© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
Dates:
Lecture - 7, 16, 23 Oct (7-9:30 PM)
Orientation @ Canaan Valley - 10 Oct (8-9 PM)
Field-11 Oct (Sunrise to Sunset)
Field-12 Oct (Sunrise and Ending at 1100 AM)
Workshop locations were selected to provide you with a wide variety of photo subjects--beautiful mountain scenery, fall color, semi-tame deer, Canada Geese, dew drenched dragon flies and spider webs, frost laden wildflowers, frogs, waterfalls, cascades, boulder fields, sheer cliffs, and scenic vistas. The workshop coincides with peak autumn color. Activities will begin at sunrise to take advantage of the warm early morning light. Topics of discussion include camera menus, lenses, filters, tripods, close-up accessories, and general photographic principles including lighting, exposure, metering, perspective, background control, and composition. Practice will lead to more creative images as you define your style. While in the field, Irene will provide students with personal one-on-one instruction and during critiques participants will have opportunities to share and discuss their images.
© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
CANAAN VALLEY
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Canaan Valley Park is a 6,000 acre sanctuary with over 18 miles of established trails through the marshes, woods, and meadows. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, groundhogs, chipmunks, beaver, skunks, herons, waterfowl, salamanders, and an occasional black bear or bobcat. In October, days are cool and pleasant, with some early morning frost. At 3,200 feet above sea level, the Canaan Valley is cooler than the surrounding countryside and the trees change color earlier than in other parts of the state. In autumn, visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of color, crimson maples, burnt-orange oaks, and golden aspen. Even the dying ferns add splashes of yellow to the evergreen forest and fields. It's rutting season for whitetail deer and handsome bucks sport large racks of antlers. More brazen than normal, they are more easily seen as they pursue females and tangle with rival males. Beavers are active as well, busily gathering food for the long winter ahead. Migrating Canada Geese and other waterfowl fly overhead at dawn and stop on their way south to feed in the Blackwater River and surrounding wetlands. The nearby Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers more photo possibilities.
© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
SENECA ROCKS
Not far to the east of Canaan Valley, lies Seneca Rocks, a remarkable 900 foot quartzite rock formation that rises above the valley floor in the heart of Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Exhibits and displays help explain the geology of the area. From the valley floor and river below, the view is outstanding. The sheer walls make the cliffs a popular destination for climbers whose brightly colored clothing add interest to images.
DOLLY SODS
Also nearby is Dolly Sods Wilderness. Rising above the valley floor, this remote ridge more closely resembles the arctic tundra more than the surrounding countryside... Huge lichen-covered boulders are strewn about in a haphazard fashion; blueberry and cranberry bushes cover the ground; and deformed one-sided trees stand as testament to the region’s harsh winters. In the fall, leaves of the low growing shrubs turn crimson and glow when back-lit by the late afternoon light. Bear Rock and nearby overlooks offer visitors panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
BLACKWATER FALLS
Blackwater Falls State Park offers more photo opportunities. Convenient overlooks provide views of the Blackwater River as it cascades over boulders and plunges over Blackwater Falls. Several platforms provide varying views of this 60 foot high waterfalls. Other overlooks throughout the park provide excellent opportunities to capture fall color and images of the Blackwater Canyon and surrounding mountains.
Rooms in the area are at premium this time of year. A block of rooms is being held for the class at the Alpine Lodge Motel (304) 259-5245 in Davis. Rooms are listed under Johns Hopkins University and Irene Sacilotto. Book your rooms early.
Register at Johns Hopkins University Odyssey Program