Blog - Coastal Maine Photo Tours

Mindfulness photography begins by seeing more deeply.

Digital Photography, Learning to see, mindfulness photography

Finding the Extraordinary in the Everyday

Creative inspiration, daily photography practice, and learning to see more deeply in everyday life. There’s no magic pill for better photography. The truth is more engaging and enjoyable. Growth comes from practice. Not relentless, exhausting effort, but painless practice: small,…

George Eastman holding his invention, the Kodak Camera, which was the first roll-film ever made.

History of Photography, Learn Photography

The first roll-film camera.

I enjoy teaching the history of photography by following the development of the camera. 50 years after the birth of photography (1839) we see the invention of the first roll film camera which brought photography into everyday life. The Inventor:…

Fireworks over Camden Harbor, Maine, with boats and Curtis Island.

Digital Camera, Digital Photography, Learn Photography

“How to Photograph Fireworks: Simple Gear, Big Results”

I periodically challenge myself to use my camera in ways that step outside my usual shooting techniques and subject matter. It’s an opportunity to learn more about what my camera can do—and to stretch my creative vision in new directions.…

Digital Photography, Learn Photography

Astro Photography Tips & Techniques

I am grateful to have had my image of the milky way at Schoodic Point in Maine, included in a Dark Skies juried exhibition in Belfast, Maine. The exhibit is a collaboration between Waterfall Arts, Union of Maine Visual Artists,…

Photography Movies

Good Photo Movie: Kodachrome

Note: this is a guest post by my web consultant, Jim Dugan. See his website at JimDugan.com If you’ve got Netflix, there’s a movie currently available (Jan. 2024) that’s good for anyone who loves photography: Kodachrome. It’s the story of…

Digital Camera

Camera Buying Tips

If you are considering a new camera purchase, this article will help you figure out which type of camera is the right choice. It will also help you understand your current camera better as well. Digital Camera buying can be…

Digital Camera, Digital Photography

Camera Ergonomics: Is your camera a good fit?

Camera Ergonomic: The first camera buying tip that I offer to anyone is that the camera needs to be a good fit in your hands. Todays cameras have many of the same features and for the non-professional, the differences in…

Blog

10 Benefits of Photography to Mental Health

10 Benefits of Photography to Mental Health – the article by Jenn Pereira. It’s true, photography is good for your mental health. Perhaps that is the reason why so many people, almost everyone, have photography in their lives. It is…

History of Photography

Photography shaped our Labor Laws

There have been many ways that photography helped, contributed, or influenced change in the world. This video will show you how it shaped our labor laws and supported the efforts to make for safer workplaces. Lewis W. Hine, a sociologist…

Learn Photography

Expand Your Photographic Vision!

You can create more powerful images by learning composition techniques and ways to expand your photographic vision. Learn to see more of what is in your viewfinder before you make your exposure. The following slide show presents to you some…

Learn Photography

Dee’s Digital Workflow

From Winter 2022 Newsletter, plus video at the end. In the newsletter I offered a brief description of my digital workflow as a guide for you to think about organizing your own workflow to streamline efficiency and gain quick results.…

Learn Photography

Focal Length Explained

This information is an extension to the LEARN article in the Winter 2020 Newsletter. If you are starting here, do go and check out the newsletter, too. Many photographers do not use the full creative potential of their lenses. And…

Coastal Maine Photo Tours

4.9

Based on 53 reviews

review us on

Jonathan Wells

21:47 03 Nov 25

My wife and I had the pleasure of a private lesson and tour in October, 2025. Dee is a skilled photographer, instructor and communicator. She has a relaxed but organized style and covers a lot a information is a short setting. We covered a range of topics including compostion, exposure and the technical aspects of our cameras. She also helps you to "see" like a photographer. You learn a lot and have fun while doing it. It's a great experience.

Audrey Hinsman

19:38 23 Oct 25

My husband participated in a wonderful photography class in colorful October with Dee Peppe in northern New Hampshire and Maine , while I was a "trailing spouse". Dee took us to some gorgeous places that we would never have found on our own and gave excellent instruction to the photographers and allowed plenty of time to take advantage of the light and explore their camera capabilities. As a non-participating member of the group, (I am a painter), Dee welcomed me to sit in on critiques and even let me share some of my work.

Imad Durra

23:37 20 Oct 25

A day of photography with Coastal Maine Photo Tours and Dee is fun and very useful for amateur photographers who want to hone their skills. Dee's guidance and feedback, tailored to each photographer's skill level, is very valuable. She knows the good spots and the good time of the day for optimal results. I am recommending without any reservation.

Tonya Madden

14:22 19 Oct 25

I had an amazing experience on Dee’s Fall Foliage Photo Tour! I’ve been taking private lessons with Dee, and this tour was the perfect way to put everything I’ve learned into practice. We started with a photography lesson before heading out on a one-hour boat cruise around Camden and Rockport to see the beautiful lighthouses and learn about lobstering — something I didn’t expect but absolutely loved!
After the boat ride, we explored Bayview Street and stopped to photograph Camden Harbor, where Dee gave great tips on composition. We continued to Curtis Island Lookout for another gorgeous perspective of the lighthouse, then to the Children’s Chapel to practice close-up photography and aspect ratio using flowers as our focal point.
We finished the day with stops at Owls Head Lighthouse and Marshal Point Lighthouse, capturing incredible sunset shots. The entire experience was rich for my soul — being out on the water, learning from Dee, and connecting with others who love photography made it unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to joining another one of Dee’s tours!

Donald Hinsman

12:29 15 Oct 25

My wife and I took a tour with Coastal Maine Photo Tours entitled Fall Foliage 2025 and the title aptly identified this fantastic tour. Seven days in New Hampshire and Maine seeing the magnificent Fall colors including waterfalls and covered bridges. Dee Peppe was the tour guide and an outstanding photographer as well. She selected several sites per day that were always colorful but empty of tour buses and tourists. She provided on site recommendations for the different scenes in order to optimize the colors and actions. Each evening she conducted reviews of our photographs which strengthen our skills for the next days shots. Dee was caring and extremely attentive to our needs.

Jenna Eldredge

13:19 10 Sep 25

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Coastal Maine Photo Tours. Leading up to the tour, I knew I was in good hands when Dee went out of her way to learn what kind of camera we all had and why we wanted to take the course so she could ensure she was fully prepared to guide our session. I learned so much throughout the day and feel way more comfortable using my camera. I would 12/10 recommend Dee and this tour.

Jon Campbell

10:34 23 Aug 25

I just completed my second tour with Coastal Maine Photo Tours with the first being a few years back. I am already browsing the website to see if there is another tour that I can take!

I thought my camera setup was fine and with Dee’s help we tweaked a few settings and I already have seen a difference! I can’t recommend her tours enough!

Joyce Gerardi

23:25 21 Aug 25

Dee was a great guide and kept the tour at a relaxed pace. We felt like friends spending the day together with a mutual love of photography. Her knowledge of the inner workings of the camera was helpful and she explained things well with visuals and hands-on tutorials. I would love to book another tour.

Matthew St. Pierre

20:01 10 Jul 25

My wife and I really enjoyed the tour. Dee did a great job bringing us to some great parts of the island to get some really nice photos. I also appreciated that she pushed us to get good photos. She mentioned she had a history as a photography professor and it showed. She really did a phenomenal job helping us get great photos. I enjoyed the trip and would absolutely do another one.

Response from the owner 17:03 21 Jul 25

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. It was a pleasure having you and your wife on the Monhegan Photo Tour and I'm so happy that it was a good experience for you.

Larry Murray

18:27 09 Jul 25

Fantastic !! What a wonderful experience ! Dee Pepe has a life time of teaching and is so willing to share her knowledge..
I learned so much more about how to not only use my camara, but also about light, subject matter and how to use my camera in action mode. All while sailing the Beautiful Coast of Maine..
Sign up Now! Cant wait for the next tour!!!

Response from the owner 19:47 10 Jul 25

Thank you for writing a review. The Chase the Great Schooner Race this year definitely did not disappoint. Well, I guess it never does. What a fantastic day on the bay. So glad that you got so much out of it. Thank you for joining for the second time and helping to make it all so wonderful.

Cindy Jackson

23:08 08 Jul 25

Nice visit to local gardens including an amazing private garden. Good tips on technique before tour.

Response from the owner 12:58 09 Jul 25

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I hope that the tour was what you were looking for to jump start your return to photography and that you are feeling more comfortable with your camera. It was a pleasure spending the day with you.

Diane Campbell

12:59 08 Jul 25

The photographing Maine Gardens/Flower workshop was excellent. Dee planned the day perfectly. The pace was relaxed AND I learned a lot. Dee has great access to some of the most beautiful gardens in the Mid-Coast area. I highly recommend this class.

Response from the owner 14:31 30 Jun 25

I'm so glad that the day was so beneficial for you. It was a pleasure having onboard. See you on the next one on Sunday for something a little different.

Richard Bachur

00:37 29 Oct 24

Terrific day of learning the fundamentals of photography along with great tips around composition. Can't beat the coast of Maine for a photography workshop.

Response from the owner 12:21 29 Oct 24

Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review, and for signing up for the photo tour to begin with. It was a pleasure getting to know you.

David Maynor

16:45 23 Oct 24

This was a great way to experience new states and fall colors. Money well spent. Met new, great people and a chance to reconnect with an old friend. The planning was done well. I enjoyed being challenged to find new ways to make compelling images.
4 out of 5 stars due to most the locations were off the main hwy. Would have liked to see more locations off the beaten path and less people. Maybe this is something that is beyond anyone's control.
I can myself attending future workshops with Dee and I do recommend this to other photographers.

Response from the owner 20:03 27 Oct 24

I'm glad that you had a good experience while on the Fall Foliage Photo Tour and I thank you for your recommendation to others. I appreciate your comment about more off-the-beaten-path locations. Every year this tour visits different locations. Not only do I keep an eye on the foliage reports for last minute changes in the schedule, but also, the overall physical condition of the group dictates a lot of my decisions too. I'm sure that you remember the health survey that I sent out a few weeks earlier. You were perhaps the most fit, and the youngest of the group. Others were dealing with recent joint replacements and heart procedures. So I have to consider the condition of the trails, the elevation climb, and the length. I try to find a balance without putting anyone at risk. A couple participants made their own decision to stay behind during the 2 mile hike.

Mickie LaPlaca

21:25 20 Oct 24

On a recent tour of Maine and New Hampshire, Dee provided a busy itinerary of fantastic photo spots. She gave everyone plenty of time to thoroughly explore at each stop, was very knowledgeable of the routes, terrain, and what we could expect to see. I would recommend Coastal Maine Photo Tours to all photographers!

Response from the owner 19:51 27 Oct 24

I appreciate that you took the time to write a review and for your contribution of the Aurora forecast while on the Fall Foliage Photo Tour. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet you.

Tom Brascia

22:45 15 Oct 24

Dee is not only a wonderful photographer, but also a great person. She was informative, accommodating and patient! She knew all of the best spots to take beautiful photographs, helped us with camera settings, gave gentle suggestions on how to frame our shots, is very personable and also knows the great places to get food! She is truly a gem!

Response from the owner 19:47 27 Oct 24

Thank you, Tom. It was a pleasure working with your group of 4 on a private photo tour while you were in port on your cruise ship for the day. I can definitely hear your enthusiasm for photography in your review. Keep shooting.

SUZANNE JOYCE

15:30 18 Sep 24

I thoroughly enjoyed this photography and yoga retreat. Learning more from Dee about both the technical and creative aspects of photography and then applying them in such a beautiful setting was sensational. Practicing yoga everyday with Sandy was healing for me and was a great accompaniment to photography. Shout out to our chef, Roslyn, for her delicious food.

Response from the owner 00:59 19 Sep 24

Thank you so much for attending the 1st Yoga+Photo Retreat. It was a pleasure having you in the group and getting to know you. And I'm so happy that it was worth your effort to come all the way from Florida.

Barbara Gainwell

17:49 02 Aug 24

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