Overview
Join photographers John K. Putnam and Nathaniel Child June 29 – July 3, 2024, on an out-of-this-world night sky photography workshop featuring the epic landscapes and incredibly dark skies of Acadia National Park. We will be spending four nights under the stars at some of Acadia’s most iconic locations, where you’ll be photographing the Milky Way, creating star trails, and learning how to capture pinpoint-sharp stars. You’ll also learn how to blend in foregrounds to your night sky images and stack multiple files together to reduce noise. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to take your nightscapes to the next level! As a bonus, we’ve scheduled this workshop as close to Acadia’s peak season for fireflies as possible! We will take every opportunity to include these bioluminescent bugs in our images!
Participants should be comfortable with working and moving around in the dark, including short hikes by headlamp. You should have a full understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and how to operate your camera. We will be using Adobe Photoshop to edit our images… don’t worry, we’ll teach you how, so a basic understanding of the software will help. Not sure if that’s you? Contact us HERE and we can discuss it in detail.
Basic Schedule
Day 1: 12:00 PM – Meet at the studio for a meet and greet lunch followed by lectures and editing demonstrations. You will also be provided with image files to practice blending and stacking techniques. 4:00 PM – Break for dinner. 6:30 PM – Meet on location for a sunset shoot followed by night sky photography, likely wrapping up around 1:00 AM.
Day 2: 11:00 AM – Meet at the studio for one-on-one editing plus group image reviews. 4:00 PM – Break for dinner. 6:30 PM – Meet on location for a sunset shoot followed by night sky photography, likely wrapping up around 1:00 AM.
Day 3: 11:00 AM – Meet at the studio for one-on-one editing plus group image reviews. 4:00 PM – Break for dinner. 6:30 PM – Meet on location for a sunset shoot followed by night sky photography, likely wrapping up around 1:00 AM.
Day 4: 11:00 AM – Meet at the studio for one-on-one editing plus group image reviews. 4:00 PM – Break for dinner. 6:30 PM – Meet on location for a sunset shoot followed by night sky photography, likely wrapping up around 1:00 AM.
Day 5: 9:00 AM – Meet at the studio for final edits plus a group slide show.
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. That said, a basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop as well as a fast, wide lens and camera with a full-frame sensor will be ideal for what we’re doing. A 14-24mm lens range will work best with a maximum aperture of f/1.4-f/4.
What are the fitness requirements?
A basic fitness level is necessary 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. However, attendees should be comfortable working and moving around in the dark over rocky and uneven terrain, including short hikes by headlamp.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
This workshop is rain or shine. If we get stuck with clouds or rain all four days we will adjust the activities to match the conditions. If we get rain, for example, we might use our time light-painting waterfalls or doing long-exposure street photography in Bar Harbor. If all we get are clouds we may pivot the workshop into something more traditional, photographing sunrise and sunset.
What to Bring
As far as camera equipment goes, a Digital SLR or mirrorless camera is your best option. You will also need a wide-angle prime or zoom that is at least f/4 or faster (i.e. f/3.5, f/2.8, f/1.8, etc.). You will need software that allows you to stack your night sky files (used for reducing noise and producing sharp stars). We recommend Starry Landscape Stacker for Mac or Sequator for Windows. Plus you will need a laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed. We will also have a couple of star trackers available to try out. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us HERE.
Photo Equipment:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera w/ spare batteries and plenty of memory.
- Fast, wide-angle prime or zoom lens.
- A sturdy tripod and head (essential for night sky photography).
- Camera backpack (a shoulder bag is not a good substitute).
- Waterproof covering for your camera or a packable umbrella.
Computers and Software:
- You will need a laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed.
- You will also need Starry Landscape Stacker for Mac or Sequator for Windows.
Clothing:
The most recommended piece of gear is a pair of sturdy shoes. The ground at many of our locations will be uneven and rocky, so hiking shoes are very helpful. I also recommend layering your clothing. The temps we will be working in will change, starting off warm in the afternoon and cooling down throughout the night. Bring a jacket and maybe even light gloves and a hat.
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes.
- hooded shirt or light jacket.
- Rain gear; pants and jacket.
Other Items:
It will be dark, a headlamp is necessary for light and also for keeping your hands free. A handheld flashlight is not a good replacement. Your headlamp should also have a red light function. Red light allows us to see without ruining our night vision. Fireflies aren’t the only insects we’ll see during this workshop, there will be mosquitoes in the evening so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. Suggested items are found below.
- Headlamp with red light function w/ spare batteries
- Insect and tick repellent
- Head net
- Latex gloves will lead to sweaty hands but mosquitoes can’t bite through them!
Price: $1595
RegisterJoin our mailing list to be the first to know when registration for future workshops opens! SIGN UP HERE
A $300 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to hold your spot, the full payment is due 60 days ahead of the workshop start date.
Included in the cost are two instructors, four field trips, classroom space, lunch each day (self-serve in the classroom including sandwiches, salad, cheese, fruit, snacks, and drinks), plus snacks, coffee, and tea on each field trip.
Attendees are responsible for:
- Personal accommodations
- All Meals (other than lunch)
- your own transportation (we will carpool if we can)
- Park entry fees (Acadia vehicle pass)
We have arranged for a reduced rate with Stay Bar Harbor, all of their properties are within walking distance of our classroom space. Contact Brandon Monroe at 207-266-9136 and tell him you’re with J.K. Putnam Photography.
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 60 days in advance will receive a full refund for any amount paid over the non-refundable deposit. Cancelations less than 60 days before the start of the workshop 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