Summits of Acadia: October 6-10, 2025.
Overview
Join resident photographer John K. Putnam from October 14-18, 2024 for Summits of Acadia! This workshop takes advantage of the early fall color found on Acadia’s summits… which means we will hike! Our first evening together will be relaxed with just a meet and greet dinner, giving us time to get to know one another and for last-minute questions. The next three and a half days will be intensive, beginning before sunrise and going until after sunset with a couple of short breaks throughout the day for meals. The goal of this workshop is to get us off the beaten path to photograph extraordinary locations seen by very few of the park’s visitors. We will be taking in wide-angle views from Acadia’s mountaintops as well as the beautiful small scenes that can be found around the park at this time of year. As they are with all of his workshops, the group size will be kept small to maximize your one-on-one time with John as well as to make mobility for the group easier and to keep our impact on the park low during a busy time of year.
- Number of Instructors: 2
- Number of attendees: 8
- Level of difficulty (physical requirements): Challenging
This workshop requires a good amount of physical mobility. We will be taking difficult hikes. The footing in Acadia is often uneven, rocky, and slippery and we’ll have to do it in the dark, with headlamps, to get to and from some of our mountaintop locations.
Click on images to view the slideshow full-screen
Basic Schedule
Day 1: Meet and greet dinner on us.
Day 2: Sunrise field session. Breakfast. Lecture & Lightroom demonstration, editing, and image reviews. Break. Sunset field session.
Day 3: Sunrise field session. Breakfast. Editing demonstration, one-on-one editing, and image reviews. Break. Sunset field session.
Day 4: Sunrise field session. Breakfast. Editing demonstration, one-on-one editing, and image reviews. Break. Sunset field session.
Day 5: Sunrise field session. Breakfast. Attendee slide show. Say our goodbyes.
What to Bring
Photo Equipment:
As far as camera equipment goes, a Digital SLR or mirrorless camera is your best option. My two favorite lenses are my 14-35 and 100-400 but we will make anything work. You will need a laptop with editing software installed (my preferred software is Adobe Lightroom which is what I will be using for any editing demonstrations).
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera and Lenses
- 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 or a Packable Umbrella
- Laptop with Editing Software
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 we will be working in will change, starting off cool in the mornings, warming up throughout the day, and then dropping again at night. Other suggested items are found below.
- Headlamp
- Insect and Tick Repellent
- Rain Gear
- Gloves
- Winter Hat
- Trekking Poles
Price: $1795
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Included in the price are two instructors, classroom space, snacks and drinks in the classroom and on field trips, and the meet and greet dinner.
Attendees are responsible for:
- Personal accommodations.
- All Meals (other than the meet and greet dinner).
- Your own transportation (we will carpool if we can).
- Park entry fees.
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.
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.
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