Icons of Acadia

Icons of Acadia

November Photography Workshop in Acadia National Park

November 5 – 8, 2026

Overview

Join resident photographer John K. Putnam to capture Acadia National Park’s most iconic scenes! That’s right… NOVEMBER! Acadia boasts some of the most well-known scenes in New England… in all of the National Park system for that matter! But to get some of these classic shots under the best light of the year (and without people in the way) you have to visit outside of peak season. Our first evening together will be relaxed. We’ll meet for dinner, giving us time to get to know one another and for last-minute questions. The next three days will be intensive, beginning before sunrise and going until after sunset with a couple of short breaks throughout the day for meals. During this workshop, we will concentrate on classic locations such as Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Monument Cove, Hunters Beach, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Boulder Beach, and more… and we will likely have them all to ourselves.

During November, Acadia’s notorious crowds have dissipated but the park is still fully accessible and plenty of shops and restaurants are still open.

Besides it being the perfect time of year to photograph along the coast and a beautiful time for the rest of the park, at $1595 this is our most budget friendly workshop! Hotel rooms even run at a discounted rate this time of year! As an added bonus, everyone leaves this workshop with a 12×18 print of one of their photos.

  • Number of Instructors: 2
  • Number of attendees: 6
  • Level of difficulty (physical requirements): Easy – Moderate

Schedule

November 5:
Our workshop kicks off with introductions and a welcome dinner.

November 6-8:
The heart of the workshop. Each morning we’ll head to a new location to photograph the beauty of Acadia, taking in iconic scenes as well as small scenes, adding variety to your portfolio. Our midday classroom sessions we’ll focus on image reviews and techniques for image processing… refining your vision and creating a set of images you can be proud of. We’ll visit a new location each evening as well, maximizing our time in the field. We will say our goodbyes after our final evening excursion.

Our itinerary can and will change due to the weather and other factors but our goal is always to get you to the best possible locations to match the conditions. We will try to visit as many locations as possible but we may re-visit certain spots to photograph from new perspectives or under different conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?

No! Workshops are for learning and we always make any camera equipment work. You do not need expensive gear for successful image-making.

What are the fitness requirements?

A basic fitness level is helpful for participation in this workshop, but we will make it as easy as possible. We want you to concentrate on photography not getting to the top of the next hill. Any walks will be short, but the terrain in Acadia is often rocky and uneven. Getting to a couple of the most iconic view involves very treacherous footing, but we always have secondary locations for those who want to skip the really difficult routes.

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

  • DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
  • Lenses to cover 16-200mm on a full-frame sensor are recommended, 10-150mm on a crop sensor.
  • Sturdy Tripod and Head
  • Circular Polarizer and Neutral Density Filters
  • Camera Backpack (a shoulder bag is not a good substitute)
  • Waterproof Covering for Your Camera
  • Laptop Computer with editing software (we use Adobe Lightroom Classic)
  • Card Reader
  • Extra Batteries
  • Extra Memory Cards

What about transportation?

You are responsible for your own transportation. That said, we will encourage carpooling.

What about lodging?

Our classroom space will be in Bar Harbor, so we recommend staying there. We recommend staying at The Inn on Mount Desert. Contact Brandon Monroe at 207-266-9136 and tell him you’re with J.K. Putnam Photography for a discounted rate.

What should I wear?

Clothing & Other Gear:
The most recommended piece of gear is a pair of sturdy shoes. Many of our locations will be uneven and rocky, so hiking shoes are very helpful. I also recommend layering your clothing. The temps in November can be all over the place… but expect cold, so make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing. Suggested items are found below.

  • Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
  • Quick drying pants and shirts
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • Rain jacket and rain pants
  • Umbrella
  • Water bottle
  • Insect and tick repellent

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

The weather will not cooperate. That said, being out in bad weather usually leads to great photo opportunities!

Price: $1595

Register Here

Join our mailing list to be the first to know when registration for future workshops opens! SIGN UP HERE

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of booking.

Included in the Price:

  • One-on-one field instruction from two instructors
  • Classroom space
  • Daily image reviews and editing guidance
  • Dinner the first night
  • Snacks throughout
  • 12×18 inch print of one of your photos

Attendees are responsible for:

  • Hotel Accommodations
  • All Meals (other than the meet and greet dinner).
  • Your Own Transportation (we will carpool if we can)
  • Park Entry Fees
  • Travel Insurance: www.squaremouth.com

We recommend staying at The Inn on Mount Desert. Contact Brandon Monroe at 207-266-9136 and tell him you’re with J.K. Putnam Photography for a discounted rate.

Acadia park passes can be purchased in person at the following locations:

  • Hulls Cove Visitor Center
  • Sand Beach Entrance Station
  • Bar Harbor Village Green
  • Thompson Island Information Center
  • Blackwoods Campground
  • Schoodic Woods Campground
  • Seawall Campground

You can also purchase a pass online HERE.

Cancelations:

Cancelations made by September 5th will receive a full refund for any amount paid over the non-refundable deposit. Cancelations made after September 5th will receive no refund. If a canceled spot is able to be filled before the start date of the workshop a full refund will be given, including the deposit.

Questions? Contact us HERE

Meet Your Instructors:

John K. Putnam is a full-time nature photographer based on Mount Desert Island, Maine, home to Acadia National Park. Through private photo tours and intimate workshops, John shares his deep local knowledge of Acadia, helping clients capture stunning images by understanding the region’s unique patterns of tide, weather, light, and season. His love for teaching and his enthusiasm for Acadia has extended to other parts of Maine, the U.S., and beyond, offering enriching photographic learning opportunities wherever he travels.

John also teaches with Out of Chicago and DownEast Adventures and is a frequent contributor to DownEast Magazine and DownEast Calendars.

Since making Maine his home, John has built a striking portfolio of Acadia’s landscapes, earning wide recognition and exhibition for his work. His photography is available online and at his gallery in Southwest Harbor, where he lives with his wife, their two young children, and their anxious (but lovable) dog, Bernard.

Nathaniel has been taking pictures of the natural world since he got his first digital camera in 2006. He majored in Wildlife Management and spent some time working in the wildlife field, which gave him a great appreciation for wild animals and the habitats they live in. He is currently living in Maine, and can usually be found hiking along the rugged coastline or deep in the wild forests looking for his next subject to photograph.