Bold Coast Reflections II
More Inspiration from Far Down East
IIt’s been a while since I put together a photo essay for a newsletter. I’ve really missed doing this! Just like last year around this time, I’m coming home from Maine’s Bold Coast with a set of images that make me very happy. At first glance, I felt pretty surprised by this, because I felt like I was barely focused on my photography. But, given some thought, this tracks with past experiences. When I’m most in the moment, teaching and helping the others around me to learn how to see, I do a fair amount of seeing myself.
This year I was blessed with the opportunity of working with not just two, but four other instructors on two separate trips, along with an additional day leading my own one-day workshop around Lubec, Cutler, and Campobello Island.
I must first give a huge amount of praise and thanks to John Putnam. If not for his inspiration and extensive legwork (which I discovered when I organized a trip myself this year), these trips would not have been possible. I asked John several years ago if he would have me as a co-leader on this trip, and he graciously agreed. I’ve really learned to love this area through John.
I also get to work with Nathaniel Child, another gifted photographer from Maine. Nathaniel’s kind guidance and understated competence are an essential component of the trips out here with John.
A huge development this year was a new collaboration with someone I’ve watched from afar with great admiration. Jay Fleming, an extraordinary photographer from Maryland, brought his flair for providing a first-class workshop experience, along with his boundless energy and charisma. Jack Sullivan, another extremely talented photographer, and fun companion, helped us greatly on this second trip. I feel so blessed to work with these amazing folks, along with the crew at Bold Coast Charter Co.! Y’all rock.
None of this would be possible without the true essential ingredient of these experiences, the workshop participants themselves. Hailing from locations around the country, each bringing their own unique perspective, and personalities, each approaching these trips with eager curiosity and a great attitude for learning and collaborating, they are of course what makes it all possible. We take endless inspiration, and great pleasure, in their photographic vision, as well as their spirit of camaraderie. Thank you, folks!
I won’t explain too much more about the images. As much as I love writing, I hope that you can enjoy them mostly for themselves this time. Try not to scroll too fast.
I have to give another shout-out here, to my friend Dominic Trapani and the American Lighthouse Foundation. Visiting Little River Lighthouse was so much fun! Running and maintaining these historic beacons is not just a labor of love for many, it also requires financial support. The American Lighthouse Foundation provides vital funding for a number of endangered lighthouses around the the country. Consider making a donation through the link above if you love these lights like I do.
Alright, back to the photos.
As you can see, a few close up photos of people working (and posing at work) snuck in here. You can thank Jay, and these wonderful subjects, for that. Of course I love people, but I’ve always been shy of taking their photos, especially of asking them to do something or pose. Jay is not shy! I hope to grow into this new experience and make some more portraits.
I’m a bit more comfortable with these kind of portraits.
Thank you so much for looking through these images. I love sharing them with you.
I have a few more upcoming workshops with open spaces.
A one-day workshop in Stonington Maine will feature similar opportunities for capturing the lobstering lifestyle, wildlife, and some beautiful scenic landscapes. We’ll go out on the Good Tide, a local charter boat that will take us in search of eagles, seals, loons, and of course, lobster boats and lighthouses. I’m really excited for this new trip.
This will be my second year running a trip on Cape Cod with Tony Baldasaro. We had a blast last year with a great group. I look forward to joining folks again this year and photographing around the Cape. There’s a lot to see down here!
And finally, we have just a few more spaces on our annual Autumn in Acadia workshop with Kurt Budliger. Kurt has been running this trip for over a decade, and I’m honored to work with him in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
hello from machiasport! 🦞🐳 boldcoast foreva.
Great set of images Ben! Really love the one with the old chairs and the window.