One unforgettable weekend. Two incredible destinations. Endless photo opportunities. Join Michael Downey for a full weekend of photography, history, wildlife, and creative inspiration in beautiful Mystic, Connecticut!

[ Saturday, 8/29 ]  Mystic Seaport Museum
We'll begin the day with a brief instructional session on seeing the photograph before you press the shutter. I'll share practical techniques for developing your photographic eye, recognizing compelling compositions, and making the most of the incredible subjects all around us. Then we'll set off to explore one of the most photogenic maritime museums in the country.

Together we'll photograph:
• Historic tall ships and classic sailing vessels
• The working preservation shipyard
• A beautifully recreated 19th-century coastal village
• Historic vessels you can actually climb aboard
• Waterfront scenes filled with maritime character and detail

Mystic Seaport is home to one of the world's most significant collections of maritime photography, documenting life aboard ships, bustling shipyards, waterfront communities, and the people who made their lives at sea. We'll draw inspiration from that remarkable legacy while creating our own memorable images.


[ Sunday, 8/30 ] Mystic Aquarium
Trade sails for sea life as we explore the amazing Mystic Aquarium. After a short seminar on photographing wildlife and aquarium exhibits, we'll spend the day capturing the beauty and personality of thousands of aquatic animals throughout the exhibits.

Learn techniques for photographing:
• Colorful marine life
• Penguins and other charismatic wildlife
• Fascinating underwater exhibits
• Challenging low-light environments
• Animals in motion

Come spend the weekend exploring, learning, and creating amazing photographs with a great group of fellow photographers. You'll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and an incredible collection of photographs from an unforgettable weekend.

Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.

Where are classes held? 
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106). 

What should I bring to class? 
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions. 

Will lunch or refreshments be included? 
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted. 

How do I register for a class? 
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information. 

Can I register at the door? 
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes. 

I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list? 
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date. 

My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact? 
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.

Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.