1. What your will learn

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Confidently photograph the Milky Way without star tracking equipment
• Manually focus lenses accurately in complete darkness
• Balance lighthouse illumination with starlight exposure
• Use foregrounds (rocks, cliffs, structures) to anchor night images
• Choose settings based on intent, not guesswork
• Scout and pre-visualize compositions during daylight for night shooting
• Create clean, low-noise astrophotography files ready for editing
• Develop a repeatable night-photography workflow usable anywhere

2. Seeing the Night Before It Arrives

Learn how successful night images are built before the sun goes down:

• Reading the landscape for foreground potential
• Understanding Milky Way position and seasonal movement
• Planning compositions with horizon, structure, and sky balance
• Safety, pacing, and working calmly in the dark
• Daylight scouting at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse sets the foundation for the first night shoot.

3. Astrophotography Foundations (On Location)

Hands-on instruction covering:

• Camera settings for stars (ISO, aperture, shutter speed)
• Customized white balance for natural night color
• Manual focus techniques that actually work
• Avoiding blown highlights on lighthouse structures
• Reducing noise through smart exposure choices

4. Night Shoot I – Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Your first full astrophotography session includes:

• Milky Way rising over the Atlantic
• Lighthouse + rocky shoreline compositions
• Individual coaching and real-time adjustments
• Emphasis on calm repetition and confidence
• This night builds your foundation.

5. Daylight Landscapes & Visual Discipline

As we travel north, daytime stops reinforce the same skills needed at night:

• Marshall Point Lighthouse – leading lines and structure
• Owls Head Lighthouse – elevation and layered coastal views
• Rockland Breakwater – scale, repetition, and minimalist design

Focus areas include:

• Compositional restraint
• Visual flow and balance
• Using light intentionally rather than reactively

6. Night Shoot II – West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

The easternmost lighthouse in the U.S. becomes your second astrophotography anchor:

• Milky Way or star trail options (season dependent)
• Refining technique with confidence
• Exploring creative variations: silhouettes, negative space, scale
• This night is about refinement and expression.

7. Editing for Night & Landscape Images

A guided post-processing session covers:

• Exposure and contrast refinement
• Managing color temperature in night skies
• Enhancing detail without overprocessing
• Cropping for stronger storytelling
• You’ll see a complete edit—from RAW to finished image.

Workshop Itinerary

Day 1:

3:00 - Arrive at Pemaquid Hotel for introductions and review of updated schedule (pending cloud cover), settings and techniques. Safety on rocky areas, proper footwear and attire.

5:00 Group Dinner (optional)

7:00 Sunset Golden Hour

9:30 Pemaquid Lighthouse Milky Way, Start Trails, etc.

Day 2:

8:00 – Group Breakfast (optional)

9:00 - Depart for Lubec with 3-4 Lighthouse Landscape shots along the way

5:00 – Arrive in Lubec

7:00 - Group Dinner

10:00 – West Quoddy Lighthouse Milky Way, Lighthouse Lighting Effects

Day 3

8:00 – Group Breakfast (optional)

9:00 – Depart heading back south with 3-4 Lighthouse Landscape shots along the way

3:00 – Workshop ends

Participants are responsible for lodging, transportation, and meals.

Pemaquid Lighthouse Accommodations Recommendation:

• Hotel Pemaquid – Classic coastal lodging just ~0.2 miles from the lighthouse, with free parking and quick access to sunset and sunrise shoot of Pemaquid Lighthouse.
• The Bradley Inn- Charming inn also within a short walk (~0.3 miles). Free parking, known for comfortable rooms and a great base for exploring the Pemaquid Lighthouse.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Accommodations Recommendations

• The Eastland Motel – Highly rated motel with straightforward, comfortable rooms and easy access to the lighthouse area. Short drive or brisk walk options
• Peacock House Bed & Breakfast – Charming B&B with excellent reviews, located in Lubec’s historic district. Ideal for a cozy retreat after sunrise/sunset shoots.
• Eastern Beacon Inn – Well-reviewed inn in central Lubec, a short drive from the lighthouse and close to restaurants and shops.
• The Inn on the Wharf – Waterfront inn in Lubec itself; not as close as others to the lighthouse but positioned nicely on the water and convenient for evening/dawn expansion shoots.

You Will Need To Bring:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual control

•  Wide-angle lens (14–24mm preferred; f/2–f/2.8 ideal)

•  Medium zoom lens, such as 24-70 mm

•  A telephoto lens, like a 70-200 mm lens (optional)

•  Tripod (required), shutter release optional but recommended

•  Headlamp (red light recommended)

•  Extra batteries and memory cards

•  Weather wear with appropriate layers

A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 USD is required for registration. Final payment is due 30 days before the workshop's start. Deposits are non-refundable upon payment, except if your spot can be filled. A 50% credit of the deposit fee will apply to future workshops.

CANCELLATION REQUEST MUST BE EMAILED: Seacoast Photography School

This intermediate level lighthouse photography experience is designed for photographers who are comfortable working in rugged coastal environments and changing conditions. Participants should be able to walk on uneven and unsteady terrain and climb over rocks while carrying camera equipment. Conditions may include wind shifting light and variable footing. A moderate level of fitness and balance is recommended along with a solid working knowledge of camera settings and a readiness for hands on outdoor exploration.