Tangier Island
May 23 - 25, 2008

This wonderful island in the Chesapeake Bay offers 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 of the island is taking a turn due to the decline in fishing and crabbing opportunities. 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 place 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 on film islanders living life as they have for generations and note how modern times have affected it.

Lodging will be at a B&B on the water in Tangier. A wonderful breakfast is provided. Other meals are not included but will be taken at local restaurants. With a little luck on our side, we’ll visit Smith Island for a real treat – a simple but scrumptious crab cake sandwich you won’t soon forget. (If you don’t like crab there are a few alternatives.) According to the author, Tom Horton, in an article he wrote for the National Geographic Traveler, “it is absolutely the World’s best crab cake” and it will be served especially for our group. I need to take orders for crab ahead of time.

We’ll depart by Ferry from Reedsville, VA, at 9:30 a.m. on Friday the 23rd headed to Tangier. We’ll leave Tangier on Sunday by the same Ferry at 2:00 p.m. Cost $625 includes the boat, side excursion by boat, lodging, two breakfasts and instruction. Transportation on the island is by golf cart and we highly recommend that you rent one. The cost is around $75.00 for the weekend and must be reserved through me ahead of time. It is their main mode of transportation and makes for getting around much more fun. You can share the expense with a fellow photographer. Each cart will carry 2 to 4 people plus gear.

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