Kayak Photography Workshop

Workshop Description

Join staff photographer Dave Waddell and our partner Maine Sport Outfitters on a paddle through the Muscle Ridge.

The Muscle Ridge archipelago is one of the most beautiful sea kayaking destinations in the world: rugged, remote, seldom visited by tourists, and full of raw beauty! After a short one-hour paddle from Birch Point State Park, you will enter this fabulous group of islands full of tidal lagoons, hidden passages, sandy beaches, and abundant seals.

Kayaking and photography pair really well together, as kayaking offers a uniquely low and close to the water perspective to shoot from. Also, kayaking is a relatively slow way to travel, which is great for taking in your surroundings and really observing what's happening around you. Even better, kayaks only need a few inches of water to float, providing you intimate access to areas of the coast that few other boats can get to.

These workshops are designed to maximize learning opportunities and provide guidance on creating your own photography style. There will be time for individual instruction based on your individual goals and questions.

Please note that the minimum age to participate is 16.

Instructor Bio

Dave Waddell is a professional photographer with over 14 years of experience photographing a diverse and varied set of subjects and is the staff photographer at Down East. In 2017, he moved from Philadelphia with his wife and two children and settled into a new home in midcoast Maine, where they have spent the last five years falling head over heels in love with the people and landscape of this incredible state. For Dave, photography is a means for a deeper immersion in the surrounding environment and a way to connect with and learn more about others, their interests and motivations. In addition to photography, Dave loves to spend time with family and friends, play guitar, and spend as much time as possible outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking, and snowboarding.

More about Maine Sport Outfitters

For nearly fifty years, Maine Sport has been recognized as the premier destination for outdoor gear, clothing, and backcountry expertise. Their registered Maine Guides lead outdoor experiences that expand your horizons – and your skills. With passionate instructors, inspiring destinations, and activities that cater to all skill levels and abilities, they’ve lead thousands of people onto the water or into the woods to connect with nature and all of its rewards.

This workshop includes:

• 5-hour guided tour
• Lunch
• Photography instruction
• Tandem kayaks, paddles and PFDs

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 workshop aims to teach you. If you have photographed before and want 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 but wants to go to great locations and have fun with like-minded individuals, this is for you as well!

What kind of camera equipment should I bring?

Simplicity is key. Don't try to bring every single piece of gear you own. Pick your most versatile camera/lens setup that you can do the most with and bring that. Not only is space is limited in a kayak, but changing your lenses as few times as possible is best when working in such a damp, salty and sandy environment. Some camera options include:

• Full-size camera
  • If you want to bring a full-size camera, Dave recommends investing in a quality dry bag like a Watershed Ocoee 10L dry bag, which is snug but opens and seals in a convenient way that works well for smaller, mirrorless cameras. There are many dry bags on the market, but a smaller-sized option that can fit inside the cockpit for quick/easy access is best. Even if you're not really a strap person, attach a solid strap to your camera.
• Phone
• Nearly all phones now are very capable cameras, quick and easy to access, and there are a variety of waterproof case and lanyard options available in the event of a fumble.
• GoPro
• Dave has moved to primarily using a GoPro for any on-the-water shooting. It mounts with a suction-cup onto the deck of the kayak on an adjustable arm, so it's always within reach for quick and easy access. This hands-free option also means that he can shoot photos and videos while paddling. Additionally, the waterproof capabilities of some GoPros provides a whole new set of possibilities for photography below the waterline, depending on what your subject interests are. If using one, Dave recommends using the orange float attachment.

Recommended camera equipment no matter your device:

• Extra charged batteries
• Alcohol-moistened lens wipes
• A gorillapod or similar small tabletop tripod (optional)

What other items should I bring?

We recommend:

• Filled water bottle(s)
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Appropriate clothing (see below)
• A sense of adventure!

What should I wear?

We recommend:

• Closed-toe water shoes
• Shoes for island exploring (optional)
• Quick-drying layers (not cotton)
• Hat
• Sunglasses

Do I need a lot of paddling experience?

Paddling experience is recommended, as the difficulty level is intermediate to advanced.

What about transportation?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to our initial meeting location at Maine Sport in Rockport. Carpooling is encouraged.

What about lodging?

Maine is a popular place and many hotels and B&Bs fill up fast. We ask that you stay close to our predetermined morning meet-up location.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Maine Sport does not usually cancel trips due to inclement weather. However, small craft advisories or forecasts of lightening or severe weather will result in a cancellation of the kayak portion. In that event, Dave will host photographers around the area on land like in our Midcoast Photography Workshops.

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.

This workshop needs a minimum of four participants. In the event the minimum is not met, we may cancel or offer to move you to a different workshop.