Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?

No! You can make great images right away with simple equipment, and that’s what this workshops aim to teach you. If you have photographed before and aim to update yourself on the latest techniques in digital photography, this is definitely for you. If you are just starting out and have a new camera you want to learn, this is for you, too. If you are a seasoned veteran who doesn’t need much help, just wants to go to great locations and have fun with like-minded individuals, well, this is for you, as well!

What does the itinerary look like?

Our itinerary can and will change due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to get you in the best possible locations to match the conditions. That said, here’s an idea of what our day might look like.

• Sunrise Photoshoot: We will most likely meet early in the morning, near 4 AM, to get out to capture sunrise. If the conditions are cloudy, we’ll be departing later.

• Breakfast: We’ll stay together for a group breakfast.

• Classroom Time: We’ll have time after breakfast to download our images and listen to a quick presentation on landscape photography before our image review session, which is meant to help you improve your photography.

• Afternoon Photoshoot: Depending on the weather, we’ll choose a location appropriate for interesting photography.

• Late Lunch/ Early Dinner: We’ll have another group meal before heading out for our final evening photoshoot.

• Sunset Photoshoot: We’ll photograph sunset or evening light somewhere on Mount Desert Island before wrapping up the workshop after sunset, likely around 8:30 PM.

Possible locations might include but are not limited to:

• Sand Beach

• Thunder Hole

• Boulder Beach

• Otter Cliffs

• Lesser Known Spots on Ocean Drive

• Sieur De Monts / Jesup Path

• Carriage Road Bridges

• Eagle Lake

• Jordan Pond

• Bass Harbor (not the lighthouse)

What are the fitness requirements?

Minimal: There will be no strenuous hiking involved during the workshop and most locations will be close to the road.  Some locations may involve walks of up to two miles with no serious elevation gains. The terrain along the coast can be very uneven and sometimes slippery so caution is always a prudent consideration.  Hiking boots and a modest level of health and fitness will greatly enhance your experience.

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Lenses to cover 16-200mm on a full frame sensor are recommended, 10-150mm on a crop sensor.

• A sturdy tripod and ballhead

• Circular polarizing filter

• Waterproof camera bag (a shoulder bag is not recommended)

• Waterproof covering for your camera and lens

• Laptop Computer with editing software, preferably Adobe Lightroom Classic

• Card Reader if your computer doesn’t have one

• Extra Batteries

• Extra Memory Cards

What about transportation?

Flights: We recommend flying into Portland, Maine (PWM) or Bangor, Maine (BGR).

Car Rentals and Carpooling: Participants will need their own transportation to to and from the workshop. On the day of the workshop, we encourage carpooling to reduce our environmental impact, the amount of space we take up, and especially to encourage camaraderie and fun times with other participants. Arrangements can be made ahead of time if you indicate a willingness to be a driver/passenger.

What about lodging?

We recommend lodging at the Inn on Mount Desert, Acadia Hotel, or another establishment of your choice close to downtown Bar Harbor. We’ll meet in town on Friday morning before heading into the park.

What should I wear?

• Temperatures in Acadia in May range from cool 40’s to sometimes very warm days near 80 degrees. For that reason we recommend bringing a range of clothing from shorts and short sleeves to long pants and long sleeve shirts along with sweaters and a light jacket.

• Sturdy Hiking Shoes for grip and balance on rocks

• Waterproof and Windproof Shell

• Bug Spray (mosquitoes can be present in a few locations, ticks are rare but possible)

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

• We’re experts at predicting and taking advantage of every kind of weather. It’s been said, and we wholeheartedly agree, that bad weather can be good weather for landscape photography. Safety will remain a top priority.

What does my tuition cover?

• Your tuitions covers all fieldwork, group instruction, and classroom time. We will also stock emergency first aid kits.

• It does not include travel insurance, transportation, meals and lodging.

What am I responsible for?

• Hotel Accommodations

• All Meals

• Transportation

• Travel Insurance

• Acadia National Park Entrance Fees - You can purchase a pass online HERE. There are several locations throughout the island to purchase passes, as well. We recommend the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

What are your terms and conditions?

• Cancelations: Cancelations made 45 days in advance will receive a full refund. Cancelations less than 45 days before the start of the workshop will receive no refund. If a canceled spot is able to be filled before the start date of the workshop a full refund will be given, including the deposit.