I am excited to announce a new workshop that I am co-hosting in July of 2026 with Maine photographer Benjamin Williamson. We have limited availability for this exclusive opportunity to photograph nesting puffins and seabirds at Machias Seal Island along with the beauty of the Downeast Maine region.
About the workshop
The Bold Coast of Down East Maine is one of the most dramatic and photogenically rich stretches of shoreline in North America. From the picturesque working harbors in Lubec and Cutler to the rugged headlands of West Quoddy, the easternmost point in the United States, this area will fill you with awe and wonder.
The highlight of this trip is the opportunity to photograph puffins on land from the only publicly accessible blinds in the United States, just feet from nesting birds. Along with puffins, we'll observe and photograph Razorbills, Common Murres, and Arctic Terns up close, capturing distinctive behaviors and birds in flight. These little birds are wildly charismatic and endlessly photogenic. We will be right there with you, covering composition, wildlife behavior, light reading, and post-processing fundamentals, helping you make the most of every moment.
We partner exclusively with Bold Coast Charter Co., the only U.S. tour operator authorized to make landings on Machias Seal Island. Bold Coast has been running this trip for many years, and the safety of their passengers is always their first priority. That said, both departures and landings are subject to weather and sea conditions. We encourage you to read the Bold Coast FAQ for full details. If departure is possible but landing is not, the boat will cruise the island's shores, where we'll photograph puffins swimming and in flight, and may also encounter harbor seals and gray seals resting on the rocks.
In addition to the boat trips, we'll have outings to photograph the distinctive red-and-white-striped West Quoddy Lighthouse at sunrise, sunset and possibly at night, fishing vessels in picturesque Lubec and Cutler Harbors, and possible excursions to the beautiful coastal forests and headlands at Boot Head, Bog Brook, and Hamilton Cove Preserves.
With just 12 participants and two expert instructors, plus an assistant, you'll receive real, personalized guidance in the field.
THE INSTRUCTORS
Jay Fleming has spent his career documenting the working waterways and wildlife of the Atlantic coast with rare intimacy and artistry. His acclaimed books Working the Water (2016) and Island Life (2021) offer immersive portrayals of coastal communities and ecosystems. Jay holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license and leads sold-out workshops across the Chesapeake, coastal Maine, and the Galápagos. His fieldcraft with seabirds and marine wildlife is exceptional, and his work spans both above and below the waterline.
Benjamin Williamson is one of Maine's most celebrated photographers. He’s a former staff photographer and photo editor for Down East Magazine, whose work has been exhibited in major institutions across the state and licensed widely for commercial use. Benjamin leads photography workshops from the Allagash to Monhegan Island and has unmatched knowledge of Maine's coastal landscapes, particularly the Down East region. He is known for his sensitivity to extraordinary light, dramatic weather, and the relationship between people and wild places — and is a highly regarded photography educator.
Jack Sullivan was born in southern Maine and grew up near the coast. He studied New Media at University of Maine with a concentration in documentary film. Jack is the multimedia director for the Maine Aquaculture Association and previously worked as photography editor and staff photographer for Island Institute. Jack is passionate about fishing communities, working waterfronts, and the interactions between people and nature.