The Finger Lakes: Bursting with Water and Color

What an awesome end to the 2011 API schedule! Mark and I and nine fun people slipped through the cracks in what was predicted to be a string of nasty weather, to experience some great photo opportunities and camaraderie in the Finger Lakes. The fall colors were just exploding, and the weather threatened, but failed to get in the way of our fun. With such great nearby locations as Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen State Park, the area abounds with chances for special photographs. And Ithaca, with its small town charm, eclectic eateries and ideal location, once again proved to be a fine place to call home for a few days.

The Finger Lakes region will be a regular stop for API in the future. We're even thinking about an event that combines the photo opportunities of the region's waterfalls, with its history as a wine-making region.

Stay tuned!

Moose and Fall Foliage in the Mist

The West Branch of the Moose River winds through beautiful state lands in the western Adirondacks. Add early morning mist and fall color, and the waterway becomes magical. This is the Adirondacks wild and primeval. Towering white pines line the banks and crown an island mid-stream. A peninsula of pink granite reaches into the river, around which white foam and downed leaves swirl in eddies. White water flows past giant boulders. There’s so much to take in, and so much to shoot.

API staff instructor Mark Bowie led participants to the Moose and several other waters near Old Forge, the western gateway to the Adirondack Park. He conducted indoor sessions with tips and techniques specific to photographing autumn, at the state-of-the-art VIEW, the area’s new arts center. Director Jennifer Potter Hayes and her staff made our first event there memorable, catering to our logistical needs and schedule. We’re thrilled to be working with them, and are planning more workshops, exhibits and other events there in 2012. Be sure to visit. The facility is truly spectacular, and it’s set amidst classic Adirondack beauty.

Mark Bowie Hosts 2011 Community Photo Festival

Join API staff member Mark Bowie on Saturday, November 5th at 7:00 for a lively Community Photo Festival centered around the theme “The Adirondack Feeling.” Everyone is encouraged to submit their photographs before the October 21st submission deadline to be included in the show.

The Indian Lake Theater is building on the past three years of this fun, community-based event that brings friends and neighbors together to enjoy local amateur photography, curated and narrated by our region’s most prominent photographers. 

The goal of the festival is to provide a forum for aspiring photographers in our communities to exhibit their work – photographers of all ages and levels of experience are encouraged to participate – senior citizens, students and everyone in between.

For more information visit www.indianlaketheater.org.

Spectacular Retreat — Again!

Rivaling last year’s inaugural photographic Retreat, our signature event, didn’t seem plausible. It was incredibly successful on so many levels. But gathering experienced shooters together for six days of immersion in our craft resulted in creative image-making, great camaraderie and lots of laughs. API director John Radigan and staff instructor Mark Bowie guided participants to a variety of shooting locations in the central lake country and led them in a series of assignments, culminating in a presentation of each student’s theme for the week. It resulted in special images and thought-provoking discussion on what makes this place so special.

The Retreat format is similar to a classic artists’ retreat, with little classroom instruction by the leaders. Leaders and students shoot and process images side-by-side, and participate in social events together. It fosters a free-flowing exchange of photographic knowledge and artistry. We also got to experience the “authentic” Adirondacks on a canoe and kayak tour of Moss Lake and its remote outlet stream. One night, we gathered around a large bonfire to share stories.

Inevitably, we encountered varying weather conditions throughout the week — sun, rain, wind, and even some early Indian Summer. Cool mornings generated mists over the lakes and ponds. And the fall colors, just starting at the beginning of the week, exploded into full regalia within days. Adirondack photography at its prime!

Thanks to our hosts, The Woods Inn in Inlet, for their spectacular service and gourmet food. They consistently cater to our needs and provide a special setting for many of our events.

With the success and popularity of the Retreat format, we’ll be expanding our offerings next year. Watch for the 2012 schedule, to be released soon. It’s spectacular!