Lighthouse on Monhegan Island, Maine...
I just finished teaching photo classes for a couple weeks at the Maine Media Workshops. I lingered in the Rockport area for a couple days to unwind and explore. I asked three photographer friends to join me on a ferry ride to Monhegan Island for a little photo exploration.
It was impromptu, thrown together quickly, with barely any preparation. We decided to catch the early morning light by taking the mail boat over to the island in the morning. We fortified ourselves with a little coffee in Port Clyde and nursed it through the somewhat choppy ride to Monhegan. The island is a famed artist’s hangout, hosting many workshops and plein air painting classes as well as internationally known artists like Jamie Wyeth. Tourists may not bring cars. You either walk, hike or bike your way around.
The view is so amazing from the wharf and the inn atop the hill that you would not need to go further than 100 yards to yield some amazing photographs. We all scattered with a pre-arranged meeting time for lunch. We are each pretty independent types and we followed our noses to interesting areas of the island. One participant concentrated on the cute shops, galleries and gardens. One person hiked on the uneven ground to the boat wreck that is still visible. Another crossed through the forested area to the other side of the island, where there are huge rocks and pounding surf. I concentrated on the lighthouse area and the beach area, shooting panoramic images to later join together in a long horizontal image. The panos usually are comprised of 50-60 individual images. I also shot infrared images for an upcoming traveling show in 2009-2010.
We had a great lunch as we shared our various photographic discoveries, and the conversation continued on our return boat ride. We all remarked that we should make more time in our lives to enjoy this kind of photography with our photo friends.
Although this kind of boat exploration was great, you could gather a friend or two and go to the local zoo, park or garden. Some of you may have access to local camera clubs that sponsor photo safaris or trips. I really would recommend it. It was loads of fun and we all came home with images that we really liked. While the weather is still warm and favorable to day long trips, take advantage of this season. Enjoy nature and your photography with your friends!
Please visit my web site at www.suebloom.com.
posted by heyjude3
Judy
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