Boothbay Photography Workshop- $975

Instructor Bio

Mike Leonard has been taking pictures for more than 40 years, and among his favorite subjects to shoot are nighttime scenes, including the Milky Way, lightning, and aurora, and in the daytime, he likes shooting landscapes, seascapes, lighthouses, and more. His work is frequently seen in print in the Boothbay Register, the Maine Activities Guide, and on the local CBS affiliate in weathercasts, and his work has also been featured in books, magazines, annual reports, brochures, textbooks, and on the Weather Channel.

"I recently participated in a Down East photo retreat with Michael Learnard. I went with my husband and we both loved it. Michael is a fabulous photographer, but he’s an even better teacher!" -Maureen & Rand M.

Workshop Description

We will begin Friday night with a slide lecture for learning more about your camera. This program includes technical elements to better understand exposure, white balance, and when and how to use the different exposure modes on your camera. Weather depending, we could do a night shoot after dinner.

Saturday morning will start with a boat ride around the harbor, followed by a break for breakfast. Next, we will explore the region to capture more of the harbor and surrounding areas for a couple of hours until lunchtime. Lunch would be on your own.

At 1:30, we will begin the Photoshop portion of the program, which includes Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, and some basic processes in Photoshop. The plan is to use attendees’ images from the morning photo shoot to demonstrate and apply the finishing touches in Photoshop.

Around 4:00 p.m., we will head out to shoot more of the region – possibly Southport Island at Cape Newagen and end with a sunset shoot at Ocean Point. An optional wrap-up dinner will end the program around 8:30 p.m., which gives us ample time to get after-glow in the sky following the sunset.

Depending on weather conditions and group input, Sunday's itinerary is flexible.

"Excellent course covering intermediate photography technique, along with digital editing post processing. I benefited greatly from watching how Mike framed the pictures, the technique he used, and then his workflow. Mike also knows the local area so well that he's able to position us at the right place at the right time to capture particular views. Overall a great learning experience at a lovely location!" – Homer P.

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 I 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 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 and 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 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 about transportation?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation. We encourage carpooling to reduce our environmental footprint, and also to park at locations with limited spaces. If you prefer to drive yourself, you can do so.

What about lodging?

Accommodations are not included.

What should I wear?

Expect uneven and rocky terrain, so please wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Remember, we'll be out all day with only one break. so please layer, which means a base layer of synthetic, fast-wicking material, a warm fleece or soft shell, and a down jacket for cool mornings. Other suggested items are:

• Insect and tick repellant
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof outerwear
• Wool socks
• Gloves
• Two hats, one for warmth, the other for sun protection
• 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?

We go out rain or shine and take full advantage of whatever conditions we are given.

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.

Should I bring a laptop?

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

What camera equipment do you recommend I bring?

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• My (Mike) two favorite lenses are my 16-35 and 100-400, but we will make anything work
• Sturdy tripod and head
• Circular polarizing and neutral density filters
• Waterproof camera bag

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. Alternatively, 100% of your payment will be refunded if a replacement can be found prior to the trip.