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July 22, 2014
Academy updates (with Les Picker Interview)
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the academy curriculum has many new workshops posted this week. Mike has filed another workshop leader interview with Les Picker, which is posted at the tail end of this blog (after we take care of some timely announcements).
We mentioned Tanzania for next year, but your workshop leader (Mike Hagen) has an extra incentive for this year's version.
There is still space available for this year, but the rates are bound to go up in 2015:
Mike tells us:
"The Tanzanian government is just about to institute a new VAT (Value Added Tax) that will increase travel costs by 10% or more for future travel.
If you've been thinking
of going to Tanzania, then now's
the time so you can beat the tax."
►This week, Jim Stamates is in the middle of his Alaska - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure.
►In just a few weeks, Mike will be leaving for his sold-out photography adventure to Iceland.
Don't miss the opportunity to join the academy staff on an incredible adventure to a global destination you've always wanted to visit.
►Rick Hulbert will be in Texas during the first two weeks of September running his signature Urban and Street Photography workshops in Houston and San Antonio. These are beautiful cities, so we pick great venues to host the classes.
For example, the location for the San Antonio workshops will be downtown within a couple of blocks walking distance of the famous Riverwalk and within walking distance of some great locations for field photography of buildings, garden waterscapes and some photogenic people. You will have an opportunity to photograph some lovely urban evening scenes as well.
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An Interview with Les Picker
by Mike Hagen
For the third year, Les Picker will lead a 4-day photography workshop in iconic Acadia National Park, along Maine's storied rocky coast (October 16-20, 2014). What many Nikonians may not realize is that Les lived in Maine for 10 years and did his graduate research in Acadia National Park. Few people anywhere know the park as well as he does.
We thought we'd ask Les a few questions to spark Nikonians' interest in this always popular workshop.
Why should Nikonians members consider a workshop in Acadia?
Acadia is one of the nation's smallest, yet most diverse national parks. In a manageable area, we have mountains and rocky coast, forests and meadows, streams and lakes. Wildlife abounds. In the fall, when we have our workshop, the foliage is gorgeous beyond belief.
What happens during the workshop?
We start at least two of the days before sunrise, so we can catch the seashore as it is bathed in golden light. We visit stands of moss-covered rocks, verdant forests, running streams, and spectacular lakes fringed with fall foliage. For sunset, we usually find ourselves back along the rocky coast.
Evenings include a session designed to prepare us for the next day's shooting, as well as tips and techniques from Les for more effective picture taking. A voluntary critique is part of the evening session as time allows.
Do participants have to be in top physical shape?
The short answer is, no. Some locations involve hiking short distances. However, these can be done according to the person's abilities. Perhaps you won't hike quite as far, but the sites you are able to access will be spectacular!
Are non-photographer spouses welcome?
Most definitely! There will be many locations that are just as interesting to the non-photographer or for a point-and-shoot enthusiast.
Are there any special things going on this year?
Again, most definitely. This year I will be bringing my incredibly talented video assistant. He will be doing a presentation on using the video functions on your Nikon (and other brand) cameras. We will be discussing story-telling - landscape, wildlife, or documentary - combining videos and stills.
Where can Nikonians get more information?
Check the Nikonians Academy site here.
If you would like to see what former workshop participants felt about rhe Acadia workshop, visit Les' site here.If you have further questions for Les, feel free to write him at:
lespicker@gmail.com
Posted by flashdeadline at July 22, 2014 10:58 PM