Porter's Introduction to Photography

With his new camera and accompanied by his closest friend, Fairbank Carpenter, young Porter explored the island for birds to photograph. Porter recalled:

"We each had Brownie cameras with which we photographed the most approachable birds—gulls and terns on grass-covered islets….Gradually we acquired more sophisticated equipment, first Kodaks, which had faster shutter speeds, and ultimately, as we became more proficient, Graflex cameras.”

Through these exploits with his friend in both Maine and Illinois, Porter began developing and honing his eye for nature.