Portland Photo Workshop – $575

Explore the greater Portland area in this this full-day Portland Photography Workshop that includes in the field experience blended with some classroom instruction.

Instructor

Darylann Leonard’s love for photography began as a child, watching and learning from her father who was a teacher and self-taught photographer. Through the years her love for hiking and exploring the outdoors has provided a natural classroom for learning the art of photography. Darylann has worked for over 25 years in Maine as a Clinical Social Worker. Her experience in helping people through dark times in their lives, through encouraging them to see their inner strength and beauty has carried over into her vision as a photographer. Darylann believes that not only does photography challenge people as individuals, but it also provides an opportunity to show others the world through one’s own eyes. Her goal of bringing her own vision of the beauty of nature to others keeps her love for this art alive.

Darylann has been a contributing photographer for Down East magazine since 2014. Her photography has been featured on Maine Lake and Mountains Visitor Guide, Mid coast Maine Visitor Guide, and Western Maine Guidebook. Her work has also placed in international competitions, including the Greater Lynn and Glennie Memorial Nature Salon. She earned a second place finish in the 2013 Maine Photography Show. Darylann exhibiting artist at Gallery 302 in Bridgton, Maine since 2012.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my [time] with Down East Adventures. Ben and Darlyann were fantastic leaders – both gifted photographers and teachers. I was one of the less experienced photographers in our group of 10, but I quickly became comfortable asking questions of our leaders and my more experienced group members. Everyone was super supportive and encouraging. We all enjoyed the beautiful scenary, food and camaraderie of our group. I would sign up again in a heartbeat!” – Rachel G 

Workshop Description

The Portland area has won one accolade after another in recent years and is frequently mentioned as being one of the best places to live in the world. It’s not just the food that has everyone raving, it’s the scenery as well! We will explore the beautiful lighthouses and harbors in this wonderful area of Maine. Possible shooting locations include Portland harbors, Portland Headlight, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Bug Light, Pine Point, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport. This is not a photo tour. There will be individual instruction based on your goals and your questions. There will be classroom time where we discuss a range of topics that lead to successful image making. Workshops are limited to 5 people to maximize individual instruction.

The workshop will kick off on Thursday evening with a meet and greet dinner followed by our first sunset shoot. Friday morning, we will meet 30-45 minutes before sunrise to get in position and take advantage of the best light. After shooting in one location for about an hour, we will move on to a second, and sometimes third location. We will then stop for breakfast together. After breakfast there will be a break to have time to rest, charge batteries and download your images. We will then reconvene for class time to discuss photo techniques, review images and have time to answer any questions you may have. We will then have a late lunch/early dinner together. Then back out into the field to shoot through sunset. The workshop will conclude following sunset.

There will be classroom time in the afternoon where we will discuss how to plan a shoot, best techniques to execute in the field, as well as how to process your images. Darylann will share some her favorite Photoshop editing techniques and will then open the floor to look at student work and give feedback. We will then reconvene for an early dinner and to chase the beautiful golden hour light and settle on a location for sunset. This workshop is limited to 5 people to provide the best learning experience for the participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?

• No! You can make great images right away with simple equipment, and that’s what this workshops aim to teach you. If you have photographed before and aim to update yourself on the latest techniques in digital photography, this is definitely for you. If you are just starting out and have a new camera you want to learn, this is for you, too. If you are a seasoned veteran who doesn’t need much help, just wants to go to great locations and have fun with like-minded individuals, well, this is for you, as well! You will need a basic DSLR camera and a tripod, but you don’t need a lot of fancy gear. I’ve put together a list of recommended accessories.

What camera equipment do you recommend I bring?

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Lenses to cover 16-200mm are recommended
• A card reader if your laptop doesn’t have one built-in, extra camera batteries, extra memory cards.
• A sturdy tripod and head
• Circular polarizing filter
• Waterproof camera bag

Should I bring a laptop?

• Yes. We recommend you bring your laptop to follow along during classroom time and to take notes. We also recommend you bring a card reader so that we can share and critique your photos if you’d like.

What about transportation?

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation.

What about lodging?

• Maine is a popular place and many hotels and BnB’s fill up fast. We ask that you stay close to our predetermined morning meet-up location.

What should I wear?

• The most recommended piece of gear is a pair of sturdy shoes. We walk across the hard and angular rocks in many of these locations, so hiking shoes are very helpful. We also like to layer for cool mornings and the head of the day, which usually means a base layer of synthetic, fast-wicking material, and a warm fleece or soft shell. Other suggested items are found below.
  • Insect and Tick Repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Waterproof Outerwear
  • A hat for sun protection
  • Rubber Boots (not absolutely necessary, but there may be mud or wading in some locations)
  • Headlamp

Should I be concerned about ticks?

• Yes. All outdoor activities in New England carry the risk of picking up these nasty hitchhikers. Please use bug repellent that you can apply to your skin, or even better, permethrin, which you apply to clothes you plan on wearing in the field. Also, give yourself an extensive review when you get home at night to check for ticks.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

• Bad weather is good weather to landscape photographers. If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes. There are many idioms that apply to the weather, and if you don’t already know, following the weather is one of our favorite things to do! We’ve been running workshops for years now, and can say that there hasn’t been a single day where we haven’t enjoyed being out photographing, even in the rain. Please keep an open mind when it comes to your expectations about what ‘good’ conditions are. We want to teach you how to shoot in all conditions!

What does my tuition cover?

• The price of the workshop includes all fieldwork, group instruction, and individual tutoring. It does not include travel insurance, meals other than what has been specified, transportation, and lodging.

Cancellations

The payment is 50% refundable in the event you have to cancel, as long as the cancellation is made 21 days before the trip. After that time, your payment is non-refundable. Alternately, 100% of your payment will be refunded if a replacement can be found prior to the trip.

COVID-19 Info

Please refer to the CDC website for the latest guidance on COVID-19 and travel.

 

See other Down East Adventures here, including other Acadia Photography Workshop dates.