- Why travel all the way to one of the farthest place in the continental United States?
- Why not? The San Juan Islands are one of the most beautiful and sirene areas within the United States. Travel time can be long, but well worth the effort. Once there, one is compelled to relax. Lack of traffic ( car and aircraft), noise and the fast pace of many cities, make this an excellant place to relieve stress and re-energize your spirit.
Orcas Island is arguably the most beautiful of the islands within the San Juan Archipelago. It is located between the mainland of Washington State and British Columbia's Vancouver Island. The 55 square mile island is mostly rural, largely forested and is dominated by 2,500 foot Mt. Constitution. Residents and visitors enjoy cycling, hiking, boating, clean air, friendly people, beautiful sunsets, starry dark skies, quiet nights, and Moran State Park. The park is rated one of the 10 best state parks in the nation.
- Why would I want to attend a photography workshop all the way out in Washington State?
- Our featured photographers, John Francis and Susan Germyn are award winning professionals. They both teach beginners to advanced level photographers in a very open and friend learning environment. Their portfolio is immense consisting of portrait, wedding and commercial photographs as well as macro, nature and abstract photography.
- What can I expect to experience while on this trip and workshop?
- Expect a long flight if travelling from Orlando; 5-7 hours depending upon stops. Stop through Dallas to avoid midwest weather delays or fly through Chicago to enjoy great slice of pizza. Land in Seattle at SeaTac, rent a car or take the bus north to Anacortes for about 3 hours. To save time, take a small plane (Kenmore Air, about $100.) from Boeing Field directly to Orcas Island. If you choose to drive, check out Seattle, Mt. St. Helens or Mt. Rainier for the day. Stop in Anacortes for a coffee or buy some smoked salmon at Seabear in the downtown. Be an hour or so early for the ferry to Orcas Island landing. Get the camera ready for the hour long ferry ride. Hopefully you will see Mt. Baker, sea lions or maybe a beautiful sunset. Arrive at Orcas Island Village and settle into your lodgings. Get aquainted with Orcas Villlage, the downtown and where you will be staying. Our 1st meeting will be at the Madrona Manor, near the downtown at 480 Madrona Street.
Photograph opportunities abound from wherever you choose to see them. From the airplane, downtown Seattle, Anacortes, the ferry boat and upon Orcas island, find many themes awaiting your capture. The instruction from
this workshop will help you to look at things much closer and somewhat differently. Hopefully, you will find yourself using better techniques or ones you have never tried or known how to execute. You will achieve a better understanding of the differences between snapshots and photographs and learn to appreciate them both.
