Downeast Maine and Puffins

July 27 - 30, 2026

  • Lubec, Maine, USA

  • $3250 per person

  • Benjamin Williamson and Jay Fleming, with special assistance from Jack Sullivan

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About the Workshop

The Bold Coast of Down East Maine is one of the most dramatic and photogenically rich stretches of shoreline in North America. From the picturesque working harbor of Cutler to the rugged headlands of West Quoddy, the easternmost point in the United States, this area will fill you with awe and wonder.

The highlight of this trip is the opportunity to photograph puffins on land from the only publicly accessible blinds in the United States, just feet from nesting birds. Along with puffins, we'll observe and photograph Razorbills, Common Murres, and Arctic Terns up close, capturing distinctive behaviors and birds in flight. These little birds are wildly charismatic and endlessly photogenic. We will be right there with you, covering composition, wildlife behavior, light reading, and post-processing fundamentals, helping you make the most of every moment.

We partner exclusively with Bold Coast Charter Co., the only U.S. tour operator authorized to make landings on Machias Seal Island. Bold Coast has been running this trip for many years, and the safety of their passengers is always their first priority. That said, both departures and landings are subject to weather and sea conditions. We encourage you to read the Bold Coast FAQ for full details. If departure is possible but landing is not, the boat will cruise the island's shores, where we'll photograph puffins swimming and in flight, and may also encounter harbor seals and gray seals resting on the rocks.

In addition to the boat trips, we'll have outings to photograph the distinctive red-and-white-striped West Quoddy Lighthouse at sunrise, sunset and possibly at night, fishing vessels in picturesque Lubec and Cutler Harbors, and an excursion into the beautiful coastal forests and headlands at Boot Head, Bog Brook, or Hamilton Cove Preserves.

With just 12 participants and two expert instructors, plus an assistant, you'll receive real, personalized guidance in the field.

Instructors

Benjamin Williamson is one of Maine's most celebrated photographers. He’s a former staff photographer and photo editor for Down East Magazine, whose work has been exhibited in major institutions across the state and licensed widely for commercial use. Benjamin leads photography workshops from the Allagash to Monhegan Island and has unmatched knowledge of Maine's coastal landscapes, particularly the Down East region. He is known for his sensitivity to extraordinary light, dramatic weather, and the relationship between people and wild places — and is a highly regarded photography educator. You can see his portfolio at benjaminwilliamson.photoshelter.com

Jay Fleming has spent his career documenting the working waterways and wildlife of the Atlantic coast with rare intimacy and artistry. His acclaimed books Working the Water (2016) and Island Life (2021) offer immersive portrayals of coastal communities and ecosystems. Jay holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license and leads sold-out workshops across the Chesapeake, coastal Maine, and the Galápagos. His fieldcraft with seabirds and marine wildlife is exceptional, and his work spans both above and below the waterline. See his work at www.jayflemingphotography.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I guaranteed to see puffins?

  • No. While this workshop is built around the opportunity to see puffins on Machias Seal Island, there is a very small possibility that the weather is too rough for the boat to reach the island during our workshop. Given that we have three separate opportunities, this is highly unlikely. In the event of the boat not going out, a full refund of the boat fee ($300 per person/day), will be given back to each participant. The workshop/instructor fees will be non-refundable.

What if the boat goes out, but doesn’t land on the island?

  • This is also a possibility. Some days the surf prevents us from landing on the island. In this case, we’ll photograph puffins from the boat, both in the air and on the water. We can still make great images this way and will teach how to set up your camera for tracking and focusing from a moving boat. Bold Coast Charter Co. does not offer refunds for non-landings, therefore, we cannot either.

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

  • No. We aim to meet students wherever they are on their photographic journey. That said, a basic knowledge of your camera, as well as a lens reaching to 200-400mm on a full frame camera body (150-300mm on a crop sensor), will greatly improve your experience. We also recommend camera bodies with eye-tracking autofocus. You can make great images right away with simple equipment, and that’s what this workshops aim to teach you.

What are the fitness requirements?

  • A basic level of fitness is necessary for participation in this workshop. Higher levels of fitness will greatly increase your enjoyment of the experience. While most photography will be done near our cars or the boat, there is a possibility of hikes up to 2 miles from the car to reach some of the amazing cliffs and forests of the Bold Coast. Also, landing on Machias Seal Island requires a transfer from a moving skiff onto slippery rocks. This is done with assistance from the boat operators and your instructors, but some increased mobility will make this process much easier for you!

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera

  • Lenses to cover 16-400mm on a full frame sensor are recommended, 10-300mm on a crop sensor.

  • A sturdy tripod and head

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

  • Waterproof covering for your camera and lens or a packable umbrella

  • Laptop Computer with editing software (Adobe Lightroom)

  • Card Reader if your computer doesn’t have one

  • Extra Batteries

  • Extra Memory Cards

What about transportation?

  • Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the workshop, but we encourage carpooling on workshop days. We recommend flying into Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine.

What about lodging?

  • Lodging is included in the workshop and will be at The Eastland Motel. We’ll assign rooms upon arrival. All lodging is single occupancy.

What about meals?

  • Breakfast and lunch on days 2-4 will be provided by the instructors. Breakfast will be toast and bagels with a variety of spreads along with fresh fruit. We’ll provide sandwich materials including turkey, ham, peanut butter, cheese, lettuce, bread, along with a variety of spreads for bag lunches. Participants wanting more options will have access to a convenience stores with breakfast sandwiches and many other options just down the road from our hotel. We’ll have group dinners, but participants will be responsible for paying for dinner.

What should I wear?

  • The weather is the heart of summer can be surprisingly cool, even cold, near the ocean in this part of the world. Expect a range of weather from possible 80’s inland to near 50 degrees with cool, damp winds on the water. For this reason, we recommend bringing a range of clothing to stay as comfortable as possible.

  • Moisture-wicking short and long sleeve base layers and sun shirts

  • Thick moisture-wicking or quick-dry pants

  • Thin to medium insulating jacket

  • Waterproof and windproof Shell

  • Sun protective hats

  • Wool or Synthetic Socks

  • Sturdy Boots for walking on rocks and slippery surfaces

  • Headlamp

  • Sunscreen

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

  • The weather is highly variable in this area this time of year. In years of running this tour, we’ve seen it all! That said, being out in bad weather usually leads to great photo opportunities! Fog and overcast skies can provide even lighting to work under when photographing the birds. Storms can provide dramatic sunrises and sunsets that make for amazing photos. We’ll work with whatever mother nature gives us.

What does my tuition cover?

  • The price of the workshop includes lodging, breakfast and a bag lunch, photographic instruction, and classroom time. Some snacks will be provided by the instructors. We will also stock emergency first aid kits. It does not include travel insurance, meals other than what has been specified, or transportation.

What am I responsible for?

  • Your own transportation, though we do encourage carpooling during the workshop

  • A $1000 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to hold your spot, the full payment is due 60 days ahead of the workshop start date.

  • Cancellations: Cancellations made 60 days in advance will receive a full refund, minus the deposit. Cancelations less than 60 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.

Questions? Contact Benjamin Williamson at 207-751-0129 or email benjaminwilliamsonphoto@gmail.com

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