Join us as on an instructional photo tour and workshop to the Maine Coast.

We will travel by land and sea to photograph puffins, seals, whales, eagles, lighthouses, and other coastal landscapes. We will also visit Acadia National Park, Schoodic Peninsula, and Campobello Island in Canada. We will photograph some incredible landscapes including several lighthouses. Quoddy Head Light which is the eastern most point in the United States. This tour will involve wildlife, landscape, night, and macro photography. We will visit several outer lighthouses also including Bass Harbor Light.

Join us for the chance to be among the first individuals to witness and capture the mesmerizing sunrise in two different locations. The sweeping vistas from Cadillac Mountain offer a view that you will not forget. We will visit world famous Quoddy Head Light. This candy cane colored lighthouse is the easternmost point in the U.S. At this time of year Quoddy Head Lighthouse is actually the first to see sunrise at this time of year.

We will before the crowds and traffic jams of the extremely busy tourist season. The region has every northern forest habitat: mature hardwood, mixed growth, and thick stands of boreal softwood. It has fast and slow rivers, marsh and bog wetlands, rocky coasts and mud flats, grasslands and blueberry barrens. It has national wildlife refuges and one of the best offshore nesting islands on the east coast. All of Maine’s most highly sought-after species are found here, sometimes in abundance.

This trip includes three or four separate boat rides (weather permitting).

Wildlife
We will be taking multiple boat trips off the Maine coast to photograph puffins, razorbills, eagles, seabirds, quaint fishing, harbors, lighthouses and seals. This is weather permitting.

Why go on two puffin boat rides? Well, one simply isn’t enough. Occasionally, the board rides may get canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions. Since these trips are booked months in advance, rescheduling becomes impossible. However, taking two rides ensures we have two opportunities to reach the island. Besides, it’s an extraordinary experience that warrants repetition. Additionally, each day offers unique lighting conditions, adding further appeal to the idea of experiencing it twice.

We will also be taking a third or four boat rides to photograph nesting eagles, seals, lighthouses. This will be scheduled during the late afternoon light until sunset. One boat ride will be in Acadia and another possible one in Lubec.

The boat rides are included in the tour fee. On the ride back, we will explore some hidden gems along with quaint fishing harbors, lighthouses, and seaside cliffs.

This trip has other wildlife opportunities. Bald Eagles are seen everywhere. This is moose and black bear country, but they are not often seen. We will point out any wildlife we come across.

Landscape and Close-Up Photography
We will photograph coastal communities and fishing villages. This is an area of stark beauty and simple living. Lodging and dining opportunities are plentiful but not extravagant.

We will have several opportunities for wildlife, landscapes, and macro photography.

We will visit nearby Campobello Island in Canada. It is a beautiful island off the Coast of Maine but located in New Brunswick Canada on the Bay of Fundy. Campobello Island is one of three of the Fundy Islands; the "Fundy sisters" as they are sometimes called with the other "sisters" being Grand Manan and Deer Island. Campobello Island will capture your heart with breathtaking views. It is unspoiled nature at its best. We will visit the summer home of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, and a great lighthouse. To visit Campobello Island from the U.S., you must bring your passport.

We will maximize our time in the field shooting a multitude of subjects as well as incorporating classroom instruction, critiques, and photographic assignments each day.

We will photograph one of the last places in the busy eastern seaboard where you can enjoy tranquil pine forests or take a walk along the salt-sprayed shoreline, exploring and discovering secluded tidal inlets, and the uncrowded pleasures of coastal life. Windswept coastal headlands, tidal flats, coastal islands, preserved peat bogs, beaches at low tide, boreal and northern hardwood forests, grasslands and meadows are waiting for you.

Group Size:
Our groups are small in size which allow for flexibility in our plans if interesting and unexpected photo opportunities present themselves. It also allows us to work with each participant to provide complete, informative, and helpful lessons.

Time of Day:
Participating in a workshop is a great way to improve your photography. We believe in capturing the best light, so our workshops include sunrise and sunset shoots (weather permitting). Early morning and late afternoon have the best lighting for photography.

When:
June 2-9, 2025 (4 spaces left)

Getting There:
Fly into Bangor Airport in Maine. We recommend you stay the night before. We will meet at the hotel in Bangor, This hotel will have a shuttle to the airport. There is no need to rent a car.

Airports:
You will fly into Bangor Airport (BGR) . The hotel has a shuttle from the airport if you fly in the night before (recommended).

Skill and Fitness Level Requirements:
Anyone with an interest in photography from beginner to professional.

The participants should have a love of nature and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

There are several short hikes on this trip. All hikes are under three miles.

Participants must be able to climb in and out of boats in sometimes slippery conditions carrying photo gear. They should also be comfortable with boats with changing sea conditions.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

Included:
6 Night Lodging including (4 nights lodging at Oceanside Hotel (double occupancy and 2 nights lodging in Bar Harbor) (Acadia National Park)

If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy). it is an additional $350. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want your own room. Each room has an ocean view.

Three or four separate boat rides (weather permitting)

Professional photo instruction (see below)

Entrance fees

What is not included:
Flights

Transportation to or from Lubec, Maine

If you stay the night before in Bangor, Maine

Optional tips to boat operators and/or their assistants

Food

Transportation:
Transportation is provided from hotel to field locations in our comfortable van. Sorry we do not have airport pickup or drop off for this particular tour. The tour will begin and end at the host hotel.

Classroom and Zoom Class:
This trip is planned to maximize time outdoors photographing. We may have classroom time to discuss photography, post processing and or give photo critiques. I will customize the program(s) to cover the wishes of our small group.

After the tour:
You will be invited to zoom classes exclusive to past tour participants at no additional cost. Topics will be Lightroom, Photoshop, Wildlife Photography and Landscape Photography. We usually offer 2-3 year.

Price: $4895

Payment:

Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards through our online shopping cart.

Our job is to not only help you create beautiful images, but to also teach you skills and techniques so that you can take your photography to the next level. Attendees will learn many basic and advanced principles related to nature photography.

Cancellation Policy:

Click here for Testimonials:

About Us:
John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has been photographing for over 35 years. John has a love of natural history. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding nature not only increases your appreciation of it but also helps you become a better nature photographer.