Sailing Photography Workshop
Set sail on a unique Maine photography workshop aboard one of the finest schooners sailing Maine’s Penobscot Bay.
Step aboard on this sailing photography adventure to pause, breathe deeply, and allow your camera to tell the story of this unique and unforgettable experience.
Schooner J&E Riggin becomes your home, your classroom, and your inspiration. It invites spontaneity, curiosity, and exploration with an ever-changing horizon.
This sailing photography workshop will offer rich photographic moments both on and off the boat, each shaped by the day’s light and the whim of the wind.
As we sail among spruce covered islands, historic lighthouses, and working harbors you’ll learn to make strong compositions that tell a story of our journey. The direction of the wind will determine our destination, and each shift brings new light, new landscapes, and new stories to capture.
NOTE: This is bay sailing amongst the islands. Sometimes there can be some chop, but no ocean waves or wakes. Call if you have concerns.
“Dee was quick to praise a good eye, quick to show us how to take the best advantage of a moment or a scene, and ready with answers to all our questions.” – Pam F.
PHOTO WORKSHOP INFO:
You will be met at your skill level with guidance to build on your camera-handling techniques. With constant review of your images, I’ll point out your strengths and offer tips on composition and vision. There will be exercises on seeing and on exposure, and group discussions on camera handling. Discussions will be based on the skill level of the group. There will be something for everyone. A slideshow on our last evening will kick-off our celebration of everyones images.
DATES: June 4-9, 2026
PHOTO FEE: $1050
- Reservations open Dec. 5. Just need to fine tune some details.
- Sign up with as little as a $300 deposit. Balance due April 1.
- Photo group size: 8.
- Non-photographing companions are welcome at no fee.
- Cancellation policy is 9 weeks before the workshop date. See below for more details.
How to book your lodging:
- once you book your Photo Workshop you’ll get a reservation code and booking instructions
- scroll below for details about the schooner
Schooner J&E Riggin has begun accepting reservations for the 2026 season. If you are at all interested in this opportunity I suggest that you act swiftly. Here’s why…….
The June 4 cruise is a festive week on Schooner J&E Riggin with musicians aboard and the fleet celebrating the official beginning of the new sailing season with a raft up, a.k.a. ‘Windjammer Gam’.
Joining the cruise are musicians, Brigid and Johnny Reedy, (not shown in the photo). Brigid Reedy is a singer, songwriter, fiddler, poet, and storyteller from Montana. Brigid is joined by her younger brother, Johnny “Guitar” Reedy, whose musical skills belie his age. At nineteen years old, Johnny is a multi-instrumentalist. The young pair are accomplished musicians who have recorded 2 albums together.
One night of the cruise we will join the rest the of Windjammer Fleet with a raft-up in a snug harbor. You’ll be able to walk from ship to ship, checking out the other boats, and enjoying live music and tapas along the way.
With all of these fabulous opportunities aboard The Riggin during our week, it is why I suggest that you don’t delay signing up if you’d like to participate in this Sailing Photography Workshop. It will be an amazing experience.
MEET YOUR CAPTAINS & OWNERS OF J&E RIGGIN:
“Each stop along the coast was beautiful (even with some cloudy weather), and the photos I was able to take during the tour were amazing.” – Eron D.
Coastal Maine Photo Tours are always based on an experience.
This sailing photography adventure is both land and sea.
- How about a hike on an uninhabited island, a nature preserve, or a lobster bake on a remote island beach?
- Visit a small fishing village, or historic coastal town.
- Onboard possibilities include; relaxing to the rhythm of the wind and waves, taking a turn at the wheel, helping raise & trim the sails, or learning maritime navigation.
- Photograph textures, geometry, and patterns onboard the boat with rope & rigging, wood and brass, plentiful activities of the crew and marine wildlife, sunrises and sunsets.
- Evening anchorages will provide a beautiful moon lit sky this week.
- There’s always the chance for a refreshing dip in the bay.
- And we will eat like queens and kings.
History of Schooner J&E Riggin.
This 2-masted, gaff-rigged schooner was built in Dorchester, New Jersey in 1927 by Charles Riggin as an oyster dredger, and named for his sons, Jacob & Edward.
In 1960 the J. & E. Riggin was sold to a ground-fishing operation off of Long Island, New York. She was stripped of her mast and sails, and converted into a diesel-powered fishing vessel. She operated here until the life had been worked out of her, and she was decommissioned.
In 1975, a young couple from Rockland, Maine, Dave & Sue Allen, purchased J. & E. Riggin and began a lengthy restoration project to convert her into the windjammer she is today. Outfitted with eleven cabins accommodating up to 24 guests, she began sailing the coast of Maine in 1977 providing unforgettable sailing experiences to between 600 and 700 passengers each year. In 1991, she became a National Historic Landmark in acknowledgement of her service and importance to our maritime history.
About the schooner and your accommodations.
- Refitted to carry passengers with comfort in mind.
- 89’ deck & 23′ beam, plenty room for everyone.
- Two private heads (bathrooms), one with a hot shower.
- Comfortable bunks with mattresses 6’2” long.
- Coast guard inspected and impeccably maintained by the crew.
- With 11 cabins there is sleeping for 24 guests; double beds or single bunks.
- Access to the boat and to the cabins is by wooden ships ladders.
- Delicious meals are cooked on a wood-fired cookstove, which also heats your shower water.
- An all-you-can-eat lobster bake on shore if conditions allow.
- To get a peek at the accommodations. https://www.schoonerriggin.com/accommodations
Schooner & lodging reservation details.
- After reserving your spot on the Photo Tour, you will get a booking code to apply while reserving your accommodations on The Riggin.
- Go to this website and click on June 4 for their availability calendar. https://www.schoonerriggin.com/book-your-trip, or call (800) 869-0604 if you don’t see what you need.
- Please note that the schooner’s cancellation policy applies when booking your cabin with them. Make sure that you read their policy.
- Contact me to let me know that you have booked your cabin on the boat.
- Board the boat on Thursday, June 4, 5pm or later (we leave the dock the next morning).
- Meals aboard begin with breakfast on June 5.
- Return on Tuesday, June 9 around 11:00am.
Photo Tour cancellation policy.
- I will give a complete refund if I need to cancel the tour for any reason.
- If you cancel your registration before April 2, your tour fee will be refunded to you, minus a $95 processing fee.
- If you cancel between April 2 and May 2, 50% of your tour fee will be refunded.
- If you cancel between May 3 and June 4, 0% of your tour fee will be refunded.
- Please consider Trip Cancellation Insurance. (Not provided by CMPT)
- To cancel you must contact me to activate your refund.
