Every year in mid-June a small group of friends and I go somewhere in the world for a week of shooting and laughs. We call outselves theSix Shooters, because even though the group consists of more than six people, each year there are just six on the trip for practical reasons.

In 2008 the group consisted of Bill Caulfield Browne, Nick Devlin, Jack Perkins, Kevin Raber, Chris Sanderson and Michael Reichmann. Bill is a retired business executive and board member of the Nature Conservancy, Nick is a Federal Prosecutor, Jack is an ex-journalist and TV host, and Kevin is a VP of Phase One. Chris is the director of this site’s video productions, and Michael is the site’s publisher. All of us are rabid nature and landscape photographers, have warped senses of humour, enjoy good food and wine, and revel in spending 14 hours a day driving, hiking and shooting in some of the world’s most fascinating locations.

Sperm Whale. Trinity, Newfoundland. June,,2008

Canon 1Ds MKIII with 24-70mm f/2.8L @ ISO 400

Our venue this year wasNewfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province. Though on a map it looks small (at least compared to the rest of Canada) The Rock, as the locals call it, is very large and distances are easy to underestimate. Our six day trip this year took us along the east coast from St John’s to Trinity, Twiningate and back. We saw and photographed the small villages, dramatic wind-swept landscape, icebergs and whales. And fog. Did I mentione fog? We had six days of fog. Even the locals said that it as the longest continious foggy stretch that anyone could remember.

If we had simply been on vacation the fog would have been a downer. But as photography was our primary activity the fog was not unwelcome, and as can be seen on this page created just the right ambiance.

This is not a travelogue, and I won’t be doing much in the way of location descriptions. A good guide book or any of the online guides will do that trick. But, rather, just some commentaries on various photography situations and general hints and tips.

Fishing Stage. Twiwingate, Newfoundland. June, 2008

Canon 1Ds MKIII with 70-200mm f/2.8L IS @ ISO 100

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Highway 1

The province’s main north-south (or east / west) highway (depending on your point of view), is Highway 1, an extension of the Trans Canada Highway. My only comment for photographers is – get off it. Though it does run through at least one National Park, for the most part it’s purpose is to get you from one place to another quickly rather than to provide photogenic opportunities.

The action, so to speak, is on the small roads that run in and out of the hundreds of small bays and peninsulas along the coast. Here you’ll find both lovely seascapes as well as small fishing villages that are out of time. Unlike New England these are not quaint. There are no fudge shops or places selling overpriced souveniers. These are real fishing villages, and by most standards, relatively poor. But, they’re a visual treat and in many life is much like it’s been for the past hundred years.

Except in the larger towns there are little in the way of motels. Accomodations are best found in B&Bs and sea-side cottages. There aren’t many of these anywhere except in the larger towns, so you’re best off searching on-line, planning an itinierary, and booking ahead, especially during the summer months.

Be prepared for maritime weather. In other words, fog, mist, damp, wind, salt spray, and cool temperatures. Yes, it can be sunny and warm, but be prepared for anything, both in terms of clothes, and camera protection.

Net Drying. Twiwingate, Newfoundland. June, 2008

Canon 1Ds MKIII with 24-70mm f/2.8L IS @ ISO 400

black flies

"Are We There Yet" Pond. Newfoundland. June,2008

Phase One 645 with P45+ back and 55-110 f/2.5 @ ISO 50

Fog and Smoke. Twillingate, Newfoundland. June,2008

Canon 1Ds MKIII with 70-200mm f/2.8L IS @ ISO 160

Wind Swept. Twilingate, Newfoundland. June, 2008

Canon XSi with 24-70mm f/2.8L @ ISO 400

June, 2008