Tidal pools, surf pounding on rugged granite walls, subtle moods of mist and fog, sunrise breaking over the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, cormorants, lighthouses, idyllic harbor villages, sea otters, lobster and sailing boats, starfish and anenomes, hiking trails, seals, cobblestone beaches, carriage paths, freshwater lakes and streams, primeval forests, deer and coyote, open mountain ridges, and the highest cliffs on the eastern US coastline

June is a wonderful mix of pounding surf, gentle light, alpine flowers, lupines, flowering gardens, waterfalls, and cascades. Weather can bring any kind of mood to the rocky coast - so please be prepared for stormy weather - and perhaps a few late season black flies and some mosquitoes along the inland streams and waterways.

Nature photography at Acadia is a mix of working with the everchanging weather and moods, in combination with the timing of the ebb and flow of the 10 to 14 feet tides. Mid to low tide reveals barnacles, kelp, and wonderful tidal pools; while mid to high tide is optimal for photographing the waves breaking on the rocky coast. A short driive to the alpine environment on the summit of Cadillac Mountain offers superb views of Mount Desert Island and the adjacent mountains, bays, and coastline.

Photographer, Carl Heilman, has been exploring the mountainous coastline of Acadia with a camera since the mid 1970's. Join Carl for an intensive 5 day nature photography workshop, working with some of the finest ocean landscapes in the east and experimenting with various techniques and equipment. The workshop is for photographers of all levels. A maximum of 10 participants, allows plenty of opportunity for individual interaction during and between the photo shoots.

The Acadia nature photography workshop is based in the beautiful and eclectic resort village of Bar Harbor, Maine. Accomodations, and the meeting space has been set up with the College of the Atlantic, located on the shores of Frenchman's Bay just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor, the National Park Visitor's Center, and the main entrance to the Acadia National Park Loop road.

The workshop fee includes all instruction and related programs, but does not include the cost of transportation, lodging or meals. We are asking participants to stay at the College of the Atlantic for the easiest group logistics and to help with related workshop costs. Lodging is in dorm rooms with either one or two twin beds, in the classic Maine seacoast house, Seafox , on the shore of Frenchman Bay (shared common areas, kitchen, bathrooms, meeting room) The lodging fee includes the cost of the room, linens, meals and taxes. Rates (2012 rates - subject to change for 2013) are $390. / $410. / $470. for a single room (limited number at the lowest price) or $365. for a shared room (2 beds in a room). This can be extended for 1 day prior to and 1 day after the workshop dates. If preferred, there are also nearby motels, and meals can be purchased separately at the college.

We ask participants to carpool and help the driver with expenses. We can carry 3 additional people in our minivan. A 7 day Acadia Park pass is $20. per car or $5. per person.

If flying, there is a shuttle bus to Bar Harbor from the Bangor Airport. There are also shuttles busses from Bar Harbor to many popular destinations within the National Park - though I'm not sure they will be running yet during this week.

Monday, June 17

- 4 PM - Registration, get acquainted, dinner
- 6 PM - evening program on Acadia, nature photography, Q + A

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

- 4 AM to 8 AM - dawn photo shoot (depending on weather)
- 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM - breakfast
- 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM - daily, Q + A, critiques, noon lunch
- 3:30 PM - 9 PM - afternoon photos, dinner, evening photos
- Sunrise each day is about 4:45 AM, Sunset about 8:20 PM

Friday, June 21

- 4 AM to 8 AM - dawn photo shoot
- 9 AM to 10 AM - breakfast
- 10:30 AM to 1 PM - Q + A, Participants slide show, lunch
- 1 PM - Workshop Ends

Subjects covered will include light, composition, exposure, equipment, digital workflow, image management, and Photoshop enhancement. Many facets of photography will be covered including wide angle, telephoto, fish-eye, and panoramics and creating special effects. A maximum of 10 participants allows extensive time for individual critique and instruction.

This workshop is rated EASY / MODERATE and is set up for beginner to advanced photographers. While most of the photography will be reasonably close to the road, some locations may involve walking over slippery rocks along the shoreline, with a hike or two up to 1 mile or so round trip.