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 Travel with our mentors and try out all of the latest equipment from Nikon! Including world class digital SLRs, Nikkor lenses and the Coolpix line of Digital Cameras.
It was very exciting to take part in the 7th annual Montana trek. The Mentor Series has perfected this trek bringing together all this state has to offer. The first evening we reviewed the itinerary and meet with the mentors Tom Bol, Rosanne Pennella and John Reddy. We watched Tom and Rosanne’s presentations and got some insights into their techniques. The following morning was John Reddy’s turn to share his photographs and tips. Then it was our turn to have the mentor’s views our pictures. Their critiques were gentle but honest, far more educational than anyone had expected. We were then spilt up into three groups which made it easier to ask our mentor questions while we photographed at the Elkhorn Ranch. The ranch is a traditional dude ranch, housing a number of horses. The surrounding Gallatin Forest and River is the classic Montana settings to photograph the cowboys on their horses. We had sufficient time to focus on the small details such as hand-tooled saddles or well-worn cowboy boots. To complete the experience we enjoyed a barbeque cookout. Not only was the prepared food delicious but, our gathering around the bonfire gave us the chance to interact with one another and our mentors. That evening when we returned to the hotel Tom Bol gave us a presentation on Digital workflow. Then, Rosanne Pennella followed with an interesting Q & A on travel photography. The following morning we set out on a journey back in time to Virginia City and Nevada City ghost towns. Our groups alternated from photographing the details of the town, including the authentic period buildings and an operating steam locomotive on our own to portrait photography. Our mentors set up ideal settings and posed our models dressed in the traditional southern costumes enabling us to get the perfect pictures. We had our choice from the traditional sheriff with a six-shooter to the “Madame”. After we had all captured the images we wanted we returned to the hotel and then to a short walk to a Brewery for dinner. After dinner, the evening light photography in the park was challenging, but with the mentors help it proved to be worthwhile. After that adventure our groups had another review but with a different mentor giving us a new perspective. Our first full day at Yellowstone Park was an adventure we were all looking forward to. We teamed up with a new mentor and set out to capture the magnificense of nature. It was a day filled with photographing the many geysers in the park, including Old Faithful. It has earned that name because it really erupts every 1-1/2 hour. It was exhilarating to observe and capture the hydrothermal explosion. The Inn was also great to photograph especially the interior of the antique clock and beautiful stone fireplace with wrought iron tools. A further treat was having dinner in this beautiful building. We had a wonderful opportunity to stay in the park and have an evening shoot with the beautiful backdrops this park has to offer. The following day in the park we trekked to the breathtaking Tower falls. The falls are surrounded by a variety of trees making the cliff colors even more vibrant. Seeing and capturing the thunderous water descend over 300 feet at the falls was thrilling. We had ample time to walk around and capture the many panoramic views the Grand Canyon had to offer. Among other photo oppurtunities, the Mammoth hot springs were spectacular to see and photograph. We all had the opportunity to photograph the magnificent colors of the minerals water hot springs as we walked the boardwalk paths from one magnificent spring to the next. We returned to the Old Faithful Inn and another chance to photograph the park in an evening shoot. When we returned to the hotel the entire group met in the Hotel bar for the trek closing and a fun filled night of Karaoke. It had been an adventurous few days and singing was an appropriate fun ending. What Montana Trekkers had to say... - This year's mentors Tom Bol, Rosanne Pennela and Montana's own John Reddy, were fantastic! The team delivered energy, enthusiasm and knowledge to each and every one of us and were completely approachable. Pop Photo even had some really cool lenses and cameras available for anyone who wanted to try. - Virginia City and Nevada City were terrific. There were models in vintage clothing for the chance to learn about lighting. And then there was Yellowstone.....this was the first time in three years I saw a bear. I couldn't believe how close we were! |
