A camera with a telephoto lens (120 mm) was used as a range-finder to measure the distribution of height to lowest leaf within forest canopies in 12 hardwood stands in New Hampshire [USA]. Estimates of leaf area index (LAI) and the distribution of leaf area by height are developed from these data, and compared with results obtained with standard techniques. The method proved accurate in determining foliage-height profiles, but inaccurate in estimating total LAI.