January 19-25, 2025
This is my absolute favorite time of year to shoot. Yes, it can be challenging but the rewards make it worth it as the magic unfolds each day. There is so much going on during the winter
months along the coast of Maine. Storm systems provide dynamic weather
backdrops of clouds and fresh snow. Cold days create the graceful and whimsical
dance of the sea smoke rising from the ocean. While most fisherman have finished
their season and are relaxing by the warmth of a wood stove, the scallop
fisherman's season has just begun.
You will see them dragging their nets in the icy cold
water, experience the amazing speed and grace at which they shuck scallops, and
can buy fresh caught scallops right off the boats and cook them at
home. The beautiful low soft light that is available for many hours of
the day provides great opportunities in your image taking. January is the magical season of sea
smoke, soft light, short days, providing an opportunity to mingle with locals
at a local bar or restaurant while enjoying some hot food and cold beer and
learn about the culture and perhaps some pretty amazing sea
stories.
Saturday: Arrival. Evening meet and greet and discuss schedule
Sunday: We will spend the day exploring the Bold Coast of Maine. We have lots to choose from and will go where nature provides the best options for us.
Our major goal this week is to experience the magic of winter in Maine. The magical light, the clear air that provides sharp wonderful images, seasmoke, and hopefully a chance to get on a active scallop boat and experience what it is like for the fisherman to work at sea in the middle of winter, see the process of harvesting scallops first hand, and work on your skills in an active environment with limited space to capture the fascinating story that is unfolding before your eyes. Because of the limited space we will be doing this in groups of 2 ( or 3 if space allows) and the boats are only allowed to drag Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. These will be morning trips with a sunrise departure and back before noon. For the others not on the boat this will be time to work on photography in and around Eastport and Moose Island on various projects you can choose from. We meet each afternoon to discuss the morning exercises, review previous days images, and discussion on following day objectives.
Thursday: Another day of exploration along the Bold Coast. and that evening beginning the process of choosing your images for printing for the fine art show and reception on Saturday..
Friday: Will be a busy day. We will talk about galleries. What they are concerned about, what they are looking for, how to present your work to them, what to expect from a gallery. You also will learn to mount and mat your 2 prints. We will discuss various fine art papers, how different papers and inks can provide opportunities in how you can might decided to present your work in the future.
Saturday. We will finish up on work, set up your work in the fine art gallery in preparation for your art reception. Experience what is involved in setting up a reception. How to work with flow of crowd, placement of work. Afternoon reception where you have the chance to show your work and share with them your story and message behind each piece.
Sunday: Review and say goodbyes
*Please note class schedule is subject to change daily depending on border crossing requirements,
boat availability, weather, time expectations, etc.
Winter in Maine can be
really cold but the coast is much warmer than just a mile inland as the warmer
water in the ocean keeps the coast much warmer. So average temps in
January are in the high 20's, but we still get occasional
cold days in the minus digits and that is when all the magic happens and
sea smoke arrives.
In addition to the basic equipment, skills requirements, and supplies listed for the week long classes, the winter class has some important additional items to bring. Because of the colder temps and hopefully a couple of below zero sea smoke days you will need some specific items. The important thing is to dress in layers. Head, hands and feet are key and layers when it comes to clothes
Warm clothes /3-4 layers of clothes
Base layer, mid layer, heavy layer
Gloves - multiple layers & extra pair
Thick heavy gloves
Thin glove to manipulate camera in cold
Socks - multiple layers
Thin sock
Midweight sock
Heavyweight sock
Heavy jacket
Light jacket/sweatshirt/fleece
Hat & face covering (make sure ears are covered)
Boots - Insulated, water-proof/resistant, anti-skid/good grip boots
Backpack and/or camera bag DSLR or Mirrorless camera Lenses: 18-35mm, 28-70mm, 70-200mm Memory cards Extra batteries (3 minimum) Tripod Card reader Computer External hard drive
Remote shutter Release Headlight
Water bottle Sunscreen if needed Passport / vaccination info for border crossing into Canada/US Vehicle for own personal transportation License Money for personal purchases and Snacks for long photo sessions Sunglasses
Class Limited to 6 People
What's Included
7 Full days Exploring Bold Coast
Trip on a Scallop fishing boat
Classroom meeting space
A day in a fine art gallery:
Understanding what they want, how to present your yourself & your work to a gallery.
Understanding Receptions: layout, curating, and preparation for receptions
You will learn how to mount & mat two fine art prints of your work Learn about fine art papers available in the industry
Gallery reception in fine art gallery with live music, warm chowder and drinks, showing your work from class.
Two fine art matted prints from show are yours to keep
PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Personal Accommodations
All meals
Personal Transportation. ( we will carpool when possible during class)
Passport (make sure everything is up to date) & Vaccination card (to cross into Canada)
The class will be held in a very large NY Style loft with fully functioning kitchen and bathroom facilities above the Full Fathom Five Gallery.
Check out our local area chamber of commerce website for businesses listed under rentals for options to book a great place to stay while in Eastport.
Check out local seasonal rental vacation places on Airbnb or VRBO for more information about places to stay. Be sure to book early as places tend to fill up fast. We also offer seasonal rentals. Check out our website www.fullfathomfivegallery.com under seasonal rental tab. Overnight stay is responsibility of participant.
Eastport is a 2.5 hour drive from Bangor BGR Airport and approximately 4.5 hour drive from Portland PWN airport. Both provide rental car service. There should be a commuter flight service starting 2024 from Boston BOS & BGR to Eastport if all goes as hoped. Plan ahead to make sure a rental vehicle is available to use. Travel & vehicle is responsibility of participant.
Final Payment is due 45 days prior to start of class, Payment by Visa, MC, Check, money order, or cash are accepted. No foreign funds are accepted. There is a full refund is cancelation is on or before 45 days of the class start date. There is 50% refund if cancelled 30 days before start day. Less than 30 days there is no refund. If cancellation is made within.... you have the option of transferring to any open class, but the class must be started within 1 year. There is no exception to the cancelation policy, We encourage you obtain trip insurance. If we need to cancel the class due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control our liability is limited to the full refund of money paid for class. We are not responsible for any loss due to non-refundable airline tickets, vehicle rental or other travel arrangements, this includes rental/hotel stays booked. We would encourage you to obtain travel insurance. *Please note class schedule is subject to change daily depending on border crossing requirements, boat availability, weather, time expectations, etc.
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This means you can use the camera on your phone or tablet and superimpose any piece of art onto a wall inside of your home or business.
To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website!
