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World-class instruction, incredible Adirondack beauty...
A Nature of Possibility Retreat
September 26 - October 1
Inlet, New York
with Mark Bowie and John Radigan
Overview
Nature is a testament to endless possibility. We have an ancient, vital need to express our ideas about our relationship with nature. Digital imaging technology gives us the tools we need to bring this expression to life in the field of infinite possibilities.
We set out to create an event that goes beyond what is being offered today in the realm of nature photography. We feel there is great need for a venue dedicated to continuing the tradition of innovation in nature photography in this country. We believe that in addition to technical proficiency, innovation demands a dedication to continual refinement of our visual and perceptual skills, along with a passionate examination of the underpinnings of our relationship to Nature, so that we may express what is unique to ourselves.
We’ve created the API retreat format to fill these needs.
Why This Retreat Is Special
The new retreat format was conceived as a way to establish an
environment where all of your attention can be put toward creating,
sharing and interpreting your unique expression. There will be no
formal instructional sessions, although the instructors will deliver
presentations designed to inspire creativity and promote thoughtful
discussion and contemplation. The idea is to direct all of your
energy toward
image-making and the understanding of your images’ unique
relationship to the world. We will shoot, process, and print in a
relaxed atmosphere, supporting a free-flowing exchange of creative
ideas. We will be surrounded by images!
Our Ultimate Adirondack Experience!
This week-long event is designed as a classic artist’s retreat for
experienced photographers. Participants will immerse themselves in
photographing a wide variety of Adirondack landscapes chosen for
their diverse possibilities — scenic mountains, woods, and waters
that make the Adirondacks so distinctive — then work to create their
unique expressions individually and as a group. Our activities will
be planned to take advantage of all the little things that make the
Adirondacks unique in the pantheon of American wild places.
What You Will Do
As a participant you will be challenged to create a body of work
based on a theme of your choice and share your results with the
group at the end of the retreat. John and Mark will guide the group
toward its goal through several methods including:
Field trips - You will visit great shooting
locations, chosen for their potential based on prevailing
conditions.
Printing - You will process your images and then
output them using state-of-the-art printing equipment provided by
our sponsors, with John and Mark available to answer questions and
provide any assistance needed. Printed images will be a powerful
reminder of the group’s progress throughout the week.
Group critique – An opportunity to tap the energy
and experience of a group of talented image makers to fill your
creative well with new ideas.
Exercises – John and Mark will suggest special
group exercises to encourage contemplation of your surroundings and
enhance your experience.
One-on-one assistance – John and Mark will work
with you one-on-one to answer questions or resolve problems with
techniques, technologies or the printing process.
The Venue
The Woods Inn is an exceptional location for our retreat, with its
outstanding menu and charming, old-world ambience on the Fourth Lake
waterfront. We will gather and work in the new dedicated conference
center on the property, complete with Wi-Fi access.
Don’t Miss Out!
Come join us for this most intensive of all our programs; a unique
opportunity to expand your image-making skills through the sharing
of knowledge in a small group setting. Celebrate taking your
photography to a place where nature and heart acknowledge each
other's presence.
Instructor
Who Should Attend
Intermediate and Advanced skill level photographers who would enjoy growing their skills while working in a close-knit group.
Amateur
You can find your way around the camera, but there are features you don't understand or know how to use. You don't feel that you can adequately capture what you see. You're hoping that the instructor can give you guidance on the when and how of using specific camera features, while also helping you to understand how to compose a good photograph.
Description of skill levels - click here
Beginner
You are new to photography and have so many questions you're not even sure where to start. You are not comfortable with your camera. You're not sure what makes some photographs look great and others not so great. You're looking to the instructor to help bring some order to the confusion and set you on a path.
Amateur
You can find your way around the camera, but there are features you don't understand or know how to use. You don't feel that you can adequately capture what you see. You're hoping that the instructor can give you guidance on the when and how of using specific camera features, while also helping you to understand how to compose a good photograph.
Intermediate
You feel pretty comfortable with most of your camera features, although you may have questions about some of the details. You've taken some photos that you're quite pleased with. You are mostly looking to the instructor for new ideas and constructive help with your compositions.
Advanced
You know how and when to use your camera features. You are pleased with many of your images. You might be looking to work in some new locations. Or maybe you’d like to tap the energy of a group of talented people to add to your creative toolbox.
Computer Skills
Participants should be capable of performing the image processing steps necessary to take their images from capture to print. John and Mark will be happy to assist you as-needed.
Other Considerations
Locations visited during the retreat are easily accessible and do not require any strenuous hiking or climbing.
Group Size
10 max.
Registration Fees
$995 includes tuition, supplies, and all meals beginning with dinner on the
first evening.
Deposit of $250 required at time of registration. There is a 5%
discount if you register before June 1. Click
here for information
on any other discounts that may be available.
Itinerary
Day 1
You’ll get to know each other at a welcome dinner, followed by a
group look at your individual portfolios. John and Mark will present the plan
for the week and answer questions.
Day 2-4
Morning group field trip. Post-trip review and discussion. Download
the morning's images and make selections for display. Complete
assigned exercise, if any. Group discussion around participants’
images. Image processing and printing. Evening group field trip.
Post-trip review and discussion.
Day 5
You choose whether to attend the morning group field trip or shoot
on your own. Post-trip review and discussion. Image download and
selection for display. Complete assigned exercise, if any. Group
discussion around participants’ images. Image processing and
printing. You choose whether to attend the evening group field trip
or shoot on your own. Post-trip review and discussion. Breakfast,
lunch, dinner at scheduled times.
Day 6
Morning group field trip followed by breakfast. Image download and
selection for display. Submit images from the week to John and Mark for
inclusion in the group presentation. Retreat wrap-up.
Note - The actual itinerary may vary considerably from this due to weather and other conditions that cannot be anticipated.
