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Digital Photography in the Field & Adobe Photoshop Elements, Beginner Level March 30 – April 4, 2008 Sponsored by: Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona This program was especially interesting because I was able to join my friends Doris and Dick Green of Council Bluffs, Iowa for this adventure in photography. We flew to Phoenix together where we drove our rented van to Flagstaff. This was a first class program with good instruction in photography and a super workshop in the use of Adobe Photoshop software. This Elderhostel program consisted of two parts, first was two days of field trips to the Grand Canyon and Wupatki National Monument. We initially received camera instruction to help us improve our picture taking skills on Sunday evening. On Monday morning, we drove up to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Our initial stop for the day was Yavapai Point and Observation Station. Following are a few of the photographs I took from the trail along the point. It was very easy to go wild with my digital camera that allows me to take almost unlimited photos.
Note the last snows of winter on the cliff side.
Blue skies and clouds made for beautiful canyon photos!
The day was perfect for a photographer to be on a shoot that focused to improving one's picture taking skills. The colors and lighting of the canyon was under constant change. The above shot was taken in the early afternoon. We took a break mid afternoon since we were staying at the canyon until dark so we could photograph the sunset over the canyon. Beautiful scenery, white clouds and blue skies.
After dinner we moved back to the south rim for our sunset shoot.
Sunset is moving over the canyon. Colors change shapes rapidly!
Deep in the canyon colors and shadows emerge and change.
Shadows deepen and darkness moves rapidly into the canyon.
Day two arrived bright and clear with the expectation of another great day of picture taking. We are off to the Wupatki National Monument.
The lava flows from the nearby Sunset Crater seemed to harden the land to a rough surface. The monument is the home to the remains of masonry pueblos. They were perfect of picture taking.
Snow capped mountains watched over our photo efforts.
The remains of an early Pueblo farm.
Our second stop of the morning was at the Wupatki Ruins. This was a more extensive pueblo location with a larger set of pueblo ruins.
Ruins of a pueblo farm.
The sagebrush was in full bloom as it had rained recently!
A last look at the ruins at Wupatki National Monument. Starting Wednesday morning, we begin to learn about how to use Adobe Photoshop software. I had over 350 pictures to practice on. Bring on the computer lab! This was a super Elderhostel experience. Along with enjoying the company of Dick and Doris Green, also I made several new friends on the trip. It did not hurt any that we had beautiful spots to take pictures and learn more about how to become a good photographer. ~ Elderhostel 2008 Friends, Neighbors, Presidents: The World of Jefferson, Madison & Monroe. April 13 – 18, 2008 At Charlottesville, Virginia Sponsored by: The College of William & Mary This Elderhostel program focused of three early presidents of the United States that were neighbors and close friends. They governed the United States collectively for a period of 24 years during the infancy of our nation.
The English Inn of Charlottesville served as out headquarters for this Elderhostel program. On Monday, we started our week with lectures on Historic Roads & Transportation by Howard Newlon. The second lecture of the morning was on the topic of James Monroe: Principle & Perseverance. It was delivered by Mr. James Wootton. These lectures helped to set the stage for our afternoon field trips. Our first stop was at the University of Virginia campus. We visited the university Rotunda where we toured the building.
University of Virginia Rotunda.
Thomas Jefferson as sculpted by Alexander Gait. This statue is located in the rotunda.
Student residences that one side the Academic Village that Jefferson designed for the campus.
One of the many curved walls that surround the various gardens found on campus.
University of Virginia Chapel. After our visit to the University of Virginia campus we were bussed to Ash Lawn Highlands the
home of
President James Monroe.
The front entrance to President Monroe's home.
A side view of the Monroe home.
The outbuildings at Ash Lawn Highland.
President James Monroe and a guest to his home.
Late in the afternoon we celebrated out visit to Ash Lawn Highlands with a wine tasting.
After our evening meal, we were treated to a visit from President James Monroe. He spoke to our group and answered questions.
Society to Our Taste. Followed by the well known video; Thomas Jefferson, The Pursuit of Liberty. Then it was off to downtown Charlottesville for a walking tour of the city's historic area. We were first greeted by the above statue of General Robert E. Lee in a small city park.
where we started our tour.
We also walked passed a statue of Stonewall Jackson in front of a building in the historic area.
The trees were in full bloom as spring had arrived.
Michie Tavern, on way to Monticello. We had lunch here on Tuesday.
entrance where tours begin.
There are no photos allowed inside Monticello during our tour. It was a beautiful day for outside photos of the gardens and the Jefferson's home.
view of the rear side of the home. The tulips and other spring flowers were in full bloom.
family cemetery just down the hill from Monticello. Above is a picture of Thomas Jefferson's tomb stone. The floral tributes are left from his birthday recognition on April 2nd. Wednesday program called for two lectures in the morning focusing on “Madison, Montpelier & Constitution Building” and the “Architecture of the Period”. We had a free afternoon to explore Charlottesville. Wednesday evening we were entertained by Su Tarr who played the violin and performed music of the years when our three neighbors were living in and around Charlottesville. Thursday morning found our group boarding our bus for the drive out to President James Madison's Montpelier home.
The visitors center at Montpelier. Since my first trip to Montpelier in 2000 a great deal of renovation has occurred at President Madison's home. They are restoring it to the appearance of Madison's period of living in the home.
Constitution, greeted us when we entered the visitor center.
Remodeling of the front of the Madison home is underway.
The remodeling scene at the back of the home. Our tour of the home took us into the building from the rear. The renovation is only partly completed. The completion of the project is scheduled for next September 17, which is Constitution Day. A large celebration is scheduled for that day at the home.
After a quick box lunch we traveled to the Madison family cemetery near the visitor center. The large tomb stone marks the burial spot of President James Madison. The smaller tomb stone to the left of President Madison is Dolley Madison's burial place.
Later in the afternoon, we had a visit to Barboursville (Va.) Winery.
View of some of the vineyards near the visitor center.
Barrels of aging wine. A last activity of the day after winery tour was a wine tasting. We had the chance to taste several of the various wines produced at the winery. Friday was our last day of this very good Elderhostel program. We had two lectures before departing. The first lecture was by Greg Glassner and was entitled, Monroe & William Wirt. Jim Wootton concluded our program with a lecture about
“Thomas Jefferson: Visions & Contradictions”. nice people in attendance. ~ Elderhostel 2008
A Reflection on the Universe Kaleidoscopes April 20 – 26, 2008 At John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, North Carolina This Elderhostel program will explore the mysteries and magic of kaleidoscopes. The course outline indicates that skills learned will range from basic glass cutting to decorative brass etching, intricate glass stringers to complex mirror configurations, gaining proficiency in all aspects in the aspects of Kaleidoscope construction. There will be an emphasis on the aesthetics of both interior and exteriors, as well as creative and whimsical approaches to kaleidoscope design. Our instructor was Scott Cole, nationally known maker of Kaleidoscopes.
The Keith building on the John C. Campbell Folk School. This building served as the headquarters for the school. It was also the location of a large auditorium and library.
This building housed the dining hall on the second floor and the school's craft shop on the lower level.
Heading to the dining hall for lunch. Note the large farm bell on the left of the photo that summoned the students to meals. It was rung each time so we could know that we should enter the dining room.
The jewelry studio where our class was held. It was very well equipped for kaleidoscope making.
Our kaleidoscope studio.
Busy kaleidoscope artists in action.
Scott Cole explaining the methods used in kaleidoscope design and manufacture.
Who said that you can't teach an old retiree new tricks!
Kathy Zachery with her new kaleidoscope covered with birch bark.
Bill Brown made a monster kaleidoscope using a large fiber tube and large glass mirrors. There was great optical imagery seen when one looked through the mirrors.
A last look at the production area (jewelry studio) where we made our kaleidoscopes. Scott is standing by to help and answer questions.
My finished kaleidoscopes! The two on the left will be completed when I add photos inside the plastic bodies. The photos will cover the mirrors.
Our class kaleidoscope display at the school's end of week exhibition. My two kaleidoscopes that were displayed were the standing brass one on the right side of the picture and the blue box car next to the standing kaleidoscope. I made a total of eleven various size kaleidoscopes during the week. The exhibit of student projects is part of the closing activities for each week’s class activities. It was a wonderful week. Great new friends and new skills learned. The Campbell Folk School was joy to be at for this kaleidoscope experience. They also fed us well and there were many alternative activities to participate in. |
