Tangier Island, Chesapeake Bay, VA June 2 – 4, 2017
This wonderful island in the Chesapeake Bay has been described as an island out of time. It lends itself to a unique learning experience for all levels of photographer. Known as the soft shell crab capital of the world, it is one of the last places of its kind in the east. The unfortunate reality is that the character and traditions of the island are beginning to change due to the decline in fishing and crabbing opportunities and the constant search for a means to pay the bills. Many of the local fishermen have taken other jobs off the island to help support their families. Many of their children elect not to return once they get onto the mainland to attend school. Life is not easy for the islanders, but it is the life they love and struggle to maintain. So who knows how much longer this island out of time will remain.
Photo opportunities include: the waterfront, working watermen, their 
gear and vessels, a fast fading fishing community, marsh scenics, birds, dry-dock/graveyard for working vessels, sunrises and sunsets, the beach, abstracts…You’ll have a chance to record islanders living life as they have for generations and note how modern times are threatening it.
Lodging will be at a B&B on the water in Tangier. A delicious Breakfast is provided. Other meals are not included but will be taken at one of the few local restaurants. With a little luck on our side, but not guaranteed, we’ll visit Smith Island for a real treat – a simple but scrumptious crab cake sandwich you won’t soon forget highlighted by the 9-10 layer Smith Island Cake which has become the official cake of Maryland. (If you don’t like crab there are alternatives.) According to an article written for the National Geographic Traveler, “it is absolutely the World’s best crab cake” and it will be served especially for our group.
We’ll depart promptly at 10:00 a.m. by Ferry from Reedsville, VA, on Friday the 2nd headed to Tangier. You should plan on arriving no later than 9:30 a.m. We’ll leave Tangier on Sunday by the same Ferry at 2:00 p.m. Cost $785, includes the boat, lodging, two breakfasts and instruction. Transportation on the island is by golf cart and we highly recommend that you rent one and share the cost with fellow participants; 2- 3 people plus gear can travel in each golf cart. The cost is around $100.00 per cart for the weekend. We’ll call ahead and reserve them for you all. Once we arrive on the Island the first thing we’ll do is walk over so you can rent a cart for the weekend. It is their main mode of transportation and makes for getting around a lot of fun.
If you would like to register for this workshop, click here for the registration page.