Spring Photography Retreat & Workshop

Boothbay Harbor, Maine
May 2 -4
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE - $575 per person

IDEAL WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Are you ready to elevate your photography skills amidst the stunning backdrop of Boothbay Harbor’s fall foliage? October’s vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and unique photographic opportunities make it the perfect time to join other beginner and intermediate photographers for this exciting workshop. Whether you're just starting out or an experienced photographer, this retreat will help you capture the essence of fall and master new techniques.

Hosted by Rachel Weiss Vachon, owner of Captain Sawyer's Bed & Breakfast, this workshop offers incredible value. For just $575, you’ll enjoy two nights of lodging and two full days of hands-on instruction, all in the heart of Boothbay Harbor. Plus, we'll explore the renowned Maine Botanical Gardens, where you can practice floral and macro photography, including shots of the famous Giant Trolls!

This is more than a workshop—it’s an immersive experience that includes photography lessons, guided photo walks, post-processing tips, and community building with like-minded photographers. Don’t miss this chance to capture stunning fall imagery and connect with your creative side in one of Maine’s most picturesque settings!

What You'll Learn:

• Camera modes, settings, and essential photography methods

• Composition, lighting, and creativity techniques to evoke emotion in your shots

• Post-processing tips using Lightroom

• Hands-on practice and personalized feedback to refine your skills

What’s Included:

• Two nights at Captain Sawyer’s Bed & Breakfast

• Guided photography lessons and walks

• Access to the Maine Botanical Gardens for exclusive photo opportunities

• Optional golden hour sunset shoots, group dinners, and a final slideshow sharing our photos for constructive critiques.

What to Bring:

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera

• Wide-angle, medium zoom, telephoto, and/or macro lenses (recommended)

• Sturdy tripod and remote shutter

• Laptop with Lightroom Classic installed

• Layered clothing for outdoor comfort

• Comfortable walking shoes

This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. Don’t miss this opportunity to capture the beauty of fall and grow your photography skills in an inspiring environment!

Agenda:

Friday, May 2:

• 3:00 PM: Welcome & introductions; overview of the weekend’s agenda

• 5:00 PM: (Weather permitting) Sunset photo shoot at Boothbay Harbor

• 7:00 PM: Optional group dinner

Saturday, May 3:

• 8:00 AM: Coffee Hour

• 9:00 AM: Photography Workshop – Tips & Techniques

  • Master exposure settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to achieve perfect lighting in every shot.

  • Understand how to control depth of field for stunning portraits and detailed landscapes.

  • Learn the magic of shooting in manual mode for full control over your images.

• 12:00 PM: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens tour (featuring the Giant Trolls)

• 4:30 PM: Return to Captain Sawyer’s

• 5:00 PM: (Weather permitting) Sunset photo shoot at Boothbay Harbor

• 7:00 PM: Optional group dinner

Sunday, May 4:

• 8:00 AM: Coffee Hour

• 10:00 AM: Guided photo tour around Boothbay

• 1:00 PM: Lightroom Editing Tips & Techniques

  • Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Fine-tune the exposure to balance light and dark areas in your image. Increase contrast to add depth and make the subject stand out.

  • Boost Clarity and Vibrance: Use the Clarity slider to enhance midtone contrast, giving texture and sharpness to your image, and adjust Vibrance to boost muted colors without oversaturating the entire image.

  • Sharpen and Reduce Noise: Apply sharpening to enhance details and adjust noise reduction in the Detail panel to remove grain from low-light or high-ISO images while keeping details intact.

• 2:00 PM: Slideshow of the weekend’s photos

• 3:00 PM: Check-out and departure

Note: The itinerary may adjust based on weather and lighting conditions to ensure optimal photography experiences.

Workshop Highlights:

• Instructor-led lessons on capturing compelling images

• Hands-on instruction with practical applications

• Guided photo walks to practice new techniques

• Post-processing tutorials using Lightroom Classic

• Networking with other photographers in a supportive community

• Breathtaking autumn landscapes to inspire creativity

Instructor: David Mazur
With a learn-by-doing approach, David emphasizes experiential learning to help photographers push beyond their limits. A seasoned educator and certified performance coach, David will guide you through techniques that will sharpen your eye and develop your unique photographic style.

Accommodations:
Lodging is provided at Captain Sawyer’s Bed & Breakfast, a charming property within short driving distance to our shooting locations. Book your stay by emailing info@seacoastphotographyschool.com. More details about the B&B can be found at https://www.captainsawyersboothbay.com.

Activity Level: You will be enjoying the health benefits of being outdoors in nature. The days will be filled with driving short distances to locations with low impact walking to get the shots. All activities and times of day are optional.  Periodic trips throughout the day will be made to and from the accomodations based upon attendance.  It is suggested that everyone participate with the group whenever possible.

Skill Level: All levels from beginner, intermediate or advanced are welcomed.  This is an excellent opportunity to practice travel, landscape, and golden hour photography. 

Class Size: Limited to 8 photographers, non-photography driving companions are welcomed to travel with the group. Carpooling will be encouraged but not required.

Cancellations Refund Policy:

If you cancel after payment has been made, there is no refund after the registration (unless we can fill your spot).  However, a 50% credit of the total workshop tuition fee will be applied to future workshops. If the event is cancelled by Seacoast Photography School you will receive a full refund. Travel insurance is always recommended.

FOR ALL CANCELLATIONS YOU MUST EMAIL US AT INFO@SEACOASTPHOTOGRPAPHYSCHOOL.COM

Questions:
Please email info@seacoastphotographyschool.com.