Cape Cod Photo Tour (Sept 8-11, 2026)

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PRICE: 

Early Registration: $975 NANPA/ASMP Members, $ 1175 non-members by July 1, 2026

After July 1, 2026: $1075 NANPA/ASMP Members, $1275 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 2, 2026

DATES:

• Tuesday September 8, 2026 at 4 pm to Friday September 11, 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: Tuesday September 8, 2026 at 4 pm in the hotel lobby

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Join photographer Tony Baldasaro on Cape Cod, Massachusetts for a photo tour that involves a mix of classic New England scenery and dynamic shooting situations. You’ll explore lighthouses perched on rugged coastlines, broad sandy beaches with dunes and beach grass, harbors with fishing boats, and quaint village streets with shingled cottages and colorful storefronts. There will be opportunities for sweeping landscape shots at sunrise and sunset, detailed close-ups of nautical textures like ropes, buoys, and creative compositions using reflections in tidal pools and receding waters.

The tour also focuses on photographing Cape Cod’s changing light and atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to practice long exposures to capture motion in waves and clouds, low-light shooting as the sun drops behind the horizon, and thoughtful framing dictated in part by the Cape’s ever-changing weather. In addition, there may be chances to photograph shorebirds, foxes, or coyotes found within the dunes of Cape Cod National Seashore. Throughout the trip, you’ll be guided on how to handle these different shooting scenarios—seascapes, coastal details, and candid street-style scenes in villages, so you come away with a varied and cohesive visual story of Cape Cod.

NANPA is an authorized permittee of the National Parks Service.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

We will be based in the town of Eastham, Massachusetts during this photo tour. 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 photo opportunities during the event dates.

September is a sweet spot to photograph on the Outer Cape—Eastham to Provincetown—when summer warmth lingers but the crowds thin. The light over the dunes and marshes is softer and at lower angles making for opportunities for beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Days are often comfortably warm, nights will be cooler. It’s perfect for getting out and photographing the area comfortably and all the locations are quite walkable. With fewer greenheads/mosquitoes and easier parking, we can linger at overlooks and kettle ponds and have basically unfettered access to all the locations we would like to get to. We will keep the schedule as open as possible to have the flexibility to go where conditions will be best. We will leave the hotel between 5:15 – 5:30 am each morning to be able to be on site to capture sunrise, returning to the hotel for a break around 10 am. We will have a midafternoon photo shoot and photograph sunset after an early dinner. If weather permits, we could photograph Nauset Lighthouse at night, staying out until around 9 pm.

YOUR TOUR LEADER:

Tony Baldasaro

Tony Baldasaro is a professional landscape and nature photographer and educator based in New Hampshire. After studying Biology and Ornithology in college, Tony spent the better part of 30 years in public education doing his best to share his passion for the natural world as well as his unwavering belief that everyone has the capacity to learn.

A New England native, Tony has spent considerable time on the outer Cape, especially in recent years, either photographing for his personal portfolio or leading workshops.  His comfort with the area, as well his familiarity with shooting both sunrise and sunset on the Cape helps him not only plan tours of the area, but also make the needed on-site adjustments necessary to make the best of the conditions present during his workshops.

Combining his educator experience with more than 20 years of nature photography, Tony has found immense joy in helping others improve their photography. He does this through one-on-one coaching, speaking, and workshop opportunities.

Learn more about Tony and see his inspirational TED talk by visiting his website www.tb3photography.com

 

NEAREST AIRPORT:

Nearest major airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Nearest Regional Airport: Providence, RI: Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)

Both airports are a 60-90 minute drive to Eastham, MA depending on time of day and traffic.

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 adequate 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 Tony Baldasaro, 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 Eastham, MA during this photo tour.

NANPA is holding a block of hotel rooms for event participants at a hotel in Eastham, MA at the following rates:

• King or Queen rooms: $159 per night + 14.45% tax and fees.
• Check in time 3 pm, Check out time noon.

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

The last day to register in the NANPA room block is August 7, 2026

MEALS

All meals will be on your own except for one group meal which is included: (late lunch or dinner) in Provincetown on September 10^th

PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS:

Exact locations will depend on weather and atmospheric conditions, but we plan to visit both the ocean and bay side of the Cape. Concentrating on the ocean section in the morning for sunrise and after. Then concentrating on the bay side in the late afternoon. Types of locations include:

• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Beaches
• Fishing Piers
• Tidal estuarine basin
• Tidal flats and tide pools
• Salt marsh
• Boardwalks
• Swamp / wetland
• Grist Mill
• Harbor
• Small towns / villages

PARK PASS:

Cape Cod National Seashore sites are part of the National Park system. Anyone entering the National Park will be required to have a park pass.  If you have an Annual, Senior, Military or Access Pass, bring it with you. If you don’t have one, please buy one in advance.

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:

Please note schedules are fluid due to weather conditions and other variables.
Sunrise ~ 6:15/ am, Sunset ~7:00 pm

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

• “Meet and Greet” at the hotel lobby.
  Welcome, introductions, and opening remarks by Tony
• Dinner at The Knack prior to Salt Pond (not included)
• Sunset photo shoot at Salt Pond

 Wednesday September 9, 2026

• Sunrise and morning photo shoots. We will visit ocean side locations of the outer Cape – ripe with compositions that include dunes, beaches, boats, birds, and seals.
• We would probably find a place for a late breakfast AFTER the shoot and be back at the hotel around 10 am.
• Afternoon photo shoot: White Cedar Swamp. Great spot for intimate landscapes, macro photography. Being in the woods we would be somewhat protected from the harshness of direct sunlight.
• Dinner on your own prior to Sunset Shoot
• Sunset photo shoot. Depending on conditions, we’ll choose between two bay side locations to position us in a great spot for sunset.
• Night photography shoot Nauset Lighthouse (optional and weather permitting)

Thursday September 10, 2026

• Sunrise and morning photo shoot. We’ll return to an ocean facing beach and lighthouse. We will want to pay attention to conditions, but this location gives potential for great sunrise shots. Afterwards perhaps going to another location for a hike and more intimate scenes.
• We would probably find a place for a late breakfast AFTER the shoot and be back at the hotel around 10 am.
• Afternoon photo shoot: Provincetown Harbor – Opportunity to photograph working harbor abstract possibilities.
• Dinner in Provincetown- perhaps late afternoon before sunset excursion
• Sunset photo shoot.  We’ll choose from two beaches. Depending on the fitness level of the group, possibly head out on about a 2-mile round trip hike to a potential photo spot for a different Lighthouse.
• Night photography shoot Nauset Lighthouse (optional and weather permitting)

Friday September 11, 2026

• Morning photo shoot at Salt Pond. This is one of the best locations for both sunrise and sunset shoots, so going there for the morning before leaving for the day will be great.  There is the opportunity for multiple compositions, so there is plenty to shoot even going there twice.
• The event wraps at 11 am

Hotel checkout by noon.

HEALTH AND FITNESS:

There will be no hiking unless requested. Most shooting locations will be very close to where we park. A couple locations will require a walk, but it 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.  Participants should be comfortable walking on the soft sands of the Cape’s beaches.

Please Note: The trail to photograph a lighthouse near Provincetown (2-miles round trip) and the White Cedar swamp trail (1-mile round trip) are the only longer distance hike/walks, both are on well established, hard-packed trails.

WEATHER  

The weather in Eastham, MA during September is typically mildly cool, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, and nighttime low temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. It is a transitional month as summer weather fades into autumn. The chance of rain at this time of year is typically low at 25- 30%. The total average rainfall for the month is about 3.9 inches.

CLOTHING

It is preferable to dress in layers as temperatures can change especially from day to night.

• Rain Jacket & Rain Pants – For rain and wind protection.
• Hiking Boots – preferably waterproof
• Wading boots or sandals – For photographing in the waters.
• Comfortable, active clothing that will allow you to move and walk freely

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.
• A comfortable and easy to use camera backpack. Roller bags will not work on the beaches or trails of the Cape.
• Lots of Memory Card Storage – We suggest fast 64GB cards, good for stills & video.
• Camera Battery Charger and Extra Batteries.
• Sensor Cleaning Tools
• Bulb-type blower and small, soft brush for cleaning sand off equipment
• Soft, perhaps microfiber, cloth for cleaning salt-spray off equipment.
• 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.

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, Tony 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, Tony 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.