Best Places in 2011

Before the New York Times picked them as their best places, we did for workshop locations for 2011:

Olympic National Park

April 22-24, 2011

BLOG: Olympic National Park – Images by Art Wolfe

Iceland

July 4 to July 13, 2011

Story Set: Iceland – Images by Art Wolfe

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Undercover in the Netherlands

Wildlife camouflage has been one of the most enduring subjects I have focused on in my career.  I really started shooting camouflage in the early nineties for a children’s book called Hiding Out for Crown Books and this work culminated in the 2005 book Vanishing Act.

Vanishing Act ended up being published internationally in several languages.  Images from the book have been the focus of untold magazine articles, including the latest, The Netherlands “Season” magazine. Click to view the PDF article.

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On Location – Two Washingtons

Blog: On Location Washington – Jan 2011 – Images by Art Wolfe

In the last week I have photographed in two very different agricultural areas of Washington State. Some may remember my earlier post on the Palouse last fall. That was such an interesting location that I decided to go back and shoot more. The old abandoned farmhouse has such a dramatically bleak appearance, especially in the severe gray tones of winter.

I followed up that outing with a drive north to the Skagit Valley, where snow geese and trumpeter swans overwinter in the farmers’ stubbly fields. We’ve experienced a glorious stretch of weather, which has been icy cold and dry with bright blue skies. During this type of weather there is always an inversion and it makes for tremendous sunsets.

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2010 – Year In Review


2010 started off with successful workshops in Southeast Asia.

I had special photo shoots for Epson and local Seattle television, as well as a pledge for Oregon Public Broadcasting.  I emceed a very profitable fundraising event for the Puget Soundkeepers Alliance, an organization that is working hard to keep the Puget Sound a viable and functioning ecosystem.

The International Conservation Photography Awards were kicked off with a special event at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall and then opened to great applause at the Burke Museum, which will host the event again in 2012.

I had gallery openings at the G2 in California and the Saxton Gallery in Ohio.  In my own gallery I opened the show “Unbridled”, featuring beautiful oversized prints of horses.

Throughout the year education continued to be a focus, with the Art of Composition tour and a four day workshop in the Grand Tetons. I taught a session at the Welt der Wunder Festival in Germany as well.

Wherever I went, I shot:  New York, California, at home in Washington State, including the Pride Parades in Seattle and Vancouver, BC.

Hinduism’s massive festival, the Kumbh Mela, was in Haridwar this year.  It was a crush of millions of people, it was oppressively hot, and infinitely fascinating and life-affirming.

In 2010 my public television show Travels to the Edge won five Telly Awards for excellence, and in October the Photographic Society of America honored me with the Progress Medal Award.  Outdoor Photographer magazine thrilled me by using my photo of the French Alps as the 25th anniversary cover.  Outdoor Photography magazine in the UK lauded me and 39 of the best nature photographers in the world for our conservation work.

I finished the year in Michoacan, Mexico, photographing the Day of the Dead festival for the first time and then headed off to Antarctica for the umpteenth time in December.

I wish everyone a healthy & prosperous 2011!

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40 Most influential Photographers

Click the image above to load a complete PDF of the article.

I am very honored to be part of this elite group of photographers selected by Outdoor Photography magazine (UK) as the movers & shakers in the realm of conservation photography.

LINKS TO THE FULL LIST:

www.andyrouse.co.uk
www.animalsontheedge.org

www.artwolfe.com

www.braaschphotography.com

www.chrispackham.co.uk

www.cristinamittermeier.com

www.danielbeltra.com

www.daviddoubilet.com

www.dykinga.com

www.EarthVisionTrust.org

www.imagesfromtheedge.com

www.jimbrandenburg.com

www.joecornish.com

www.karlammann.com

www.kevinschafer.com

www.lanting.com

www.mangelsen.com

www.markcarwardine.com

www.markhamblin.com

www.martinhartley.com

www.michaelaw.com

www.michaelnicknichols.com

www.naturphoto.de

www.northshots.com

www.patricioroblesgil.com

www.paulnicklen.com

www.peteoxford.com

www.peteressick.com

www.robertglennketchum.com

www.rosing.de

www.shpilenok.com

www.staffanwidstrand.se

www.thomaspeschak.com

www.vincentmunier.com

www.visionsofthewild.com

www.wildchina.cn

www.wildernessphotography.com

www.wildlifeconservationfilms.com

www.yannarthusbertrand.org

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On Location – ANTARCTICA

I just returned from another eventful and gut-wrenching Antarctica sailing.  I was one of the few not affected by seasickness in the brutal crossing of the Drake Passage.

This was a very lucky trip.  We managed to dodge two major storms, one of which disabled the boat I sailed on last year.  When we returned to South America, there were tours and boats backed up waiting for a break in the weather.

While waiting to embark the Ushuaia in Ushuaia, I photographed psychedelic macros of peeling paint on metal buildings and the next day we were at sea heading to Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands, and then on to the Lemaire Channel and other ice-bound islets.  On one of our exploratorations off the boat I saw young Gentoo penguins play-acting nesting behavior.  They were trying to “hatch” rocks and build nests.

Take a look & enjoy!

NEW! Antarctica – Images by Art Wolfe

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Give the Gift of Knowledge this Christmas-2011 Workshops are Here!

Preview for the China Workshop from Art Wolfe on Vimeo.

Art Wolfe is leading a workshop to China in spring 2011. Here is a slideshow of images he has shot in the locations the workshop will visit, with Art narrating on why he loves to photograph there.

Art Wolfe is leading a workshop to China in spring 2011. Here is a slideshow of images he has shot in the locations the workshop will visit, with Art narrating on why he loves to photograph there.

To see more slide shows narrated by Art, visit the international travel page of Art Wolfe Workshops.

India–Each trip to India is unforgettable. It is a location that endlessly provides an exotic and colorful backdrop to improving your eye and photographic skills guided by master photographer Art Wolfe. Art Wolfe shares one of his favorite wildlife experiences, tracking wild Bengal tigers. This tour is limited to eleven participants!

Dates :  January 24-February 4, 2011 Price : $8500.00

Japan–The image many of us have of Japan is congested and kinetic. But, Japan has a wild side. Beyond its crowded cities, the country delivers quiet unexpected natural beauty. Join this photographic pilgrimage to the iconic red-crested cranes in the north, the macque snow monkeys in the south, and the sacred temples of Mt. Fuli and Kyosan.

Dates :  February 9 – 21, 2011 Price : $9600.00

Bhutan ©Art Wolfe

Bhutan–Led by Gavriel Jecan. Bhutan has survived in isolation for a thousand years. Gavriel Jecan finds a photographer’s nirvana of mountainside monasteries, sacred festivals, chanting monks and local lifestyle in an environmentally and spiritually progressive nation. Travel with Gavriel to some of his favorite spots. This course is limited to ten participants!

Dates :  March 14 – 24, 2011 Price : $5120.00

Composing Effective Images 2–Their first workshop slated for January filled so quickly that they have added a second in March. Art Wolfe and Jay Goodrich will be leading a two-day intensive workshop in Seattle, which includes a cocktail reception at Art’s private residence. This workshop will highlight not only the how-to, but will also include a full-day of critiquing participants images in Lightroom 3. Visit the Art Wolfe Workshops website for all of the details.

Dates : March 4-6, 2011 Price : $350.00

China ©Art Wolfe

China–Travel with world renowned photographer Art Wolfe on this exciting and productive photo expedition into China that will yield a treasure-trove of incredible images. Visit Art’s favorite places in China from Huangshan Mountain to Yuangang villages, cormorant fisherman and the picturesque Yulong River.

Dates : Mar 25-April 7, 2011 Price : $8200.00

The Olympic Peninsula–The Art Wolfe classic we will be taking participants in and around Olympic National Park just outside of Port Angels, Washington. Midday lectures will highlight techniques that will be reinforced during field excursions geared to capture the best light.

Dates : April 21-24, 2011 Price : $1500.00–Details will be up soon on the Art Wolfe Workshops Website call our office to reserve your spot today!

Zion National Park–Join Art, Jay Goodrich, and Gavriel Jecan as they lead a small (14 person) group of photographers into the canyons and striated rock formations of this wonderful desert environment. Midday lectures will highlight techniques that will be reinforced during field excursions geared to capture the best light.

Dates : April 28-May1, 2011 Price : $1900.00–Details will be up soon on the Art Wolfe Workshops Website call our office to reserve your spot today!

Altiplano © Art Wolfe

The Altiplano of ChileJay Goodrich will be leading a small group of photographers to the high plain of the Andes. This desert environment was made known during one of Art Wolfe’s Travels to the Edge TV episodes. Jay will has a complete itinerary on his blog and registration is open now!

Dates : May 21-28, 2011 Price : $5500.00

Vietnam–Led by Gavriel Jecan. From the Chinese border to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam possesses an unmatched variety of tropical scenery. Travel with Gavriel Jecan on this exciting and productive photo expedition into the ancient heart of Indochina that will yield a treasure-trove of incredible images.This course is limited to ten participants!

Dates : June 3 – 13, 2011 Price : $3930.00

Monterey, California–Big Sur and the Monterey Coast are one of the most unique photographic environments along the Pacific boundary of the United States.

Dates : June 10-12, 2011 Price : TBA–Details will be up soon on the Art Wolfe Workshops Website call our office to reserve your spot today!

Lake Clark National Park, Alaska–Join Art and Jay Goodrich as they lead a small group of photographers to a private lodge in search of Alaskan Brown bears and sea birds. Participants will be flown in via float plane and enjoy wonderfully crafted cuisine overlooking the coast of the Cook Inlet.

Dates : Late July, 2011 Price : $4500.00–Details will be up soon on the Art Wolfe Workshops Website call our office to reserve your spot today!

Africa © Art Wolfe

Egypt–Led by Emily Wilson and John Greengo. Exploring Egypt is like visiting a living open-air museum. Each day, ancient treasures and new adventures unfold before your eyes! Our itinerary includes pyramids, tombs, and museums. From Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel & desert oasis destinations, plus a Nile Cruise. We will show you the depths of historic cultures.

Dates : September – October, 2011 Price : $TBA

Romania–Led by Gavriel Jecan. Romania is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in all of Europe. From ancient, medieval architecture to stunning landscapes, wildlife and a cultural history that dates back thousands of years. Join Gavriel Jecan as he takes you back to his homeland to visit the forests, towns and villages that only a native Romanian knows.

Dates : October 22 – 31, 2011 Price : $4460.00

Myanmar–Led by Gavriel Jecan. Limited tourism has resulted in Myanmar holding a wealth of less-seen geographical, historical and scenic opportunities for photographers. Experience working with a professional as he negotiates the opportunities this visually-rich location affords. This course is limited to ten participants.

Dates : November 29 – December 10, 2011 Price : $5100.00

And if that is not enough, don’t worry, we have more coming so STAY TUNED!

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Why Do You Photograph?

Iridescent Plant Oils, Mount Rainier N.P. by Jay Goodrich

One of our associate workshop instructors Jay Goodrich is a regular contributor to Outdoor Photographer Magazine. He had a recent blog post entitled, “Why Do You Photograph?” Read why Jay photographs and then, we would like you to share why you do it?

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5 Key Pieces of Equipment for Art Wolfe

Kenya Landscape by Art Wolfe

The following article was modified from Outdoor Photographer’s 25th Anniversary Issue.

1. Gitzo GT3542L Carbon Fiber Tripod. This tripod is missing a key element that many photographers never consider with a tripod purchase–a center column. The eliminated center column allows me to get in much lower and closer to almost any subject than if it were included. In addition the XLS has an extra long leg system allowing me to get higher than my standing height to achieve a little different of a perspective. The other important aspect of utilizing a tripod is the stability, I can fine tune my composition to eliminate even the slightest of distracting elements from my frame.

2. A Singh-Ray 2 stop Hard Step Galen Rowell Graduated Neutral Density Filter. With Adobe’s introduction of Lightroom a few years ago they created a graduated neutral density filter tool within the develop module of their software. This tool allows any user to add this effect after capture and even though I use Adobe’s tool on a regular basis, I still find that using a two stop filter in the field, adds to the overall drama of the effect. In addition, I prefer to spend more time in the field photographing so not having to add additional post processing techniques is always a plus.

3. A Canon TC-80N3 Intervelometer. This little piece of equipment is essentially a standard cable release on steroids. An intervelometer possesses the function of a standard shutter release, which allows me to keep my hands off of the camera and vibration to a minimum during an exposure. In addition to this, I now get to control the number of exposures of a given sequence I take, I can control the time of those exposures from seconds to days, take exposures that are a set timeframe apart, and combine these functions simultaneously. I can shoot time lapse sequences, star trails, and exposures longer than 30 seconds, it truly allows the creative process to come alive.

4. B + W Circular Polarizer. The polarizer is an indispensable tool for the nature photographer. It deepens colors, boosts contrast, and removes reflections from leaves and water surfaces. It works best when your subject is 90 degrees from the light source, but I will often use it on cloudy and/or rainy days in a forest to saturate colors and remove reflections from leaves.

5. Apple 15” Laptop, max Ram, the fastest processor available, and two external hard drives. In today’s world of instant connectivity through the internet my laptop and external hard drives are one of the newest and most import tools that travel with me on any given excursion. I have created images in Antarctica and relayed them back to clients in the states almost instantaneously via satellite. I could have never imagined a world so interconnected as we are today and can only imagine the coming future. In addition, my laptop is a powerful editing device so that upon my arrival back in Seattle, my office already has selected images from shoots with initial adjustments in place. Speed is key in today’s competitive marketplace. The two hard drives give me a redundant back up of everything I create in the field if something should go drastically wrong.

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