acadia photo safari

I am a novice photographer - eager to learn with a fancy digital camera that I don't know how to use and a bum hip that has kept me housebound during this crazy winter. Howie wasn't daunted by these challenges and created a customized workshop for me to sort out aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as well as issues of composition and depth of field. This workshop was engaging, tailored to my specific skill level, and fun. Now, I can use some of the features of my camera and move beyond AUTO. This summer I look forward to attending one of his workshops to learn how to capture the fabulous vistas of Acadia National Park. Check out his website (www.acadiaphotosafari.com) for great images, interesting commentary, and helpful follow-up resources.

This was a valuable two hour private lesson spent with a generous and knowledgeable photographer! Howie is a very patient and thoughtful teacher who obviously loves to teach as well as take incredible photos. He easily explained how the camera works and gave me lots of good information about owning a camera. We reviewed what my particular camera could do and then went outdoors to take shots. I'm now eager to carry that camera everywhere and photograph whatever interests me. I also thought that I would be happy just improving my travel photos, but after seeing the jaw-dropping photos Howie has done, I might just try to push that envelope a little bit more. This educational experience really was an inspiration- and I'm looking forward to booking another session in the Spring!

My friend and I travelled to Acadia National Park for the 1st time with the main focus of our visit being photography! We did some research in advance and found Acadia Photo Safari. What a great find that was! Not only was it easy to register and set up the safari of our choice, but Howie communicated with us on a variety of other aspects of our trip making us well prepared for our visit. The weather on the day of our safari was rainy and cloudy. That did not stop Howie from making it an amazing adventure. We had a brief education portion indoors where he taught some basic principles of photography, catering the level of information to those in our group. We then set out to photograph Jordan Pond in less than perfect conditions. Howie took his time along the way to help each of us and make sure we learned some new things, all while sharing his in depth knowledge of the park with us. As the safari was nearing its end, he asked if we were up for one more adventure. He took us at dusk/dark to a cobblestone bridge that was one of the most beautiful settings in the park. He asked if were willing to participate in an experiment which of course all of us were up for. He set up the shot in the dark and we all lit up the scene with the flashes from our cameras. The result was a gorgeous photo and a memory of a really cool adventure. This was my first time learning anything about light painting. This safari was well worth the modest price we paid for it. Howie clearly loves what he does and it comes through in every aspect of his safari. On the next trip to Acadia, we will definitely sign up for another one of Howie’s safaris without question. He went above and beyond to make it a great experience!!!!

My husband and I did the Jordan Pond House excursion with Howie last week while vacationing in Acadia National Park. Neither of us really knew how to use our camera and we both love photography, so we thought it would be a great way to learn the basics and see the park. Howie did a great job of explaining aperture, ISO, and shutter speed for us beginners and in a way that was very easy to pick up on. Someone in our group requested he take us to the cobblestone bridge in the park, and he was happy to do it. In fact, our session was scheduled to end at 6, but I don't think we finished until 7. Once we reached the bridge, it was almost completely dark. Howie asked if we were all up for an experiment and of course we said yes. We ended using the flashes on all of our cameras to get a picture of the bridge in the dark. And boy was it gorgeous. Well worth walking in the woods in the total darkness. If it had been possible, I would have taken every safari he offered while on my week long vacation. Thanks again Howie!

My husband and I took the Sunset Photo Safari in October and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been a part-time professional photographer and my husband is a novice. Howie took the time to ask each of us about our photography experience and knowledge and then catered to our individual levels. He gave me some great ideas for getting more creative with sunset shots and was an excellent teacher for my husband and the two other ladies on board. He taught the basics of aperture and shutter speed using some great analogies and then explained rules for composition. He was a very patient teacher and enthusiastically reviewed everyone's photos and made friendly suggestions for further improvement. This is really a great deal for anyone who wants to learn photography and doesn't want to spend the time or money on a full week with the Maine Workshops. We got great shots of lobster boats, the coast, a lighthouse, and great "typical Maine" detail shots around a dock and weathered building in Ilseford, Maine. Howie's wife Brenda captains the boat. She was also very patient, and positioned the boat to allow us to focus on whatever caught our creative eye. The chairs on board the boat are very comfortable, the interior is heated and our very hospitable hosts offered wine and cheese on our trip back in. All in all, an incredibly enjoyable time on the water!

Wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. Instead of the obligatory "This is how a camera works", we actually got a chance to set the bar where we wanted it. Howie made sure he tailored the trip to our experience and comfort level and even threw in quite a few extra touches and bits of advice that would normally come with the other trips he offered. Overall a great trip at a great bargain. Would highly recommend to anyone either learning how to take better pictures, or just wanting to fine tune what they already know. Will certainly do another trip with him the next time we are in the area.

My husband and I went to the Friday night class and it was great. Howie is a great teacher and will walk you through all of your camera setting and once you get the hang of it just let you take the reins so you can create some of your own shots. If we are ever in Bar Harbor again we will being doing another class with Howie.

What a great experience. It was a beautiful night. Howie was fun but Educational. I learned a lot and look forward to playing with my camera. Brenda was a great/safe driver and also very knowledgable. Thanks for everything. I look forward to doing another trip, perhaps in the park.

This is an excursion that I am so thankful I signed up for. I learned so much about my camera settings, lighting and picture composition. Howie assessed our knowledge level and what our goals were for the outing in the very beginning. He is a very patient, knowledgable and friendly person putting us at ease and and being certain he covered everything we had said we hoped to accomplish. I came away with some pictures that I really like and a renewed interest in improving my photography skills. I have another sightseeing excursion in a few days and I can hardly wait to apply what I have learned. You won't want to miss this safari.

Howie was a great instructor and we learned many functions about our camera that we didn't even know existed. On top of the photography lesson we got a great boat ride and got to see a different part of the island. I'm glad we did this early in our trip so I could use our lesson to take better pictures in Acadia. Highly recommend if you are in bar harbor!

This photography tour is a wonderful way to spend a few hours during your MDI and Acadia vacation if you are interested in learning how to produce breathtaking photos of the natural beauty around you. The best part is that you have the opportunity to spend quality time with Howie, a local professional photographer who is intimate with the landscapes and marine wildlife that you view on the cruise.I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Acadia from a different perspective and gain valuable photography tips that will be helpful on your future adventures. Howie was attentive, hospitable and a wonderful teacher. I will definitely do the sunset safari cruise again on my next visit to the area!

This was the best value for your dollar. It was great! Howie did a really wonderful job explaining the basics and how to shoot a great sunset picture. We took the sunset photo safari and every one of us enjoyed it. We had a group of six of us and each one of us thought it was a great trip to take regardless of what your photography experience was.

I thought I was going to be bored. This was something my wife wanted to do and didn't want to go alone. I have to tell you, it was the most interesting afternoon I've spent in some time!!! Howie was warm and disarming as well as informative. We spent 3 hours with Howie and took in a ton of info. He is well suited to teaching, keeping it light and making it a fun afternoon. Even if you kind of know how to use your camera, I'd highly recommend you take a Photo Safari, I guarantee you'll pick up a good tip. A great afternoon and a good value. Thanks, Howie!!!

My wife and I and our two teenage kids really put Howie to the test! Me, with my "point and shoot plus manual controls", my son wielding a high tech DSLR, my daughter with a dated digital, and my wife with nothing but an iphone...We all liked the idea of learning how to use our tools better to get the perfect shot and the being on the water shooting in prime locations of MDI was the way to go. We originally pre-booked the sunset cruise with Howie weeks before our trip however, the day of our tour was forecast for rain. We contacted Howie and he was able to reschedule us for the next day! We spent the afternoon/early evening learning the basics to setting up shots and taking advantage of our cameras capabilities. Howie answered all of our questions and was able to critique and compare our shots to his (as he shot along side us with his own digital). Brenda was a master captain and offered welcome advice when needed as well. In the end, we all agreed we learned useful info, enjoyed the boat ride, and appreciated their hospitality and knowledge. Eight thumbs up from my family and next trip to MDI, we will be taking the advanced cruise ;)

Had a great evening at Jordan Pond learning the basics of photography. Howie was very informative and did a great job explaining how I can use my camera to take some wonderful pictures. Coming from someone who never changed the settings from auto shoot, I walked away with a much better understanding of some of the things my camera can to. It also seemed as though some of the other people in my group that had more photography knowledge to begin with, had a good time also. Something for everyone!