Photographers need stories to tell. Environmental organizations have stories that need telling. Together they can create powerful imagery that reminds the viewer of the importance of protecting the planet. This workshop is for photographers with a strong interest in environmental issues and a desire to develop stories that reveal the human connection to nature and the planet’s natural resources.

Students work directly with communications staff at either The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust or Coastal Mountains Land Trust to develop their story and  to photograph it during the week. Each of these organizations has several great conservation projects happening in the Midcoast region, and have offered to work with our students to envision the photography and then to help them gain access to these sites throughout the week. A portion of each day is spent working with the organization to create a body of work that sharpens photographic skills within the context of an environmental story. Students work with Bridget each day to evaluate their experiences working with the organization, and to guide their photographic coverage.

Daily discussions encompass all aspects of the process, from finding the right story and matching it with an organization to developing a relationship and pitching an idea to the organization. Participants discover not only how to work within the confines of an NGO’s needs to expand creative limits but also how to help NGO’s see the project to fruition as an effective outreach tool. The end result is imagery that participants can be proud of on a multitude of levels. 

Students are required to work digitally.