Surf pounding on rugged granite walls and shores, subtle moods of mist and fog, sunrise and sunset over the expansive Atlantic Ocean, cormorants, gulls, an 1850 lighthouse overlooking a quaint late 1800's fishing village, lobster activities, sailboats, a rusted shipwreck, rocky shorelines, primeval forests, island wildlife, wildflowers, a nature cruise to nearby sights and islands, 17 miles of trails on a mile long by half mile wide island with 160 feet cliffs, and beautiful night skies with no city lights - Lots of great photo ops!

Late August is a wonderful mix of pounding surf, late summer light and mist, wild flowers and flowering gardens. Since this will be hurricane season there could also be some high surf from storms further out in the Atlantic. Weather can bring many different moods to the rocky coast - please be prepared for possible stormy weather and cooler temps - the August ocean is around 60F.

Outdoor photography at Monhegan is a mix of working with the variety of weather and moods, plus the timing of the ebb and flow of the 7 to 12 feet tides. Low tide reveals barnacles, kelp, and maybe a few tidal pools; while mid to high tide is optimal for photographing the waves breaking on the rocky coast. A short walk up the hill to the lighthouse offers expansive views over the village, adjacent Manana Island and the broad ocean horizon.

Photographer, Carl Heilman, has been exploring the Maine Coast with a camera since the mid 1970's. Join Carl for this intensive 4 day 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 8 participants, allows plenty of opportunity for individual interaction during and between the photo shoots.

The 4 day Monhegan Island photography workshop / tour is based at the Trailing Yew, a short walk south from the main pier in the center of town. (Google Maps link)

THE WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES all instruction and photo sessions for the 4 days, PLUS a Trailing Yew dinner and a bag lunch each day from Monday evening through Thursday lunch. The FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE the cost of lodging at the Trailing Yew, the ferry (New Harbor, $38 rtrip plus $4/day parking), nature cruise, or other transportation or additional meals. (Note breakfast is included in the lodging cost.) The dining room doubles as the meeting space after breakfast and possibly at additional times that don't conflict with meals. btw, the Trailing Yew has a vehicle to transport gear and luggage to and from the ferry dock.

Lodging is in either the Annex or Seagull. Both buildings have electricity in the bathrooms. The Annex has electric in the guest rooms, and Seagull has oil lamps in each guest room for a more rustic feel - and photo ops! Rates are $120 (single shared bath) and $180 (double occupancy shared bath) (plus $3/day gratuity + Maine tax). Contact us first re: lodging and we will put you in touch with the Trailing Yew since rooms are set aside for workshop participants.

If flying, there are international airports in Boston, MA, and Portland and Bangor in ME. There is regularly scheduled ferry service to Monhegan from New Harbor (9AM, 2PM), or Port Clyde (7, 10:30, 3). (Ferry Service link) There are wonderful photo ops at each of these classic fishing Maine villages as well as nearby Camden and Camden Hills State Park. (Lodging near New Harbor/Pemaquid or Port Clyde/Rockland/Camden)

There is no public transportation on the island. The charm of Monhegan is the rustic nature of the landscape, and proximity for walking to a wide variety of photo locations!

Monday, August 26

- 4 PM - Registration, get acquainted, dinner
- 6 PM - evening program, Q + A, photo shoot is weather is good

Tuesday, Wednesday

- 4 AM to 8 AM - dawn photo shoot (depending on weather)
- 8:15 AM to 9:00 AM - breakfast
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - daily, Q + A, critiques, noon lunch
- 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - daily, free time / nap time
- 3:00 PM - 9 PM - afternoon photos, dinner, evening photos
- Sunrise each day is about 4:45 AM, Sunset about 8:20 PM

Thursday, August 29

- 4 AM to 8 AM - dawn photo shoot
- 8:15 AM to 9:00 AM - breakfast
- 10:00 AM to 1 PM - Q + A, Participants slide show, lunch
- 12 PM - Workshop Ends (New Harbor ferry leaves 10:15 and 3:15 / Port Clyde ferry leaves Monhegan 12:30 and 4:30)

Subjects covered can include exposure, dof / hyperfocus, HDR, composition, lighting, workflow, time lapse, and Photoshop work. Many facets of photography will be covered including wide angle, telephoto, fish-eye, macro, and panoramics and special effects. A maximum of 8 participants allows extensive time for individual critique and instruction.

This workshop is rated EASY / MODERATE and is set up for beginner to advanced photographers. Walking is required to reach all photo destinations. Some photo ops are in town along the unpaved roads, but hiking is required to reach any of the wild, rugged shorelines. Some are short walks but may involve walking over slippery shoreline rocks, while other hikes could be up to a 3-4 mile round trip. TRAIL MAP