Andre Cantelmo Photography
Port Clyde, a small wonderful harbor, rests on the central coast of Maine, specifically on the St. George peninsula. In the 1800's Port Clyde was busy with timber, granite, and fish canning. If you are partial to Nautical scenery, Port Clyde is a gem of spot. This is a quiet place to slow down, and absorb the history and beautiful seascapes. There are plenty of wonderful subjects to photograph, however we'll get into that in just a bit. The best experience is had by quieting the mind, and opening up the senses. The sights, sounds, and even the aroma of the Atlantic set the stage. This wonderful spot that faces the Great Atlantic Ocean has been the residence of people like the Wyeth family, Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Roberts, Steve Thomas, ("This Old House"), Kenneth Noland, (painter), and artist Greg Mort has a summer studio there
Nautical landscapes are plentiful here. The Marshall Point Lighthouse is a good spot to watch and photograph the sunset, however people who know Port Clyde know the best sunset views are from Turkey Cove. The Port Clyde General Store is picturesque and fun to visit, and if you are a boater it has most things you will need. Lately, I look for quiet places, with attractive light, a sense of history, and lots of good subject matter. You will not be disappointed with your visit. Here you'll find fishing shacks, docks, lobster boats, and classic New England fishing village architecture. A Photographer with a good eye, and the mental ability to self edit will come away with good shots. If not careful, your images might end up a bit on the cliche` side. That is why it's important to slow down and really look at what is in front of you. You already know that the best shots involve timing. That is as true here as everywhere else. Especially when it comes to the light. Coastal Maine can go from bright Sun to fog rather quickly. If you find a subject worth capturing, then it will be worth the wait to get the light just right. As I walk and explore the area some subjects seem to want to be color. I open up to these opportunities and even make notes on my phone for post processing later. Then there are subjects that seem to want to be Monochrome, my first love. Again, if you slow down, look with your emotions, and be patient, there are wonderful photographs to capture here.
The Village Ice Cream Shop and Bakery is in the heart of Port Clyde. Many people around my age have fond memories of "The Malt Shop" experience. In our youth we enjoyed Ice Cream Sodas or a Malt. Do not go to Port Clyde without having visited this old fashioned malt shop, you won't be sorry. There is no Walmart or McDonald's in Port Clyde. For many visitors, this is a step back to a simpler time. If you enjoy photographing people, and are polite, and patient, there are lots of great faces on the fisherman that work the waters off this coast. The Monhegan Boat Line dock is where you will find the Elizabeth Ann and Laura B. A day trip to Monhegan Island is a trip back in time to a fishing village/artist colony. There are very good reasons why this island treasure attracts so many artists, and you will fall in love with this place very quickly.
Port Clyde remains primarily a working harbor, filled with the rugged boats of local lobster men and fishermen. It is an excellent place to visit, that has avoided becoming touristy. The scenery and atmosphere is very intoxicating and photogenic. If you decide to spend some time here a great place to stay is the Seaside Inn, a twelve-guestroom inn, in an 1850 sea captain’s home overlooking Port Clyde Harbor and Muscongus Bay.