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respect + rewild

An award-winning photographer's vision. A constantly evolving place of discovery. Meet Steve Morello, founder of Little River Photo. 

founders note

For more than four decades, I have traveled worldwide, photographing nature as my profession and passion. Over this time, I have worked with many of my personal heroes, my greatest resource in developing my craft. I endeavored to do the same for others. I do this as an instructor and leader of photo tours for Lindblad and National Geographic Expeditions and through Little River Photo Workshops, a place devoted to the art of photography.  Some years ago, I got the chance to make this happen. I purchased a farm in Maine and rewilded the property to enhance nature, to enhance the possibilities of observing nature, and to make a difference. It is now a place rich in photographic opportunities where people can come, learn, and share their passion for visual arts.

nature in the right light

We have three major habitats and lots of planted places to attract wildlife. Here at Little River, in Southern Maine, we have the river, the woodlands, and the wildflower meadow. These are the major habitats, but there is so much more to the property to add to your photo opportunities. 
 
The farm is alive with life due to our bird feeding stations and bird houses, the raspberry, and blueberry bushes, along with many of the other shrubs, planted to attract wildlife. Even the vegetable garden presents possibilities for photography.

Simply put, the farm is designed for photography.
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
- Dorothea Lange
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the woodlands

By far the largest habitat on the property, the woodlands are a constant source of exploration and surprises. Walking through our forest is always magical and inspirational. Oddly enough, it is in the woods that we find our first wildflowers in spring. In woodlands we find some of the jewels of the property: the lady slippers, jack in the pulpit, trillium, and so many other overlooked flowers of spring. Summer brings out the salamanders and frogs along the river’s banks, and fall is mushroom season.

A beautiful stream meanders through the woods, and it is here that we find our beloved waterfall. There is always something to fill your camera's memory card and your soul's imagination. 
“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph.”
- Matt Hardy
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the Little River

The Little River is the place from where we get our name. The light, the mood, and the constant change of the water ensure that no two days are the same. The river is perfect for landscape photography. Each day, each hour, each moment on the river can be a new experience. Whether it is the quiet, snow-covered ice of winter, the torrential flooding of spring, the still calmness of summer, or the colorful reflections of fall, the river never disappoints us.
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”
-  Peter Adams
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”
-  Peter Adams
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the wildflower meadow

It's hard to favor one of our ecosystems over the others, but our little wildflower meadow is really special to us. It is a seasonal habitat and is our main teaching area from late spring through early autumn. We have spent a lot of time developing the meadow and, as we learn more about the native flowers, we continue to plant and restore the meadow to its full potential. Each week new colors brighten our days as new plants come into bloom. We try to keep everything native to attract as many butterflies, birds, and insects coming to the meadow as possible.
"Photography is not a sport. It has no rules."
- Bill Brandt
"Photography is not a sport. It has no rules."
- Bill Brandt
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the bird hide

To augment the farm's natural areas, we have also set up some places designed to attract wildlife to specific areas. Our Bird Hide is one of those places. It was built to take advantage of the bird feeding station and is a wonderful place to photograph the many species of birds 
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
- Aaron Siskind
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
- Aaron Siskind
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