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

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

Washington County has everything except crowds, traffic jams, and red lights. 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 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 boat ride to photograph nesting eagles, seals, lighthouses, and hopefully whales. This will be scheduled during the late afternoon light until sunset.

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, Close-Up and Night 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 visit several lighthouses including world famous Quoddy Head Light. This candy cane colored lighthouse is the easternmost point in the U.S. We may be the first people to see the sunrise in the United States!

We will have several opportunities for wildlife, landscapes, and macro photography and will even plan to photograph at night. If the weather cooperates, we will be able to photograph the Milky Way.

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 17-21, 2024 (1 space left)

Getting There:
We will meet at hotel click here for directions:

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:
Four nights lodging at Oceanside Hotel (double occupancy). If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy). it is an additional $300. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want your own room. Each room has an ocean view.

Three separate boat rides (weather permitting). There are two separate boat rides for the puffins and one more sunset boat ride where we look for eagles, lighthouses, seals, and occasional whales.

Professional photo instruction (see below)

Entrance fees

What is not included:
Flights

Transportation to or from Lubec 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: $3995

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.