Have you taken photos of spectacular autumn foliage only to discover the images don’t capture Vermont’s true fall beauty? If so, here’s your chance to learn from an expert photographer while enjoying some of the area’s most picturesque views. The Woodstock Photo Tour, available now through October 31st, is conducted by Local Captures and is perfect if you want to see and photograph the back roads and landscapes around Woodstock.

Photographer Francois Gossieaux, founder of Local Captures, answered a few questions about the Saturday tours:

Q: Who leads these tours?

A: The Woodstock Tours are done by various photographers, including myself, Keith Edmunds (http://www.keithedmunds.com/), and Lisa Lacassa (http://www.lisalacassephotography.com/). 

Q: How long have you done this?

A: We tested some of the assumptions about the business last fall and launched the company in July, which is when we started doing Woodstock Tours. 

Q: What can people hope to see on the tour?

A: On our tours, people can expect a passionate local photographer to show them all the right places in the area and teach them how to take great shots rather than just snapshots. Most of our photographers are also very familiar with the history of the areas they call home. Popular spots on the Woodstock tour have included Cloudland Road, the Woodstock Green and the Middle Bridge, SculptureFest on Prosper Road, and some of the views and reflections on the Ottauquechee River.

We usually customize the tour somewhat based on what guests’ needs are, but in general we take them to the Jenne Farm in Reading; we walk South Woodstock and Woodstock; we make a quick stop at Quechee Gorge, then visit downtown Quechee and the falls on the Ottauquechee, the Taftsville covered bridge, some reflections on the Ottauquechee River, Cloudland Road, Prosper Road, downtown Bridgewater, and then either a sunset spot on a pond or a quick run to the Coolidge Homestead.

Q: Do the tours end in October?

A: We are planning on continuing tours throughout the winter and adding winter tours, such as a snowshoeing tour. We collaborate with inns and hotels, as we actually share a common goal, which is to provide guests with a unique local experience.

The cost for the six-hour photo tour is $150. To sign up, go to the Local Captures’ website, www.localcaptures.com/shop/landscape/woodstock-vt-photo-tour/.