Acadia National Park
We're sorry, but this workshop is full!
MAX. STUDENTS: 6
COST: $499.00
Your instructors on this workshop will be Aaron Bieber and Christopher Blake. Read about them here.
Come join us in the spring of 2009 for a chance to explore the “first national park east of the Mississippi River” and the only national park located in New England. This workshop is limited to just six people. We will spend four days exploring this wonderful park on the rugged coast of Maine, which encompasses 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes, ponds, and ocean shoreline. Such diverse habitats create striking scenery and make the park a haven for flora and fauna.
C. Blake
Spring is an exciting season to be in Acadia National Park, home to over 1,100 vascular plant species, not to mention mosses, lichens, algae, ferns, wildflowers, and more! Over 25% of Acadia’s plant life is non-native and as many as 25 are state-listed rare species.
This workshop is timed to coincide with the new moon to give us the darkest skies possible. Acadia is located far enough north on the east coast that on moonless nights the sky is full of stars. We’ll focus on star trails and light painting, based on what the group wants to do we might even try for some very long exposures.
This workshop will focus on landscape and nature photography, and because of the park’s relative small size we’ll be able to focus on a few different locations each day.
Itinerary
Here’s the plan.
April 23rd
Arrive in Bar Harbor and check into your hotel. We’ll meet at 3PM in the afternoon and head off for our first sunset location.
April 24th-26th
C. Blake
We’ll spend the next three days photographing at Acadia’s most photogenic attractions. Some of the places we will visit are:
- Bass Harbor Lighthouse
- Jordan Pond
- Cadillac Mountain
- Otter Point
- Somes Sound
- Sand Beach
- Frenchman Bay
- Bar Harbor docks and fishing boats
- The wonderful spring bloom all around us
- And many more
You’ll depart on April 27th any time during the day.
Who should attend this workshop?
C. Blake
This workshop is open to photographers of all skill levels and is limited to six participants. There is no heavy hiking involved; we will be doing some walking on paved roads as well as trails, but this is by no means a wilderness trek. To get the most out of this workshop you should be able to walk for about a mile along easy terrain and expect to arise before dawn and stay out into the night each day.
There are no specific equipment requirements to attend this workshop, although you may find yourself limited without at least an entry-level SLR camera, either film or digital.
If you are planning to purchase a new camera for this workshop we would be happy to give you some guidance based on our experience.
Places to stay
Acadia National Park is located near Bar Harbor, which offers many hotels and places to eat. Once you sign up you will be provided with a list of places we recommend.
Weather and clothing
The average temperature in Acadia in April is 52 degrees. Spring can be foggy with temperatures ranging between 30 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants for protection.
Since we’ll be photographing from before dawn until well into the night, we’ll experience a variety of different weather conditions so we do suggest you bring a few layers of clothing.
What we will give you
As part of the workshop experience, we will provide you with a few essential items that we have found to be indispensable on these trips. The Acadia National Park Workshop package includes a GMRS (family band) two-way radio with several-mile range; a bright xenon flashlight for light painting and general navigation; a rugged, waterproof National Geographic map of the park that we will refer to often; and lots of information about the art and science of photographing on location and specifically to Acadia. All of these items are, of course, yours to keep.
Registration
This workshop is not all-inclusive. We will provide a wealth of information about the attractions and restaurants in the Bar Harbor area.
The cost for this workshop is only $499 and includes a rugged National Geographic map of Acadia National Park, information about the history of the area, photography tips and guidelines, and more. Register online right now!
Sorry, We're Full
This workshop has reached capacity! Our workshops fill up quickly, especially within the months just before they begin. Please do read about our other upcoming workshops.