Capturing Amish Country: A Photographer's Guide to Lancaster County

Before we delve into camera settings and composition tips, let's address the elephant in the room: photographing Amish people requires cultural sensitivity that goes beyond typical travel photography etiquette. The Amish believe that photographs violate the biblical commandment against making graven images and can promote individualism and pride.

During my visits to Lancaster County, I've learned to respect these beliefs by focusing my lens on landscapes, architecture, and scenes that don't prominently feature recognizable Amish individuals. This doesn't mean you can't capture the essence of Amish life – just do so from a respectful distance, perhaps photographing buggies from behind or farmers working in distant fields.

When visiting markets or shops, I always ask permission before taking photos of crafts or food displays. Most non-Amish shopkeepers are accommodating, but always honor any refusals graciously. Respeto – respect – is the foundation of meaningful cultural exchange, whether through food or photography.

Lancaster County unfolds like a hand-painted canvas, especially in the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. I've found that the rolling farmlands between the towns of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse offer some of the most picturesque vistas. The patchwork of differently cultivated fields creates natural leading lines and patterns that photography instructors dream about.

For the best elevated views, I recommend driving the back roads around Ephrata and climbing the modest hills near Neffsville. From these vantage points, you can capture sweeping landscapes dotted with traditional bank barns and farmhouses without intruding on anyone's privacy.

When photographing these pastoral scenes, I rely on my polarizing filter to manage reflections and enhance the deep blues of the sky against the verdant fields. The filter brings out those dramatic clouds that often build up over the Pennsylvania countryside in summer afternoons.

Don't overlook the covered bridges that punctuate the landscape. My favorite is the Hunsecker Mill Bridge spanning the Conestoga River – arrive just after sunrise with a remote shutter release to capture the bridge in perfect morning light without camera shake.

The rhythms of agricultural life in Lancaster County offer photographers an authentic glimpse into traditions that have remained largely unchanged for generations. During my summer visits, I've found that early mornings (between 5:30-7:00 AM) provide opportunities to photograph farm activities from public roads without intrusion.

The harvest scenes in particular remind me of my culinary background – seeing the direct connection between field and table is something that resonates deeply with my philosophy about food. Watch for farmers working their fields with horse-drawn equipment – these scenes create powerful juxtapositions of traditional methods in modern times.

For these agricultural scenes, I often use my telephoto lens which allows me to capture distant farm activities respectfully. The compression effect of a telephoto lens also beautifully stacks the rolling hills in your composition.

Farmers' markets provide another wonderful photography opportunity. The Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market and Central Market in downtown Lancaster showcase the bounty of local produce. As a chef, I find these displays of heirloom vegetables and handcrafted foods irresistible subjects. The vibrant colors of fresh produce pop when using a light diffuser to soften harsh midday shadows.

As someone who's spent a lifetime exploring the connections between food, culture, and history, I find Lancaster County's traditional crafts and culinary heritage particularly fascinating to document. The region's quilting traditions, woodworking, and food preparation methods tell stories that span generations.

Many Amish craft shops and non-Amish owned museums welcome photography (though always ask first). The Landis Valley Museum and The Amish Farm and House provide photographer-friendly environments where you can capture traditional crafts and cooking demonstrations.

When photographing indoor spaces with varying light conditions, I've found my light meter invaluable for getting accurate exposures of dimly lit workshops and kitchens. The traditional methods of food preservation – from apple butter making to canning – create visually rich scenes that connect directly to my interests in culinary history.

For capturing the intricate details of quilts and handcrafted items, consider using a macro extension tube set which transforms standard lenses into macro lenses without the expense of dedicated macro glass. These affordable adapters let you get close-up shots of the stunning handwork that defines Amish craftsmanship.

During my last visit, I spent an afternoon photographing the process of pretzel-making at one of the local pretzel factories – the twisting of dough by hand is a dance of muscle memory and tradition that tells the story of Pennsylvania Dutch culinary heritage better than words ever could.

Summer in Lancaster County offers distinct photographic opportunities that change with the agricultural calendar. Early summer (June) brings lush green fields and the first harvests, while late summer (August) features golden wheat and corn reaching impressive heights.

One of my favorite summer photography experiences is capturing the haymaking process – watching teams of horses pull harvesting equipment through fields as families work together creates images that feel timeless. The contrast between deep blue summer skies and golden hay bales is particularly striking.

During my visits, I've learned to keep a weather-sealed camera bag ready at all times. Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the landscape, creating spectacular lighting conditions just before and after the rain. These brief moments offer dramatic skies that transform ordinary farm scenes into extraordinary photographs.

The summer heat can be challenging for both photographers and equipment. I always carry a cooling towel that provides hours of relief when soaked in cold water. This simple item has saved many photography sessions when temperatures climb into the 90s.

Qué calor! The humidity can be intense, but the resulting morning mist creates atmospheric conditions that photographers dream about. Rise before dawn, find a high vantage point overlooking a valley, and watch as the first light reveals farms emerging from the mist like islands in a white sea.