PHOTO WORKSHOP - Sequoias and Kings Canyon

with Marc Muench
May 23 - 27, 2006
Cost: $1,695

DAY 1

* Meet at the Wuksachi Lodge lobby in Sequoia National Park at 1:30pm for an informational slide show by the photographer and a demonstration of Photoshop fundamentals.

* In the afternoon we'll visit the General Sherman Tree. The largest tree on earth by volume, it's between 2,300 and 2,700 years old, stands 274 feet tall, and is 102 feet in circumference at ground level. Its largest branch is almost seven feet in diameter. Dogwood trees will hopefully be in bloom within the grove along the Congress Trail. Bracken ferns and the textures of the forest will surround us. The pace this first day is mellow, allowing us time to adjust to the altitude, which is about 7,000-feet.

DAY 2

* We start early today with a sunrise shoot from the top of dome-shaped monolith Moro Rock. The trail rises over 300-feet in 1/4 mile, so we'll need a little extra time to make the hike, but the views will be well worth it. Here you'll experience spectacular panoramic views of forested canyons and the Sierra Nevadas to the East, and of rolling hills to the West.

* The balance of the morning will be spent at the Parker Group, where a cluster of 8 majestic sequoias is our focus.

* After lunch, Marc will conduct a classroom session on Photoshop techniques every photographer should know.

* Our sunset shoot may find us back at Moro Rock. You can choose to climb it or hike down a short trail to watch as sunset lights its face.

DAY 3

* We leave after breakfast for a shoot in the General Grant grove, followed by a trip to a secret grove that's one of Marc’s favorites.

* After lunch Marc will conduct a class in more advanced Photoshop techniques.

* This afternoon we'll make a hike up scenic Kaweah Creek to Tokopah Falls.

* Late afternoon will find us at the Muir Grove, where sunset light will hopefully catch in the bark of the trees, creating a fiery glow.to adjust to the high altitude, which is about 7,000-feet.

DAY 4

* We move to the John Muir Lodge this morning, then drive 4,000 feet down a series of dramatic switchbacks into Kings Canyon. The river and waterfalls should be swollen from spring runoff.

* We'll have lunch at Cedar Grove and spend the afternoon capturing the evening light along the Kings River.

DAY 5

* We'll make more forays into Kings Canyon this morning, visiting more locations we missed yesterday or perhaps returning to a few favorite spots.

* The workshop ends at 2pm, giving those who need to time to drive back to San Francisco.

Includes:

• Lodging throughout the workshop
• Photographic instruction
• All meals
• Park permits & fees

GETTING THERE: Transportation is not included in the price of the workshop, and is the participant's responsibility.  The closest major airports are in Fresno and San Francisco, California, though some participants may choose to fly directly to Visalia, CA.