San Francisco  | 2005

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.

The trek manager started the show rolling with a run down of the workshop schedule. She reviewed all the proposed events on our itinerary and explained what the ideal things to shoot would be at reach location. I was impressed to learn that she too is a photographer. I would have loved to see a slide show of her world images. She then introduced us to our mentor for the workshop, Vincent Versace.

Vincent was an intelligent and well spoken not to mention very talented photographer.  His slide show was breathtaking his work is very unique, the details and colors are flawless. His flower images are both delicate and sophisticated, more like fine art than photography. With Vincent leading us we were all bound to capture amazing images. I was looking forward to his reviews scheduled at the end of our day as well. I had some images of flowers that I wanted his opinion on.

But my focus was about the days plans. Our shooting encompassed so many different arenas that I felt I had traveled the world. To begin with the Japanese gardens, gave me my first opportunity to shoot with the lens I had just purchased. I have wanted to get  with the different flowers growing. The water lilies became my obsession along with the fish swimming in the pond. The bridges and statues added to the distinct nature of any Japanese garden.
Then, off to Greece at the temple of fine arts. We had been lucky it had rained earlier in the day because we were able to capture the reflections of these manifest columns. We were engrossed by the pond and the majestic six swans swimming seamlessly.

Vincent walked around and ensured that we were in the best spots to capture these creatures.

"Hands under the lens" was his mantra "You must support your camera, and stabilize your shot."

In addition to that I learned that one must have the foresight to be a proper animal or bird photographer. I found myself shooting up a storm of swans before I had the one or two pictures that I liked. I played my game with the swans trying to anticipate their next move. And, they played a game with me by not staying put for more than a second.  I kept thinking "Thank God I'm shooting digital."

Last but not least was China town. The possibilities were endless. The colorful shops gave way to even more colorful people. I noticed that some of the trekkers found an ideal rest spot by the Starbucks and decided to join them. The fellow photographers on this trek have all been so cheerful and full of help when needed. The fact that they love photography with the same passion was inspirational to me. Once we are all on the bus everyone begins sharing stories about their shots and the different interactions with models they used. And, Vincent was full of interesting information about photo shop and capturing the moment. As we drive everyone is passing around the fresh made fortune cookies that were just purchased, along with other snacks to keep our spirits and energy up.

Due to her perfect timing we were able to shoot the beach just as the sun was setting. Giving us the perfect opportunity to silhouette the many surfers along the beach back drop. Then we drove up to twin peaks where the downtown San Francisco area was a blaze with lights.  From atop the twin peaks tower, one could capture the heartbeat of this city, alive but sleeping. The brilliance of a city in lights is beyond words; my pictures will have to speak for me.

One can never have enough Golden Gate bridge photos. So, we shoot the bridge from every possible angle again.
Last we shoot the Golden Gate at the cliffs where we were lucky yet again to have the perfect sunset and whether she paid those models to be out there is still a mystery; it just added more dimension to the beautiful setting skies. Who could ask for a more romantic shot; two lovers sitting on the cliffs while the sun faded away into the pacific?

Meanwhile Vincent was in the midst of a full studio on the spot shooting lesson once he saw the flowers on the way.
Say it with me "The calla lies are in bloom again."

And that they were, in full bloom, just magnificent. Vincent gave up all his secrets as he set up the shot of the delicate white stalks.
"The secret is I'm not telling" otherwise it wouldn't be a secret. I just know that I have never been able to capture an image of a flower as flawlessly as then.

After the in the field secrets, we were privileged to have Vincent also share his Photoshop secrets. Even a beginner, like myself found it easy and comprehendible to follow his instruction.

Were did the time go I found my self asking. It was truly an amazing weekend. The final show was proof that each and every one of us had grown as photographers. It was interesting to see the many different photographs. Even though we were all in the same locations, it's all about the photographer's perspective. I have captured images of San Francisco that are worthy of framing and sharing with my friends and family .
Finally I must thank everyone at American Photo for having put together an adventurous and truly educational trek. I feel fortunate to have participated and can assure you I will be back for more.