OCULUS WORKSHOPS
COASTAL MAINE
AUTUMN 2025
DATES
Sept 19th - 21st , 2025
3 Days (Fri-Sun)
TUITION
$649
LOCATION
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
36 Old Portland Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
CLASS SIZE
10 STUDENTS
Course Outline:
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Learn photographic skills that will improve your photography.
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Composition and technique; what makes a good subject?
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Best camera settings for different compositions and time of day; Low light including Blue Hour, Golden Hour.
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Filter use, tripod, Panographs, ICM, long exposure, night photography, which lens is right for this photo, is color the best choice?
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Ecological Photography: What am I trying to say? What am I feeling?
Included with Tuition:
Instructional classroom time for Lightroom editing, Photoshop, & Luminar Neo. We will discuss other editing software options that include On 1, & NIX. A discussion of workflow, pre-location investigations and scouting will be included.
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A group Zoom Session 1 week before the workshop.
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2 Sunset Locations and 2 Sunrise Locations to be determined by weather.
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Locations to include Maine's Rocky Coast, lighthouses, & more.
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Small workshop limited to 10 participants with 2 instructors - Sam, & Mark.
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Q&A during the duration of the workshop for all things Photography.
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Post-Workshop Image Sharing
Regular Cost - $749
TUITION - $649 (Limited Time)
WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
We'll spend as much time with you as possible considering each participant's needs. However, having some photography knowledge and experience is required. Email us if you have any questions.
Some Things to Consider:
This workshop welcomes all photographers, although bringing a Mirrorless, or DSLR camera is highly recommended to get the most out of the workshop. You are welcomed to use an iPhone if that's your main camera but we encourage the use of dedicated camera equipment for the best experience.
Computer Skills and Editing Software:
Much of classroom time we will be teaching and covering post-processing techniques and workflow. Both Sam, & I use multiple software platforms, but our primary program is Adobe Lightroom. Basic skills for editing photos is required, & having a working knowledge of Lightroom basics is necessary.
Activity Level:
Mostly easy, with some medium level locations such as traversing rocky outcrops and uneven terrain. The majority of our locations don't require long hikes.
That said, we begin early (before sunrise), and can sometimes run late for evening shoots. We will be giving you breaks during the day for downtime. Outdoor adventures do have some risk, all participants will be required to sign a waiver.
Dark Skies & Milky Way, Popham Beach
Sam Carr
READY TO CREATE IMAGES LIKE THESE?
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ITINERARY AND MORE
Getting There
We'll stay in Brunswick as a base with photograph opportunities in Portland, Freeport, Harpswell, Phippsburg, & surrounding areas. Brunswick is just north of Freeport by 15 minutes, and 30 minutes north from Portland, located just off I-295.
Motel
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Brunswick Freeport
36 Old Portland Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
Website Link
(207) 721-0300
Book Your Stay
Checking In: Friday, Sept 19th - Checking Out: Sun, Sept 21st.
Date and Time
The photography workshop starts late Friday afternoon, Sept 19th, and runs through noon Sunday, Sept 21st 2025.
Lodging and Meals
Lodging and meals are not included in the registration fee. Meals are the responsibility of each participant. We recommend booking your room at the Fairfield Inn (see above). We will generally meet in the lobby to begin our day.
Itinerary
Day 1
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Gather in the lobby (Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott). Meet and greet, a quick overview of the class expectations. Head out for a sunset shoot.
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Night photography opportunity for Milky Way Center of Visibility shortly after Blue Hour during Twilight (astronomical dusk).
Day 2
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Early Morning Sunrise field trip.
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Break for Breakfast mid-morning.
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Classroom session and post-processing at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Conference Center - late morning, into mid-afternoon.
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Midday break (free time).
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Early Evening: Sunset photography jaunt.
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Night Bonus: Milky Way Center of Visibility opportunities during astronomical dusk (weather permitting).
Day 3
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Early Morning Sunrise field trip.
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Break for Breakfast mid-morning.
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Classroom session at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
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Review and Wrap-up.
Note: Itinerary is for approximate times, as this may vary due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Our goal is to make the best use of our time and be adaptable to the conditions.
Weather
This is a unique time of year to visit Maine's Coast. Fewer crowds, cooler, more comfortable temps, and the beauty of Autumn.
What to Bring
We'll have a download to our master list of clothing, gear, and other recommendations for this workshop. Feel free to contact us for any additional questions or concerns.
What about Drones?
Yeap, You Betcha! Both Sam & I are Part 107 FCC Licensed Commercial Drone Pilots. Many workshops may be anti-drone, we however, are not! We know the rules and would ask you to respect them when flying with us.
Bug Light, Portland, ME
Maine's Rocky, Granite Coast
Sam Carr
TUITION - $649 (limited time)
Regular Cost - $749
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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Lodging and meals
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Transportation to, and during the workshop
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Airfare
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Trip insurance
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Any additional excursions
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Upon cancellation of the class due to any circumstances beyond our control, OPW will offer a full refund.
No refund within 30 days of workshop.
More than 30 days from beginning of the workshop a 50% refund and a 50% credit to a future workshop if the workshop does not fill to capacity. If the workshop fills to capacity then a refund less a 10% handling and transaction fee.
Weather can make, or impair opportunities when photographing outdoors. While a little rain hasn't stopped us before, we can't promise optimal conditions i.e. burner sunrise/sunsets, photogenic clouds, night sky visibility, etc. but consider this:
Some of the most dramatic photographs are captured under inclement weather!
We don't offer refunds for inclement weather, or weather events that may hinder our attempts to safely photograph when on location. We do however, make every effort to safely conduct the class, and offer alternative photo opportunities during the class when weather disrupts our plans.
If you have further questions regarding payment and workshop details, please contact us:
Dramatic imagery during unpleasant weather, Sam Carr
READY FOR AN ADVENTURE?
Photograph Coastal Maine during Autumn
Learn to make more meaningful photographs
Discover new post-processing techniques
Have a ton of fun with other like-minded photogs
Make awesome memories and experiences
Portland Head Light
Oculus Workshops, All Rights Reserved 2024
Sam Carr, Mark Houde
