When Robert Mitchell was growing up in Central Pennsylvania's Coal Country, he thought of photography as a hobby.

When he moved to the Boothbay region some 40 years ago, he said the area's beauty not only inspired him, but convinced him to pursue photography as a career.

The stunning natural scenery tends to have that effect, Mitchell said.

“It doesn't matter what you use — a point and shoot, a cheap camera or something else, it will probably come out looking pretty good,” he said. “That's what appeals to me about (taking photos) here.”

Mitchell said that one of the reasons Maine is so agreeable to photographers is the amount of change that happens, even during the course of the day.

“The neat thing about the (Boothbay) peninsula is we're situated north-to-south, so we get really good views when the sun goes east-to-west,” he said. “Also, if you go to a beach in the morning, it's probably not going to look the same when you go back in the afternoon, because of the tides.

“Most of the fun is trying to figure out the timing. Everything is always changing, so day-in, day-out, it's a fun challenge.”

Also changing is some of the scenery: Mitchell said that some of the old buildings he's loved to shoot have disappeared for one reason or another, and another favorite subject of his — fishing shanties and old docks — can succumb to the elements or development.

Other man-made features such as the lighthouses on Burnt Island, the Cuckolds and Ram Island, always make for good photos, but Mitchell said his favorite spots include some of the more well-known points in the region.

Those include places like Spruce Point in Boothbay Harbor, Newagen in Southport and the one spot Mitchell would pick if he could only select one spot to shoot.

“For me it's probably Ocean Point,” he said. “It's rare to find such a large part of land open to the public where you can walk right down (to the ocean). There's so much access, and you're not crossing over someone's private property.”

Although there are private portions of Ocean Point, one of the things that makes it so appealing is the loop road that allows people on foot or in a car access to some of the better views in all of Midcoast Maine, Mitchell said.

To see more of Mitchell's work, visit www.mitchellphoto.com or pick up a copy of the Boothbay Register or Wiscasset Newspaper, where Mitchell writes a weekly column, with a photo, on the front page of the back section.

Midcoast Maine in a Snapshot

The best places to take a photo

Pemaquid: From beautiful sunsets that stretch over South Bristol and East Boothbay, to the small and beautiful working waterfront of New Harbor, to one of America's earliest forts and one of Maine's finest beaches, it's safe to say the Pemaquid area has something for every photographer. Boats out of New Harbor make daily trips to Monhegan Island, another spot that intrigues photographers.

Hendricks Head Beach: If there is one section of the Boothbay region that perfectly encapsulates what Midcoast Maine is all about, Hendricks Head might be it. Located on Southport Island, the beach is framed on one side by Hendricks Head Lighthouse, and looks out onto the Sheepscot River. The beach isn't a shabby attraction, either.

Boothbay Harbor Shipyard: Not only does the shipyard have one of the better views of Boothbay Harbor, it also frequently features classic ships in the cradle. This summer, expect to see Massachusetts tall ship Ernestina-Morrissey as it undergoes renovations.

Ocean Point: In terms of prettiest spots, Ocean Point might have the region licked: crashing waves on a dramatic slice of Maine coast? Check. Beautiful homes seeming to lean out into the water? Double check. A road that captures all the best spots and is open to the public and on-lookers alike? Absolutely.

Dodge Point Preserve: Located almost halfway between Boothbay and Damariscotta, this Newcastle tract features a shady, wooded walk to a beach filled with remnants of the region's brick-making past.

Damariscotta Lake: Caught at the right time of year, it's possible to see loons skating on this 12-mile long lake. Even when the wildlife isn't cooperative, the lake features a bevy of interesting inlets and coves, ripe for exploration.

Porter Preserve: Skirt along the Sheepscot River for a glimpse of ospreys, seals and other wildlife. Porter also has waterfront access and offers up views of several smaller islands, including Ram Islands. Speaking of the Sheepscot ...

Sheepscot Village: Located near the start of the Sheepscot River, this small village features farms, barns, bends and birds.

Seal Cove: Located in South Bristol along the Damariscotta River, Seal Cove offers a best-chance to glimpse harbor seals. It's also home to bald eagles and ospreys. While many access the Cove by boat, those choosing to explore on foot can do so by hiking the Tracy Shore trail.

Monhegan Island: While Wiscasset has claimed the Prettiest Village in Maine title, Monhegan might be the prettiest, period. Between dramatic cliffs that drop into the sea, the rich Maine forests and 360-degree ocean views, Monhegan checks all the boxes when it comes to classic Maine views.