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Hog Island Audubon Camp is an ideal setting for exploring the photography of birds and nature. This camp brings together people of all photography skill levels who are enthusiastic about learning more about bird and nature photography. This experience invites you to learn, explore, and grow creative photography skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. This session will challenge beginners and seasoned photographers alike to consider their photos as a method for story-telling, and assemble a portfolio of work by the end of the week that is representative of the experience.
Your days will be spent on photography field trips around coastal Maine and in engaging skills-based workshops. This program is timed during spring migration in coastal Maine. You will venture to a variety of habitats on the coast to capture the birds passing through. Campers will explore the island’s spruce forest, tide pools, and striking dawns and sunsets. One highlight of the week is an excursion to Eastern Egg Rock to photograph Atlantic Puffins and terns returning to their nesting grounds.
Pricing: $1,625
Maine residents are eligible for a $150 in-state discount for this session! After you register, contact hogisland@audubon.org to confirm your residency and the discount will be applied to your account.
The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. This price is based on a standard shared room (with 2 twin beds) a shared bathroom. A limited number of upgraded accommodations are available for an additional cost. Two upgrade options are a single room for solo travelers or a room with a private bath for two people traveling together. There are no single rooms with private bathrooms available. Please see our lodging page for more information.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session. Please see our transportation page for more information.
There are several scholarship opportunities available to help participants attend Hog Island sessions! Please see our scholarships page for more information about Hog Island Scholarships. You should also check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for additional opportunities.
Requirements: Photographers of all skill levels are welcome! You will need to bring your own camera, and you should be comfortable with your equipment before coming to camp. Participants need to be able to carry their own gear and walk a mile on uneven terrain.
Director: Loren Merrill
Loren Merrill is a wildlife and science photographer and writer with a doctorate in wildlife ecology and animal behavior. Loren’s approach to photography is heavily influenced by his background in natural history, ecology, and animal behavior, and his goal is to capture images that help communicate stories of the natural world to others. While he has conducted research and pursued photography on four continents, Loren’s ties to Maine run deep: his first field job was for Project Puffin in 1995. Loren is a dedicated instructor and leads wildlife photography workshops for Down East Magazine's Adventures program. Decades spent in the presence of wild animals have provided Loren with unique insights into their behavior, and he is able to parlay that knowledge into being better prepared to understand and anticipate his subjects’ action. To paraphrase Louis Pasteur, wildlife photography favors the prepared mind.
Instructors: TBA
Assistant Instructor: TBA
NOTE: Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.
Testimonials:
“[The instructors] were superb – expert knowledge, good teaching, wonderful people skills.” - 2025 Camper
“The staff and instructors are amazing. I learned so much, had so much fun and always felt I was in great hands. Thank you for making it such a wonderful and memorable week!” - 2025 Camper
“[Staff was] overwhelmingly friendly, helpful and made me feel welcome.” - 2025 Camper
“Overall an amazing, nurturing, replenishing experience.” - 2025 Camper
“The instructors were very knowledgeable and great at sharing information and encouragement.” - 2025 Camper
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