PRIVATE TOUR
North Woods Spring Photo Safari - 2026
TENTATIVE DATES: June 12-14, 2026 (other dates available)
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Price: $7,099 for group of 8 participants
Experience the wild awakening of Maine’s remote North Woods during one of the most exciting seasons for wildlife photography. This all-inclusive, 3-day / 2-night workshop is based out of a historic North Woods lodge, immersing you in the landscape, wildlife, and traditions that have defined Maine’s legendary working forest for generations.
As spring arrives, the forests and wetlands come alive with activity—moose emerging into roadside bogs and clearings, fox hunting along logging roads, grouse tending their broods, and raptors such as eagles and osprey returning to nest. Guided by two experienced Maine Woods photographers with countless hours spent photographing wildlife and landscapes across the North Woods, we’ll spend our days exploring miles of quiet logging roads, scanning marshes, rivers, and forest edges while focusing on fieldcraft, observation, and photographic opportunity.
Transportation during the workshop is provided in a 15-passenger van, giving everyone plenty of space and eliminating the need for participants to drive. With everyone riding together, all eyes can stay peeled for wildlife and landscape photo opportunities as we travel through the vast network of North Woods logging roads.
Your stay includes three hearty meals each day, prepared by the lodge and designed to accommodate most dietary needs. Expect the kind of delicious, satisfying fare that has long been part of the quintessential Maine camp experience after a full day exploring the woods.
While moose are a highlight of the trip, the real goal is to experience—and photograph—the full richness of spring in the Maine Woods. With patience and a bit of luck, we may encounter whitetail deer, coyotes, snowshoe hare, wild turkey, and possibly even the elusive Canada lynx. We’ll also have the opportunity—if conditions allow—to quietly explore nearby ponds by canoe in search of moose, one of the most classic and intimate ways to encounter wildlife in the North Woods.
Weather permitting, we may also take advantage of the region’s North Woods International Dark Sky designation and step out after dark to photograph the night sky over one of the darkest landscapes in the eastern United States.
This workshop is designed for photographers who want more than a single-species shoot. It’s a chance to slow down, explore a remarkable landscape, and immerse yourself in the wildlife and atmosphere of Maine’s North Woods in spring.
Recommended Photography Equipment
You’re welcome to bring any setup you’re comfortable with, and my co-leader Cheryl Botting and I are happy to support you whether you’re working with a DSLR, mirrorless system, or a compact camera. But if you’re looking for a recommendation:
Telephoto Lens – A lens in the 400–600mm range is ideal for the wildlife we’ll encounter in the North Maine Woods.
Second Lens – A wider lens (24–70mm or 24–105mm) for landscapes or wide environmental shots.
Third Lens – A fast wide angle like a 15-35mm f/2.8 or 24mm f/1.8 for Milky Way
Tripod or Monopod – Useful for evening landscapes and night photography.
Camera Rain Cover – For use if light rain rolls in.
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – The wildlife doesn’t wait while you swap gear!
Headlamp with Red Light – If you plan to join the Milky Way shoot (I have extra if needed)
What to Wear & Bring
Weather in the North Maine Woods can change quickly. As a Registered Maine Guide, I’ll make sure we’re prepared to adapt to the conditions—but a little gear planning goes a long way to staying safe and comfortable:
Layers – Spring mornings in the Maine woods can be cool. Bring a warm layer and wind-resistant outer shell.
Rain Jacket – Summer sprinkles are common
Waterproof boots or hiking shoes – You’ll be walking on uneven ground, possibly damp or moss covered.
Hat & gloves (lightweight) – Optional, but handy for early mornings.
Bug spray – Especially for the boggy locations the moose love
Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must
Water bottle & snacks – Days can be long; we’ll have snacks, but pack some if you like something specific
Dry bag (optional) – For keeping gear safe in the canoes
If you're unsure about what to bring, feel free to reach out ahead of time - I'm happy to offer guidance.