants.

The last day to register in the NANPA room block is 5 pm EDT August 27, 2027

MEALS:

All meals will be on your own except for one dinner on Tuesday which is included.

PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS:

Some of the types of locations that we will most likely photograph include:

• Mountain vistas
• Ponds and shorelines
• Forests
• Bogs / wetlands
• Waterfalls / streams

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:

Please note schedules are fluid due to weather conditions and other variables.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

• “Meet and Greet” at 3 pm in the meeting room at hotel. Welcome, introductions, and opening remarks by Chris followed by a short presentation – “Fall Photography Possibilities in the Saranac Lake Area”
• Afternoon photo shoot
• Dinner on your own

Monday September 28, 2026 Sunrise ~ 6:59 am, Sunset ~6:35 pm

• Morning photo shoot
• Breakfast
• Midday photo shoot and/or rest time
• Evening photo shoot
• Dinner (on your own)
• Night photography shoot (optional)

Tuesday September 29, 2026 Sunrise ~ 6:59 am, Sunset ~6:35 pm

• Morning photo shoot
• Breakfast
• Midday photo shoot and/or rest time
• Evening photo shoot
• Group Dinner (included in the tour fee)
• Night photography shoot (optional) 

Wednesday September 30, 2026 Sunrise ~ 7:00 am

• Morning photo shoot
• Image review
• The event wraps at 11 am
• Hotel checkout at 11 am.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

There will be no mountain hiking unless requested. Most shooting locations will be very close to where we park. A couple will require a walk, but will be flat. The length of the walk will be up to the participant and how much they wish or are able to explore, there will be photographic possibilities along the way.

WEATHER

The weather in Saranac Lake, NY, during September is typically mildly cool, with average high temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. It is a transitional month as summer weather fades into autumn.

• Daily Highs: The average high temperature starts around 71°F at the beginning of the month and decreases to approximately 61°F by the end of September.
• Daily Lows: Nighttime lows also drop throughout the month, from around 48°F on September 1st to about 39°F by September 30th. Temperatures rarely fall below freezing (28°F) or exceed 80°F.  

CLOTHING

It is preferable to dress in several warm layers as temperatures can change significantly and quickly.

• Warm Coat and Pants
• Fleece Under Layer – Can be added or removed as the temperature changes.
• Rain Jacket & Rain Pants – For rain and wind protection.
• Hat, gloves
• Hiking Boots – preferably waterproof
• Wading boots or sandals – For photographing in the waters.
• Dress for the indoor sessions will be casual.

CAMERA GEAR:

• Camera – DSLR or mirrorless, full frame or cropped sensor. Also, bring the camera manual should you need to consult it.
• Lenses – There will likely be photo opportunities for your full range of lenses, from extreme wide angle to telephoto and macro. We will likely use lenses from 10-400mm.
• Non-abrasive Lens Cleaning Cloth and Wipes.
• Tripod – Sunrise, sunset, twilight and nighttime light levels are too low to photograph properly without a sturdy tripod. A lightweight carbon fiber tripod with a ball head is recommended.
• Lots of Memory Card Storage – We suggest fast 64GB cards, good for stills & video.
• Camera Battery Charger and Extra Batteries.
• Sensor Cleaning Tools
• Polarizing filter(s) to fit each of your lenses.
• Neutral Density Filters, Graduated Neutral Density Filters
• Shutter Release – You can use a locking cable release, a wireless remote, or the camera’s self-timer (except in BULB).
• Rain Cover – For camera and lens protection.
• Laptop Computer – for downloading, processing and viewing your images.
• Image Processing Software – Good choices include Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Elements.
• Back-up device – Such as an external hard drive.
• Flash Drive – For sharing images (if schedule allows).

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

• Flashlight and/or Headlamp
• Cell Phone
• Water bottle/snacks/medicine
• Energy bars or other snacks

GENERAL:

This event is designed for nature photographers at all levels of experience. This tour is open for 10 participants to give each plenty of time with the leader and to retain flexibility based on weather and the best opportunities. For the best experience, please know your camera before you arrive, and bring your manual in case we need to look up something.

Assistance will be available in the field for those who wish to improve their photographic skills. If you already have plenty of photography experience, Chris will ensure you get to the best locations at the best times to capture those perfect shots.

Please keep in mind this NANPA event is designed to be a photo tour, not a photo workshop. In other words, there are no formal instruction sessions planned, there are no assignments, you will not be receiving any handouts or the like. That being said, Chris has extensive experience as a photography teacher and workshop leader and will be available to answer questions and give you guidance.

If need help, please advocate for yourself and speak up and ask for help. Be aware that many of your fellow participants may also be accomplished photographers and may be able to help you too.  Part of the NANPA Photo Tour experience is the camaraderie that comes from sharing experiences and lessons learned among participants. If you notice someone with the same or similar camera, perhaps they can help you with an issue you’ve been wondering about, and maybe you can return the favor.

Attendance and participation at NANPA Photo Tours is limited to registered attendees only.  Anyone wishing to participate in any portion of, or travel with a registered attendee during the group event must contact the NANPA office and pay the full registration fee.

NANPA Photo Tour Cancellation and No Refund Policy:  

NANPA Photo Tour registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If participant cancels their event registration, NANPA will not offer any refunds for event registration fees for this event regardless of when the cancellation is made or the reason for the cancellation.

NANPA reserves the right to cancel any event or activity due to insufficient registration or any unforeseen circumstances. It also has the right to substitute event leaders, or adjust the number of event leaders if those originally scheduled cannot attend, or other unforeseen circumstances arise.

If NANPA cancels the event, NANPA will offer a variety of options to participants, including the transfer of their registration fees to a future NANPA event or a refund of the event registration fee unless the cancellation is due to a force majeure* occurrence. NANPA assumes no liability whatsoever for fees, penalties, or other costs incurred by you from airlines, hotels, or any other sources outside of the event registration fees.  

*Force Majeure 

“Force Majeure” means that NANPA will not be liable for any alleged damages because of any circumstances including, but without limitation, explosion, flood, storm, fire, war or threat of war, civil disturbance, sickness, pandemic, quarantine, weather conditions or other unexpected occurrences. If a Force Majeure event occurs, NANPA will notify you of the nature and extent of the incident. NANPA may unilaterally vary or cancel an itinerary in cases of Force Majeure. Refunds or partial refunds will be at the sole and absolute discretion of NANPA. NANPA will attempt to reimburse you where possible however we will deduct from any refund the reasonable actual and potential costs to NANPA of the Force Majeure event. 

Please know that sometimes unanticipated and uncontrollable circumstances will force us to alter expected plans during a photo tour. NANPA cannot be held responsible for unanticipated events (such as park closures, natural disasters, civil unrest, weather, etc.) that either prevents you from attending or us altering our location shoots. NANPA will do their best to work around any unforeseen circumstances.

Tour participants without travel insurance will be considered “self insured” meaning you assume all risks and losses for any condition requiring your cancellation.

NANPA strongly encourages participants to protect their investment and purchase travel insurance. NANPA is affiliated with two different travel insurance providers.

Event Registration Fee Cancellation Insurance:

We offer event cancellation insurance (which solely covers your event registration fee if you need to cancel your participation) as part of the registration process through NANPA’s partner, Allianz. More information on this option will be shown during the checkout process for the event registration.

NOTE: If you do not purchase event (registration fee) insurance at the time that you pay for your registration, you will NOT be able to go back and purchase it with Allianz later. However, you can add the NANPA event registration fee to the expenses you cover with an alternative travel insurance policy. 

Travel Insurance: 

We understand that the need to make last minute cancellations due to illness, family, or business matters can happen to anyone. For maximum coverage, you may want to consider an alternative travel insurance policy that offers a “cancel for any reason” clause. However, be aware that such options may only be available if you purchase your travel insurance within 1 to 2 weeks of your tour payment. A “cancel for any reason” option is not available with the Allianz insurance option we provide during registration, but is available with other travel insurance purchased separately.

If you want coverage for other travel expenses like flights, you will need to purchase travel insurance separately, you can do so with your own insurance carrier, or NANPA members can receive a special travel insurance rate that covers other travel-related expenses besides your registration fee through USI Affinity/Travel Insurance Services.

Feel free to use any travel insurance company you choose. Compare rates, shop around. However, to protect your investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance whenever a non-refundable amount such as your NANPA registration fees has been paid. You may increase the amount of coverage as the date of departure nears and additional non-refundable payments are made. The sites www.travelinsurance.com and www.insuremytrip.com can be useful for comparing policies.