The Shoals Marine Laboratory is the ideal setting for honing your photographic skills while being immersed in the beauty and wonders that Appledore Island and the Isles of Shoals have to offer. This course is an experiential based course that offers field work among the bird and seal colonies, bird banding station, and the beautiful landscape found here on Appledore island. Our class is scheduled to coincide with the annual bird migration and nesting season to offer unsurpassed opportunities for photography. In addition, your instructor is a seasoned nature photographer with decades of experience working in the field around the planet. Learn about composition, storytelling, lightroom editing, and more as you surround yourself with early season seal, tern, gull, and songbird opportunities.
Due to the sponsorship of Little River Photo Workshops, we will have a limited supply of OM System cameras and photographic lenses to loan to our participants. This will enhance your experience and give you the ability to try some of the latest technology in photographic equipment in nature photography.
Boat departure and return times are TBD
(603) 862-5346
Price: $3,000
Price is per person, double-occupancy (shared room with same-gender participant or chosen registered companion.) All-inclusive with: overnight dormitory accommodations, all meals, snacks and beverages, all program activities, and round-trip boat transportation between Portsmouth, NH, and Appledore Island. Space is limited due to our vessel and housing capacities, so reserve your spot soon! This program is open to adults 18 years of age and up.
Participants must bring their own bedding for a twin-sized bed. We suggest a sleeping bag and extra blanket or sheet, as well as a pillow case. Pillows are available. A detailed suggested packing list will be sent to registrants prior to the program.
Single-occupancy rooms may be available for an extra charge of $500.00 ($100 per night), dependent on availability at time of registration.
Faculty
Steve Morello
Steve Morello is an OM System Ambassador, and is the Director of Little River Photo Workshops, a small nature photography school at his present home, in southern Maine. Steve has had a long and colorful career in the natural history world. Although raised in New Jersey, he was lucky to be able to summer on the shores of Cape Cod. Whether it was exploring the tidal pools, snorkeling along the beach, or hiking in the dunes, it all came together to instill in him a deep connection to the natural world. It was no surprise that he would return to the Cape as a whale researcher in his adult years. It was on Cape Cod that Steve first became involved in guiding, and photography on whale watching boats in the Gulf of Maine. That was many years ago, and since then, Steve has traveled the planet guiding and photographing the natural world.
Well known as a professional wildlife photographer and guide, Steve’s work has appeared in countless publications, including National Geographic magazines and books, The New York Times, National Wildlife, and the photo collection of the World Wildlife Fund. Steve has written numerous magazine articles on the subjects of travel and nature photography. He is the author of The Traveling Nature Photographer, which has been acclaimed as a must-have for anyone who travels and is interested in traveling with a camera .
Island Environment: Appledore Island is a rugged landscape with uneven, slightly steep and rocky paths. Access on/off the island is via a floating dock, a steep ramp, and a set of stairs. Sturdy walking shoes are required. Please review our Safety at Shoals page for any questions about boat safety, island terrain, medical access, or dietary needs.
- Participants should be prepared for time aboard research vessels and moderate-to-strenuous hikes around Appledore Island to various field sites.
- This program is intended for adults interested in learning more about photographing nature. No university credits are awarded.
- If a multi-night program is too adventurous, consider a day-trip Appledore Island Walking Tour, with tons of natural history information packed into just one afternoon!
Cancellation Policy:
- At least 30 days before departure = 100% refund
- 29-15 days before departure = 50% refund
- Less than 15 days before departure = 0%
SML boats will run rain or shine, so long as the captain deems it safe to travel. Passengers should come prepared with appropriate clothing in the event of rain or high winds (ocean spray). If the captain deems travel unsafe, boats schedules may be impacted until the weather passes. Communications regarding any weather-related delays will come via email from SML's office.