Scenic Northern New Mexico
Dates: October 21 to 26, 2012
Fee: $1190 per person.
Minimum 4 participants, maximum 6. Minimum age 15.
New Mexico isn't called the Land of Enchantment lightly. It is filled with a blending of historical and modern times; Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures; magnificent scenery; friendly people and great and distinctive food. The largest concentration of this is in Northern New Mexico. This 5-day photography and cultural tour is designed to provide the full perspective of the range and flavor of what is available in New Mexico.
The tour is based in Taos, New Mexico and from there we will venture out to visit a major part of the surrounding territory in the north visiting many of the photogenic and cultural sites. Of the many places to see in Taos there is the thousand year old Pueblo, still inhabited, the Martinez Hacienda, the St. Francis de Asis church made famous by many artists including Ansel Adams, and many art galleries. For scenery and diversity there is the High Road to Taos including a stop at the famous Santuario de Chimayo, and further north is the Enchanted Circle with a side visit to Cimarron. To the west is Abiquiu and Georgia O'Keefe country including Ghost Ranch and the Plaza Blanca. There is much more including the tiny villages and communities, eating at unique and special local restaurants, and seeing the early architecture.
A major part of this tour is instruction in photography coordinated with the sightseeing so that the participant is prepared to capture the many sights. Specifically, we will discuss: elements of composition for different images, how the digital camera works, how to control the camera so as to capture the desired image, shooting procedures, and a lot of supporting information about lenses, filters, camera care, and much more. This is a comprehensive, fun filled, total experience not to be missed. Minimum age for participants on the tour is 15.
Tour Itinerary:
Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012:: Arrive early evening for a wine and cheese party, and introductions. We then depart for dinner at a local restaurant.
Monday, Oct. 22, 2012: Meeting after breakfast we discuss the plan for the week, what will be covered, and the order of presentation. This is followed by an introduction to digital photography and a discussion of exposure and its controls. In the afternoon we will shoot around Taos seeing the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the Martinez Hacienda, St. Francis de Asis church, and the plaza. We will work the material presented in the morning and add elements of focusing. In the evening we learn how to check the exposure, how to fix it, and enjoy a slide show.Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012: This morning we venture out to the Enchanted Circle and photograph in Cimarron Canyon heading to Cimarron on the Santa Fe Trail and the famous St. James Hotel. Later we will photograph around Cimarron and continue around the Enchanted Circle stopping to photograph in Red River before returning to Taos. In the evening we discuss shooting procedures and advanced camera controls.
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012: Today we visit the Abiquiu area, Georgia O’Keefe country, to see the white cliffs of Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu Lake, Ghost Ranch and several other sites. In the evening we discuss composition and explore the mysteries of the sensor and pixels.
Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012: Today we go to the high road visiting Picuris pueblo and south to the Santuario in Chimayo. Later we return to Taos to complete the photography instruction with additional supporting information critical to your care and use of the camera and lens. Finally we will discuss some advanced techniques for camera use.
Friday, Oct.26, 2012: This morning we will photograph the beginning of the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally and follow that with a trip to the Taos Pueblo which will complete our week. Participants are on their own in the afternoon to visit in Taos and may wish to stay for another day to see the full festivities of the Balloon Rally.
Package includes:
Guide, 6 nights lodging and breakfasts, photography instruction, and entry fees.
Application