Maine: 2-Night Astrophotography
Returning Soon • Pemaquid Point, Bristol, ME
Table of Contents:
Overview
Our Astrophotography trip is a 2-night experience centered on photographing one of the darkest skies in the Northeast region. Although the surrounding towns are quaint, with community-led shops and art galleries, the landscape is dramatic and diverse.
The ragged rock ledges create a striking shoreline that separates the Atlantic and evergreen trees. Our central meeting point, a lighthouse commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1827, becomes a welcome subject in our landscape astrophotography.
Thanks to the lack of light pollution, Pemaquid Point is the ideal spot for students to learn how to photograph the night sky (weather permitting). During the weekend, students will also take part in a safely distanced editing session at The Bradley Inn.
Health & Safety: The Boston Photography Workshops and the Bradley Inn have taken great measures to comply with state and federal COVID-19 restrictions and regulations. We regularly update students before visiting Maine, so they feel safe and prepared for this fun adventure!
What’s Included
+ A downloadable pamphlet:
We’re providing your class an exclusive guide to astrophotography in Maine, which will include a detailed itinerary, a breakdown of necessary gear, and other checklists.
+ A preliminary 90-minute astrophotography workshop (virtual):
E-meet your fellow astrophotographers and instructors while you learn what to expect in the field. We’ll review safety measures, location, and the logistics behind astrophotography in Maine. This preliminary session is a recorded livestream.
+ A preliminary 90-minute editing workshop (virtual):
We will cover the most common processing method for astrophotography images. This livestream editing workshop will broaden your understanding of how to work with your astrophotography images within Lightroom Classic. We will cover topics like overall editing workflow, noise reduction, and adjustment brushes.
+ 2 nights of astrophotography instruction:
You will receive one-on-one guided astrophotography instruction throughout your visit to Maine. Our experienced instructors will assist in your specific camera gear needs while providing you suggestions on composition and location.
+ A 90-minute editing session with lunch:
After our first session of astrophotography, we will meet during lunch to review and edit the images taken, all while enjoying refreshments and casual fare provided by the Bradley Inn. Instructors will work side-by-side with you to provide constructive feedback and editing tips.
What’s Not Included
+ Transportation to and from Maine:
Students are responsible for transportation to and from Maine and accommodations while in the area.
+ Accommodations and meals while in Maine:
With exception to the lunch provided during our 90-minute editing session at the Bradley Inn, students are responsible for reserving their daily meals and accommodations.
+ Camera, laptop, and personal equipment:
In our downloadable pamphlet, we will list recommended items to bring to Maine and a link for camera rentals. Although the BPW will have personal protective equipment (PPE) available for use, students are also responsible for bringing their own.
Class Prerequisites
+ A familiarity with manual mode and long exposure settings:
+ A familiarity with Lightroom Classic editing tools:
+ (Recommended) A familiarity with lenses:
2-Night Itinerary
Day 1 / Night 1:
Students may arrive in the area at any time. We will offer two photography sessions: one optional walk to the lighthouse in the early evening so students become familiar with the area (likely before sunset), and a nighttime session to capture stars. All sessions are optional—students may join for either session, or both.
Day 2:
A 90-minute editing lunch-in will take place at the Bradley Inn. Students must bring their own laptops and have Adobe Lightroom Classic installed. Join us for an optional daytime photo walk before dinner or rest up!
Night 2:
Similar to our first night, students will photograph the stars with our instructors by their side offering tips and suggestions. Throughout the night we will encourage students to improve their photos using the lessons learned during the first night and editing session.
Day 3:
Departure Day: Students can meet instructors for a goodbye brunch at The Bradley Inn at 11:00a, with checkout from the Inn at noon.
About the Instructors
Chris Sanchez: Founder of the BPW, Chris has spent over 10 years taking photographs around the world for work and for fun. A lover of all things food-related and astrophotography, Chris has more snacks in his bag than lenses, but still gets great photos. If you need a snack... you know who to ask.
Maria Zahir: Studio manager and instructor at the BPW, Maria is an enthusiast of both astrophotography and adventuring. She’s best known for her phrase, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” and finds joy in organizing her photo bag. If you need guidance in photography or the environment, she’s the person to look for.
About the Bradley Inn
Image via The Bradley Inn Facebook Page
The BPW has partnered with The Bradley Inn to reserve a block of rooms; the rate will also include daily breakfast. This hotel is within 100 yards of Pemaquid Point lighthouse, our primary shooting location.
The Bradley Inn will contact students within a few days of registering for the workshop. Please note that the Boston Photography Workshops is not responsible for student hotel reservations or special accommodation requests. Please also note the price of tuition is separate from the daily room rate provided by the Bradley Inn. Learn more about the Bradley Inn.
Registration and Policies
To reserve your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $200.00 must be paid through our website.
60 days prior to departure: final payment is due for deposit students.
45 days prior to departure: eligible for 100% refund, minus the $200.00 non-refundable deposit.
30 days prior to departure: eligible for 50% refund, minus the $200.00 non-refundable deposit.
21 days prior to departure: No refund can be given. Your registration fee minus the $200.00 nonrefundable deposit can be used towards other workshops within 2 years time.
COVID-19: our cancellation and refund policy remains sensitive to the health concerns that affect our community. Paid tuition may be eligible for a full refund or credit if a cancellation was made due to health concerns. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Ready to join us? Once you click “REGISTER,” you're prompted to fill out your student registration and emergency contact information. The Bradley Inn will contact you to make your hotel reservation.