Southern Maine Photo Workshop – $575

Join Mat for a hands-on photography workshop exploring the coast of southern Maine. Together you’ll have the opportunity to choose from visiting classic lighthouses, quiet wharfs, lobster co-ops, and tidal marshes that come alive with shifting light and weather.

Instructor Bio

Mat Trogner is a Maine-based photographer with over 13 years of experience capturing the quiet stories that live between moments. A registered Maine Guide and contributing photographer for Down East magazine, he brings a deep respect for place and purpose to every project. His work goes beyond chasing a single hero image, focusing instead on the layers of a story, the small details, and the sense of atmosphere that make each scene feel alive. Mat works with brands, publications, and individuals to create authentic, story-driven imagery rooted in Maine’s rugged beauty. When he’s not behind the camera, he’s usually surfing, fly fishing, or camping with his family, and he loves teaching new photographers and helping others discover their own way of seeing the world.

Photography Workshop Description

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 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, this is for you as well! You will need a basic DSLR or mirrorless 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 (very important!)
• Extra memory cards
• A sturdy tripod and head
• Circular polarizing filter
• Waterproof camera bag
• L-Bracket
• Rain cover for your camera

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, B&Bs and Air B&Bs fill up fast. 

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 heat 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.

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