Infrared: Maine Magic

Infrared wavelengths of light were first discovered in 1800, and the first infrared image was made in 1910. In the last 115 years, the technique has been used for everything from military surveillance to scientific research. In the hands of an artist, the process gives us access to luminous foliage, warm skies, and glowing skin tones. Infrared does not pretend to be realistic, but it is a great tool to interpret a scene from a new perspective with a wonderful palette for creating fine-art photographs that tell emotive stories.

Join esteemed photographers and authors of Infrared Photography: Brilliant Techniques for Artistic Images, Laurie Klein and Shelley Vandegrift, for an immersive in-person workshop experience discovering the magic of infrared. The storied coastline of Maine in September offers a perfect location for the four-and-a-half-day workshop as the days are sunny and warm and the busy summer tourist season has ended. Whether you are new to infrared photography or looking to refine your skills, Laurie and Shelley elevate your mastery of artistic infrared photography and enrich your artistic narrative.

Each day offers an opportunity for personal growth, refining your finesse in fine-art infrared storytelling. The beautiful Maine morning light is perfect for group field sessions with Laurie and Shelley. Immerse yourself in making new images each morning along the coast’s forests, beaches, islands, and villages. Local models add to the image-making experience during one of these field sessions. Return to the classroom in the afternoon for a group review of work from the previous day, then engage in hands-on sessions with Shelley that explore a variety of post-processing techniques to infuse your images with creative nuances. These techniques include digital hand-coloring, simple compositing, and mastering light manipulation to emphasize the essence of your visual stories.

The dramatic coast from Portland through Harpswell to Popham is our playground during this workshop. The small village of Freeport is our base of operations for the week. It’s also the home of LL Bean’s retail empire. The historic Harraseeket Inn is our home for the week. Only thirty minutes north from Portland’s Jetport, the Inn offers comfortable accommodations, meals, and a great classroom space. Rick Berk, a photographer and resident of nearby Bath, is in-charge of logistics and provides technical support for all cameras, lenses, and software concerns. Rick is also an instructor at Santa Fe Workshops.

Our journey doesn’t end with picturesque vistas and technical prowess. Embrace the freedom to explore and push the boundaries of your creative expression alongside Laurie and Shelley. Seize this chance to uncover the hidden beauty of infrared photography against the magical backdrop of the coast of Maine. Join us and let your creativity flourish amidst the coast’s unique landscape, light and color, architecture, history, and culture.