Adirondack Photography Institute

Joe LeFevre Wins in International Contest!

2012-01-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

Bandon Beach Sunset

With his image “Bandon Beach Sunset,” API staff photographer Joe LeFevre recently won one of four first place prizes in the Share the View international nature photography contest sponsored by the Audubon Society of Greater Denver. In addition, two more of Joe’s images gained highly commended status in the contest and were listed in the top 250 images. The first annual contest was open to nature photographers world-wide. To see the prize winning photos and the top 250 images click here.

2012 Schedule Announced!

2012-01-19T15:25:00.001-05:00

We're proud to finally announce our 2012 calendar of events! It's been tough going with computer crashes and other exciting things conspiring to get us way behind this year. But we think what we've come up with is better than ever!

Some of the details are still being finalized, but the dates are set. See the workshop/tour schedule here, and the retreat schedule here.

API Staff Exhibit at View

2011-11-25T08:47:00.000-05:00

For the first time, the API staff will be exhibiting their work together, as part of a major photography exhibit taking place at View from December 3, 2011 thru January 29, 2012. Teacher's Turn: Instructors from the Adirondack Photography Institute will include the work of Eric Dresser, Joe LeFevre, John Radigan and Carl Rubino. Mark Bowie will be showing as part of the companion exhibit, Adirondack Viewfinders, taking place during the same timeframe.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the work of all of us in one great venue!

For more information visit the View website.

Adirondack Life Photo Contest Deadline Approaching

2011-11-23T17:37:00.000-05:00

Don't forget! The deadline for entry in Adirondack Life magazine's annual photo contest is coming up on Thursday, December 1st. This is a fantastic way to get your best work seen!

For details visit the contest page.

Once again we are proud to provide the grand prize of the full registration cost of an API workshop to the contest winner. Good luck!

Lake Placid - Here We Come!

2011-11-18T14:21:00.001-05:00

Our annual winter workshop has always been a popular event for us. We're excited to take this year's workshop to Lake Placid! And, taking a cue from the evaluation comments of past participants, we're adding another day to the event.

This year's workshop will take place February 9-12 at the Northwoods Inn. Click here for details.

Sign up now and take advantage of our new, more aggressive discount plans...

The Finger Lakes: Bursting with Water and Color

2011-10-17T10:42:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-04T14:42:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-10-01T17:06:00.000-04:00

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!

Joe LeFevre to be Keynote Speaker at PSA Conference

2011-09-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

API staff instructor Joe LeFevre will deliver the keynote presentation at the 2011 PSA Conference in Colorado Springs on Friday evening, September 23. Joe will present his program entitled Nature’s Finest Moments.

For more information visit the PSA website by clicking here.

Best of luck, Joe!

Our Friend, Nancy Rotenberg

2011-08-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

Adirondack Photography Institute was begun with an anxious phone call to Nancy Rotenberg. At the time, she was probably the busiest nature photographer and instructor in the country. She made time for us. And she would do that again and again and again over the years.

Recently, we were very excited because Nancy had agreed to take part in our fledgling retreat program in 2012. This program evolved out of an ongoing conversation with Nancy over several years. Last year's inaugural offering was a dream come true. This program was made to order for Nancy. We are deeply saddened that she will never take part in it.

We were informed this morning that our friend and mentor Nancy Rotenberg has left this world. To say that she will be missed is like saying that we'd miss the sun if it didn't come out tomorrow.

Thank you Nancy, for giving us a past and a future. We will never forget.

Namasté, old friend...

Lots of Fun and Learning in Lake Placid

2011-08-24T16:24:00.000-04:00

photo by Van Ruttley

This past weekend was our second annual workshop in partnership with Adirondack Life Magazine. We had beautiful, productive weather in Lake Placid for nearly the entire time. During the weekend API Instructors Mark Bowie, Joe LeFevre and John Radigan discussed the latest technologies and techniques, while magazine folks Annie Stoltie and Kelly Hofschneider provided insight into the workings of the publishing business and specific needs of Adirondack Life. We kicked it all off with an introductory view of the area and its many aspects with API's John DiGiacomo and a wonderful look at the magazine over the years from Betsy Folwell.

photo by Vepra Vranici

We had a great group of photographers participating, with lots of original insights and willingness to share their experiences. The viewing and critique of images that ended the weekend turned up some real gems! This year's field trips took advantage of the mist (and mystery) created by warm days and cool nighttime temperatures. On Friday night we were once again able to take advantage of the shooting opportunities from the roof of Northwoods Inn, where we were hosted graciously by the Smith family.

photo by Omar Lee

We can't wait to do this again next year!

Stellar Night Photography Workshop!

2011-08-16T08:07:00.000-04:00

API instructor Mark Bowie, author of the e-book, The Light of Midnight: Photographing the Landscape at Night, recently led an intensive workshop on night photography, based in the Olympic village of Lake Placid. He covered many facets of nocturnal shooting, including specialized techniques for determining nighttime exposures, composing and focusing in the dark, photographing the night landscape in relation to the heavens, and techniques for processing nighttime images. Shooting sessions in the village provided an infinite array of subjects. Neon colors were reflected in rain puddles. Long exposures captured vehicle lights, storefronts, and visitors’ umbrellas in bold, saturated colors.

Bowie writes, “Standing in pitch darkness along the weedy shores of Connery Pond near Lake Placid at eleven o’clock at night, stars shone between puffy clouds, the Big Dipper prominent. It was warm and a little humid. Looming above the far shore, the summit of Whiteface Mountain was encased in shifting fog. When the fog parted, the weather station light beamed like a beacon. The moon rose behind us, illuminating the foreground grasses. We shot exposures from seconds-long to twelve minutes, the resulting images capturing the stunning beauty of clouds streaming overhead, trees on the far shore reflected with precision in the pond, the stars shining through the moving veil of clouds — all set against a backdrop of indigo-blue sky. Surely these are some of the most spectacular night images ever captured in the Adirondacks, and I came away more enamored with night photography than ever before.”

If you’re interested in learning how to photograph the night, consider joining Mark for a one-day seminar and night shoot at AutumnColor Imaging in Worcester, Massachusetts on September 10th. For details, click here. Mark will be conducting more night photography workshops in 2012. Our new schedule will be posted soon.

NECCC 2011

2011-07-28T11:16:00.000-04:00

The annual New England Council of Camera Clubs (NECCC) conference was held in Amherst, MA from July 15^th to 17^th. This gathering of photographers, vendors and nationally-known speakers draws over 1,000 participants each year. There’s a slew of talks on such diverse topics as photojournalism, portraiture and nature photography, with hands-on teaching programs and model shoots throughout the weekend. This year’s event was capped off by a chance to photograph a hot air balloon rise Saturday evening.

Mark Bowie represented API at our trade show booth. He has spoken at the conference several times and had the chance to re-visit friends and colleagues, and introduce new attendees to the Adirondacks and API’s workshop and tour offerings.

The conference is always a great weekend of photography, education, inspiration and camaraderie with fellow shooters. If you’re interested in attending next year’s conference, check out the NECCC’s website, www.neccc.org, for information. We’ll see you there!

Our 1st Adirondack Canoe Photo Tour!

2011-07-28T09:25:00.002-04:00

The inaugural Adirondack Canoe Photo Tour immersed participants in some of the most incredible and diverse Adirondack beauty. API instructor Mark Bowie and Adirondack guide Griz Caudle led the group to several interconnected waters in the most saturated area of the Adirondack Park — the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and St Regis Canoe Wilderness. We photographed mists rising from Floodwood Pond, gardens of white water lilies on Fish Creek, pitcher plants and sundew on floating mats of boreal bog, and a dramatic sunrise over Follensby Clear Pond. We photographed a loon dancing on the water, a days-old loon chick riding the waves alongside her mother, fluff-ball mallard ducklings scrambling over a log, and other ducks jumping off a high rock into the water. A beaver surprised one of us near his lodge. An osprey wheeled overhead. This area produces magical moments every day, which makes for creative images and an authentic Adirondack experience. Its intrigue captivated our paddlers.

We plan to return to this area next year, visiting more special waters and scenic hot spots. If you’d like to experience the backwoods beauty of the Adirondacks by boat, side-by-side with a noted photographer and famed guide, consider joining us.

High Peaks Adventure with McGowan/DiGiacomo

2011-07-14T15:26:00.000-04:00

photo by John DiGiacomo

Guest instructor Don McGowan, assisted by API staff member John DiGiacomo, led an excellent group of photographers on API’s first early-summer, week-long workshop in the Park’s High Peaks region. Based out of the Historic Northwoods Inn in Lake Placid, this energetic group were treated to a plethora of photographic opportunities including mountain vistas, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs (complete with beavers and Great Blue Herons), early summer wild flowers, water lilies, ferns, farmland and much more. Many of the participants commented on how the number and variety of photographic opportunities far exceeded their expectations for this time of year.

Don and John share the API staff philosophy of not photographing while teaching, affording participants more one-on-one instruction, focusing on their individual needs and goals. Group and individual field instruction included the creative use of wide angle, macro and tilt-shift lenses, and also the steps necessary to create successful panoramic and HDR images. The group also spent several hours, spread out over the week, participating in interactive critique sessions that were well received.

Most importantly the group frequented many of John’s favorite coffee houses including Wake Up Call in Keene and Bean-To-Coffee in Saranac Lake. Communal dinners were had at a different restaurant each evening allowing participants time to better get to know one another.

Adirondack Songbirds Workshop

2011-07-13T13:37:00.000-04:00

I want to thank all participants for attending the Adirondack Songbirds workshop. We had a great group! They photographed many beautiful species of warblers; including one which I had never previously seen. Additional avian subjects included Vireos, Sparrows (Song and White-throated), Cedar Waxwings, Chickadees, Nuthatches and more.

The Woods Inn went out of their way to accommodate our varied meal times and the food was incredible as usual. A wonderful time was had by all.

Eric Dresser at Adirondack Museum

2011-07-07T11:25:00.000-04:00

API staff member and internationally-published wildlife photographer Eric Dresser will be appearing at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, New York on July 16th and 17th. There will be two presentations each day of his program Northern Tranquility: Tactics of the Wildlife Photographer.

This is the first program being produced as part of our partnership with the museum. Don't forget, if you are a member of the museum you are eligible for a discount on API programs!

For more details on Eric's program click here.

One-Day Workshop at AutumnColor

2011-06-20T11:50:00.001-04:00

We've been hoping for some time to kick-off our weekend offerings, as we are always being asked "When can you bring something to my town on a weekend?". Well, the time has arrived. We are teaming up with our partner AutumnColor Digital Imaging to present our first one-day workshop, Photographing the Landscape at Night.

Led by night shooting expert and author Mark Bowie, this event will consist of an afternoon of instruction to help you grasp the concepts of shooting in low-light, followed by a hands-on evening shoot where Mark will demonstrate the techniques and help you get the most out of your experience. The indoor sessions will be graciously hosted by AutumnColor at their facility in Worcester, MA.

For more info, see the program description on our website.

Ricketts Glen Waterfalls Workshop - Stunning!

2011-05-26T20:37:00.000-04:00

Over a three-mile stretch, “Y”-shaped Kitchen Creek descends more than 1,000 feet through flat-lying sedimentary strata, forming twenty-two named waterfalls ranging in height from about ten to one hundred feet. As impressive as the big waterfalls are, the seemingly endless riffles and cascades between them — presenting new vistas around each bend — make this place especially photogenic. Large slabs of rock lie at haphazard angles in the creek bed, stained orange by tannins leached from the surrounding soils. Beeches line the waterway. Their fresh spring foliage glowed electric lime green in overcast light. The compositional possibilities were innumerable. Simply put, our group’s consensus was that Ricketts is the most incredible collection of waterfalls we’ve encountered.

Mark Bowie and Joe LeFevre led field and indoor instructional sessions specific to photographing waterfalls, with emphasis on reading the light, using filtration and multiple exposure techniques, and optimizing images in processing.

If you’ve never visited or photographed these waterfalls, add them to your wish list. They are absolutely unrivaled in the East! And watch for our next workshop here; we’ll be back. We’d love to see them in autumn when peak fall colors decorate the creek bed.

See us on YouTube

2011-05-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

Check out our new promo presentation on YouTube. Click here to see it.

Special One-Time Discount on June Events

2011-04-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

One time only!

We are offering a special 15% discount for our June events Moving Beyond Your Creative Comfort Zone with Don McGowan and Adirondack Songbirds with Eric Dresser.

Hurry, this special offer ends May 12!

See details of the discount by clicking here.

Call For Entries - Diversity Through Many Lenses

2011-03-18T11:20:00.003-04:00

Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts and API are proud to announce the second annual juried photography exhibit, Diversity Through Many Lenses, to be on display in Blue Mountain Lake from August 26 thru September 24. Last year's inagural event was quite a success, in both entries and attendance. We are very excited to see this year's entered work and watch the event grow!

API is once again sponsoring the Exceptional Nature Image award, with a $250 donation.

For more information visit the exhibit page by clicking here, or contact Cornelia Tobey at cornelia@adirondackarts.org.

Get Up-Close and Personal This Fall

2011-03-16T14:48:00.002-04:00

We've always wanted to do a fall close-up workshop in the Adirondacks. There's just so much to see and photograph! Well, due to an unanticipated scheduling change, we are able to bring a close-up event to the calendar this year.

Autumn Up-Close and Personal will take place October 2-5 in Inlet, at the anticipated height of color season. Led by instructors John DiGiacomo and John Radigan, this promises to be a fun exploration of the Adirondacks in small pieces.

Don't miss out on this alternative take on Adirondack nature photography!

Bring API Experience To Your Group Or Club Outing

2011-03-15T11:59:00.001-04:00

Over the years we've had many inquiries about customized programs for various clubs and other private groups. We realize that the programs in our annual schedule don't suit the needs of everyone, so we've created a new service just for the purpose of addressing groups with unique desires.

Our Club & Private Programs offering will provide your group with great API leaders, with the planning and people skills to make your program special and fun. Don't hesitate to contact us with your group's ideas. We're happy to help!

API Alumni Winners in Adirondack Life Photo Contest

2011-03-08T11:36:00.001-05:00

The results are in! API was well-represented in this year's Adironack Life Annual Photography Contest. Four of our alumni were chosen for awards this year!

Karl Fisher won First Place Color for his image "Storm Approaches Seventh Lake", Tim Wilson won Second Place Color for his image "Early evening, Indian Lake", Jim Mutschler won Third Place Color for his image "Boathouse, Lake Abanakee" and Russ Hartung won First Place Macro, Third Place Macro and Honorable Mention for his images "Clematis buds, Lake Placid", "Web Site, Long Pond, St. Regis Canoe Area", and "Solitude, Heart Lake", respectively. Way to go guys!

To see the winning images, visit the Adirondack Life photo test page here.

Once again, the Grand Prize winner took home a coupon redeemable for the tuition cost of an API workshop. This year's top winner was Lynne Newhouse for her image "Underwater Experiment: Alien Lily Pads, Big Moose Lake". Congratulations Lynne! We're looking forward to meeting you this fall.

Lake Placid Institute - 24 Hrs. Photo Contest

2011-02-23T10:42:00.001-05:00

The Lake Placid Institute for Arts and Humanities invites all high school students in the Adirondack region to participate in a visual interpretation of their surroundings in the Institute’s new program: “24 Hours – A Photographic Interpretation of Life in the Adirondacks”. This year's judge will be API Staff Instructor John DiGiacomo.

For details vist our website by clicking here.

This program is made possible, in part, by lead grants from The Lake Placid Education Foundation and Emily & Eugene Grant Family Foundation with additional funding provided by Stewarts Shops, Inc. and 511 Gallery, Main St., Lake Placid.

Winter Extravaganza!

2011-02-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

From API instructor Mark Bowie:

"What a winter! And what a workshop! The participants in API’s 5th annual Winter Photography Workshop got an eyeful of winter in the North Country. On opening night, the stars sizzled in a clear sky. We were greeted next morning with near-zero temperatures. As the sun rose, it cast blue shadows on the snow-bound Brown’s Tract Inlet as it entered Raquette Lake. The surrounding tamaracks glistened with frost. A blizzard followed the next day, accumulating over 8” of snow. We photographed at night under unrelenting snow showers. The following morning though, the snow coated the evergreens, accenting the rhythmic patterns of the boughs. Thanks to all the students and the incredible hospitality of the Woods Inn for helping make this a memorable event!"

Mark led a game, fun-loving group, discussing tips, techniques, and field strategies specific to photographing an Adirondack winter. We look forward to seeing you again when the snows eventually melt and the lakes turn liquid!

Welcome Adirondack Museum!

2011-01-19T17:14:00.000-05:00

We're proud to announce that we've added the Adirondack Museum as a new partner! As time goes on we'll be exploring new areas where we may add to the already excellent programming at the museum, beginning with their exhibit "Night Vision: The Wildlife Photography of Hobart Vosburg Roberts" coming up in May. To learn more about this very interesting exhibit click here.

In the meantime, we are pleased to extend our 5% Adirondack Partner Discount to museum members interested in our events. Just mention that you are a museum member when registering.

George DeWolfe's PercepTool 2 Released

2010-12-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

Atlantic Light Works and Reindeer Graphics have announced the release of PercepTool 2(tm), a Photoshop add-on suite that performs High Dynamic Range (HDR), Tone Mapping and Perceptual Effect operations on digital photographs. Compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms using both 32- and 64-bit processing, it operates in Photoshop CS4 and CS5 (Photoshop Extended required for 32-bits/channel). PercepTool 2(tm) works with both B&W and Color images in 8-bits, 16-bits and 32-bits.

PercepTool 2(tm) may be downloaded only from API guest instructor George DeWolfe's website. . For those who have purchased the original PercepTool(tm) the upgrade cost is $75. The full version is $150.

Southern Adirondack Fall Tour - Chasing the Color

2010-10-26T10:05:00.001-04:00

Our first tour based in the Lake George region area offered a diverse selection of photographic sites, from grand panoramic overviews to intimate riverscapes and waterfalls to macro opportunities. API staff instructor Mark Bowie, who photographed this area extensively for his three Adirondack books, guided participants from one special site to another.

We persevered through strong sun and wind on the first day, making some nice images of Lake George from the Top ‘O the World and Rodger’s Rock State Campground. The shooting conditions improved progressively over the next couple of days. We shot a quaint, unnamed waterfall cascading off a hillside, then splitting into two channels as it winds through Lake George Wild Forest. We photographed fall foliage along the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers, and a dramatic misty sunrise over the confluence of the Hudson and Schroon Rivers near Warrensburg. All this followed by peak fall foliage reflected in a still pond high on a wild mountaintop. Absolutely immaculate conditions!

With an experienced local guide, enthusiastic participants and the wealth of autumn beauty around the “Queen of American Lakes”, the tour was great fun, with lots of nice image making. We’ll be back!

Adirondack Fall Workshop - North Country Color!

2010-10-26T09:59:00.003-04:00

Our first workshop based in the North Creek/Indian Lake area of the central Adirondacks proved to have a bounty of photogenic sites. For three days we immersed ourselves in the Adirondack autumn beauty. We were greeted by a spectacular sunrise over Lake Abanakee, with colorful clouds reflected in the mirror-like water. A deer swam across it, a loon glided through the colors. On another morning fog hung low over the colorful mix of evergreen and deciduous trees lining the shore. We looked looked down on the fog from an overlook with a panoramic view of the mountains to the east. Along the Indian River the foliage created fanciful foreground elements against the dark water. And at night, the Big Dipper hung just above the quaint railroad station across the road from our hotel.

API staff instructor Mark Bowie led interactive sessions with tips and strategies specific to photographing autumn. He also covered digital workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, and techniques for creating multiple exposure images, including panoramas and high dynamic range images.

With so many opportunities for great photography in this region, the wonderful hospitality of the Copperfield Inn and conference facility, we hope to host another workshop here soon. There’s so much to explore!

Our First Retreat - A Great Success!

2010-10-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

The retreat gang and our Wall of Expression

How much better can it get? That's what Mark and I kept asking ourselves. Six days of sharing the goodwill and creativity of an Adirondack retreat. Beautiful images, poignant moments, lots of laughs, solitude. So many memories...

The Nature of Possibility Retreat that just ended at The Woods Inn was the first of its kind for API. It far exceeded our expectations. We were so excited to participate with eleven accomplished photographers in the goal of exploring ourselves and our relationship to nature through images, writings, conversation. We feel that we have truly found a format that goes beyond the typical workshop, into the realm of personal creativity and exploration.

Thanks to The Woods Inn for providing an absolutely perfect environment for immersing ourselves in the Adirondacks and the creative life!

We are so excited to see how we can improve and extend the concept next year. We think that every accomplished photographer should have an opportunity to experience what we did over these past six days...

Call for Entries - Indian Lake Community Photo Festival

2010-09-24T16:39:00.000-04:00

It’s time again for the Community Photo Festival at Indian Lake theater! This year's theme is LIFE IN MOTION. The festival will curated by Adirondack photographer Nancie Battaglia. Participants may submit up to 5 photographs. Please send all submissions by email to photo@indianlaketheater.org by September 27th. The festival will be held at the Indian Lake Theater on October 11th at 7:30 pm.

See the event poster here.

Hello Lake Placid!

2010-09-15T16:53:00.000-04:00

What a great time we had at API's first workshop in the Olympic Village! The Adirondack Photography Weekend in partnership with Adirondack Life magazine was held August 27-29 at Northwoods Inn. The weekend was a great success, capped-off by near-perfect weather conditions for the duration.

photo by participant Peter Johngren

API instructors Mark Bowie, Joe LeFevre, John Radigan and staff assistant John DiGiacomo were joined by Adirondack Life staff members Betsy Folwell, Annie Stoltie and Kelly Hofschneider, for a very fun and informative weekend of photography field trips, presentations and Q&A. Northwoods Inn proved the perfect venue for this event, which we hope will become an annual affair.

Don't miss out on this one next year! We can't wait to do it again...

Adirondack Waters Sublime!

2010-08-23T17:58:00.002-04:00

A pastel sunrise over Shaw Pond before we were chased away by a thunderstorm… high clouds creating a soft box over the rocks and spray of Buttermilk Falls… puffy clouds colored pastel blue and pink by the setting sun, reflected in Lake Abanakee, later evolving into a crimson stream over Lake Adirondack. And there were fluffy afternoon clouds mirrored in Lake Durant… and boldly lit sunset clouds reflected in a nearby pond, where, the following morning a patrolling beaver slapped his tail in annoyance at us... and an unforgettable 1:30am image of the Big Dipper reflected in one of Durant’s quiet bays. The scenery and the ever-changing summer light combined to make these Adirondack waters especially enchanting.

API staff instructor Mark Bowie led lively, interactive sessions with tips and strategies specific to photographing the diversity of Adirondack waters. He also covered digital workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, and techniques for creating multiple exposure images, including panoramas and high dynamic range images. With so many photogenic waters nearby, a knowledgeable guide, and receptive and talented students… it was a fabulous workshop of creative image making.

Our First Light of Midnight Workshop

2010-08-06T18:00:00.005-04:00

Photo by Sue Schwer

As the late night images materialized on the projection screen, participants gasped, “This is fun!", "This is nuts!", "This is neat!”. It became the catchphrase of the Photographing the Night Landscape workshop led by night shooting specialist Mark Bowie in Inlet. Surely, participants go home excited about their images from each of our workshops, but here they were absolutely astounded at the beauty and mystique of what they captured in the dark of night. Mark led sessions on capturing long exposures with only natural light, as well as painting with artificial lights: from streetlights, head lamps, mini flashlights, one million candlepower flashlights, on-camera flash, speedlights, and flash extenders. The depth and breadth of Mark’s coverage of nighttime photography exposed them to the many opportunities of capturing the natural landscape in the context of the heavenly skies. If you haven’t photographed much at night, consider joining Mark for our next night workshop. You’ll see: It’s fun! It’s nuts! It’s neat!

Watch for Mark’s new e-book, The Light of Midnight: A Guide to Photographing the Landscape at Night, available soon through our website as a downloadable .pdf file.

API Director's Exhibit Opens in Blue Mt. Lake

2010-07-20T12:30:00.000-04:00

Natural Resonance, API director John Radigan's first exhibit of all-new work in several years, opened today at Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mt. Lake, NY. The exhibit consists of twenty-two prints from John's recent Adirondack work. The exhibit runs through Saturday, August 21, with a reception taking place from 6-8 pm on the final day. See the arts center's website for gallery hours and other info.

API has partnered with the arts center on several programs in the past, and we are a proud sponsor of the upcoming juried photo exhibit, Diversity Through Many Lenses, which will take place August 25 through October 10.

What A Weekend In Ithaca!

2010-06-24T16:26:00.000-04:00

Photo by Rick Tyrseck

From Mark Bowie and Joe LeFevre after their workshop Spring Waterfalls of the Finger Lakes:

"Spring in the Finger Lakes region, where over 200 waterfalls swollen by recent rains plunged through deep gorges and over rocky ledges. We based ourselves out of Ithaca, centrally located to many of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls. We visited Taughannock Falls, the highest in New York State, and Watkins Glen State Park, whose numerous cascades sluice through dramatic gorges. In Havana Glen we photographed Eagle Creek Falls as it leaps over a rock precipice into a bowl-shaped basin adorned with greenery. We also visited Hector Falls, She-Qua-Ga Falls, Aunt Sarah's Falls, and, in Robert H. Treman State Park, the magnificent Lucifer Falls. The resulting images reveal that each is its own microcosm, with a distinctive personality."

Joe and Mark led lively, interactive sessions with tips and strategies specific to photographing waterfalls. They also covered digital workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, and techniques for creating panoramas and high dynamic range images. Premiere photo locations, knowledgeable guides, and receptive and talented participants… these key ingredients came together for a fabulous weekend of image making.

API and Adirondack Life Team-Up for Big Lake Placid Weekend!

2010-04-13T16:46:00.000-04:00

API and Adirondack Life magazine are teaming-up to bring you a fun and informative weekend — a celebration of photography — in the Olympic Village! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks and learn first-hand from leaders in nature photography and regional publishing the latest tips, techniques and guidelines.

The Adirondack Photography Weekend takes place August 27 thru 29 at the historic Northwoods Inn in downtown Lake Placid. There is a $100 discount for early registration for this event. We expect this event to draw a lot of interest so don't wait to sign-up!

For full detail visit the event page by clicking here.

Adirondack Life Announces Photo Contest Winners

2010-03-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

Hot off the press! The winners of the annual Adirondack Life Photo Contest have been announced! You can see the award-winning images in the March/April issue of the magazine, or online. API is again proud to provide sponsorship for the contest, in the form of a certificate redeemable for the tuition cost of our annual Adirondack Fall Photo Workshop. This years event will take place at the Copperfield Inn in North Creek, NY. Click here for details.

Call for Entries - Diversity Through Many Lenses

2010-03-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake, New York is now accepting entries for their first annual national juried exhibit entitled "Diversity Through Many Lenses". API is proud to sponsor this inaugural event by providing a $500 prize to be awarded to the creator of the Exceptional Nature Image.

Deadline for entries is May 24. Click here to see the prospectus.

Adirondack Life Magazine: Mark Bowie on Light Pollution

2010-03-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

Don't miss API staff instructor Mark Bowie's very informative article on light pollution, Let There Be Dark, in Adirondack Life magazine this month, where he explores man's ever-increasing impact on one of the most enduring and magical pieces of our heritage, the night sky. The article is reprinted on the magazine's website.

Mark is excited about his first API workshop dedicated to night shooting, which will take place August 1-4 in Inlet, NY at the one-of-a-kind Woods Inn. Don't miss this special opportunity to learn from an authority on the special requirements of shooting in low light. Details can be seen here.

Staff Instructor Carl Rubino at Lake Placid Center for the Arts

2010-02-19T11:56:00.000-05:00

API staff instructor Carl Rubino will be leading two workshops for LPCA as part of their Winter & Spring schedule.

"Improving Your Photography - The Basic skills" will take place Saturday, May 22. This is a one-day workshop for photographers who want a better understanding of the basics of photography. Covers a host of topics including: composition, exposure control, natural lighting and other essential skills so as to improve your photography dramatically.

"SLR Photography - Beyond The Basics" is a two-day workshop for photographers who want to go deeper into the art of photography, expanding their understanding and use of composition, portrayal of motion in photography, creative use of shutter speed and depth of field, selective focus, lens choices and other techniques, and perhaps, venturing into fine art photography. The workshop will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20, respectively.

For more information on these workshops visit the LPCA website . And don't forget that LPCA members are eligible for a discount on API programs! Click here for details.

BRRRR! - Winter Fun with Mark Bowie

2010-02-04T11:41:00.005-05:00

Photo by Greg Craybas

With temperatures plunging to -16 degrees one night, followed by -20 degrees the following morning (an API workshop record!), the endurance of both photographic equipment and participants at the Adirondack Winter Workshop, led by Mark Bowie, were tested to the limit.

The participants proved a hearty lot and came away with some nice images despite the trying conditions. And as usual, the warmth, hospitality, and great food provided by the Woods Inn were excellent. It’s a fabulous place from which to run a workshop; nice accommodations with access to numerous scenic field locations.

Mark challenged participants with indoor sessions on strategies and techniques specific to photographing the Adirondack winter, including creating panoramas and high dynamic range imagery, resulting in a free-flowing exchange of creative ideas. Re-connecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and feeding off one another’s artistic abilities highlights API workshops. And from this one we came away with a common bond about which we’ll embellish for years: how we persevered through extreme Adirondack weather!

Instructor Greg Miller's "Panorama of the Hudson River" Published

2009-12-08T09:58:00.003-05:00

In honor of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of discovery on the river that now bears his name, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art is proud to announce the publication of Panorama of the Hudson River. The book, distributed by SUNY Press, offers a twenty-first-century updating of G. Willard Shear's long-cherished 1910 photographic survey of the river's shorelines, tracing the Half Moon's 1609 route from New York Harbor to present-day Albany. It also reprints the earlier edition, making it readily available for the first time in decades. Juxtaposing Shear's photographs with those of renowned Hudson Valley photographer Greg Miller not only combines two extraordinary feats of photographic artistry, it also provides an important record of changes that have occurred along the river since the Hudson Tricentennial celebrations of 1909. Panorama of the Hudson River will interest anyone enchanted by the Hudson River's beautiful and varied landscapes, and will also provide an excellent tool for those involved in continuing efforts to protect treasured but threatened places along its banks.

Greg Miller's complete photographic panorama of the Hudson River was created from approximately 2,500 photographs and includes both banks of the river from Manhattan to Albany. An exhibition currently on display at the Dorsky Museum--also titled Panorama of the Hudson River--includes the Monroe, N.Y.-based artist's photographs of the riverbanks of the Hudson River paired with those from the 1910 photographic panorama developed for the Hudson River Day Line Steamer company. The exhibition runs through December 13, 2009 and returns February 6 through March 28, 2010.

Adirondack Life Photo Contest - Call for Entries

2009-11-19T12:11:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again...

Adirondack Life Magazine's annual photo contest is a great way to see your images published in a nationally-recognized magazine. The deadline for entry is December 1st. This year's grand prize is a coupon good for the registration cost of an API workshop or tour. See Adirondack Life's website for all the details.

Letchworth State Park Fall Color Tour

2009-11-11T16:23:00.009-05:00

From tour leader Joe LeFevre:

"Saturday morning dawned cloudy with light rain, which continued throughout most of the day. But it didn’t dampen our spirits! We were able to capture many excellent waterfall and autumn foliage images. The colors were highly saturated in the bright overcast light. Clearing skies overnight produced the finest conditions for sunrise photography I’ve ever seen at Letchworth State Park, with swirls of fog and mist filling the canyon with magical sunrise light. These conditions, coupled with the great camaraderie of like-minded people, made this an unforgettable morning. Later in the afternoon we photographed this beautiful rainbow above Middle Falls. Thanks to everyone for making the tour a great experience!"

API and Hunt's Form Partnership

2009-10-28T10:14:00.002-04:00

API is pleased to announce our partnership with Hunt's Photo & Video, New England's largest photography retailer. We will be working with Hunt's to offer new and exciting photo learning opportunities beginning in 2010. API endorses Hunt's as the place to go for photo gear, with a huge inventory and pricing competitive with other large east coast equipment dealers.

We're proud to have Hunt's on our team!

Don't miss the 33rd Annual Hunt's Show and Sale, taking place for three days only, October 30 thru November 1. With everything on sale, plus the opportunity to meet factory reps and tech specialists, this is an event not to be missed. For details see http://wbhunt.com/mailorder/index.htm.

Community Photo Festival in Indian Lake, NY

2009-10-15T15:32:00.005-04:00

Join Indian Lake native and professional photographer Bill Killon on Sunday, October 18th at 4:00pm for a lively Community Photo Festival dedicated to Nature photography. Come see the photographs submitted by over 40 people from nearby communities in this creative format.

The Indian Lake Theater is planning a pair of fun, community-based events to bring friends and neighbors together to enjoy local amateur photography — on the big screen. The festival will consist of two nights, one show on October 18, dedicated to Nature photography, and a second night on November 17 with a focus on photographs of People, hosted by Dr. Daniel Way. Tickets to the shows will be $5.

The goal of the festival is to provide a forum for aspiring photographers within the community to exhibit their work -- seniors citizens, students and everyone in between.

For more information call Indian Lake Theater Director Pat Connor at (518) 648-5950.

Capturing the Essence with Nancy Rotenberg

2009-09-24T11:44:00.002-04:00

We had a full house last weekend for Nancy's workshop in Inlet, NY. The shooting conditions were great and many fine images were shown during the critique sessions.

Nancy comments:

"How wonderful to experience the smells and flavors of fall in the Adirondacks, and to be able to record it to memory through pixels. Opportunities ran amok from foggy mornings at Fly Pond, to the most glorious of reflections at Buttermilk Falls, to sunrises at Racquette Lake. Classroom time was spent learning composition and creativity. There was laughter, great food, and wonderful camaraderie. It was 4 days spent living art as a beautiful verb."

Nancy returns for a 6-day workshop in 2011. This workshop will most certainly sell-out, as all of Nancy's events with us have. Keep your eyes open for the announcement late next year...

Adirondack Life Article Now Online

2009-08-27T10:04:00.002-04:00

Adirondack Life has just put the article on API on their website. You can see it at http://www.adirondacklife.com/content/view/200/119/.

Adirondack Waters with Mark Bowie

2009-08-20T16:53:00.003-04:00

Photo by Mark Bowie

Some thoughts from Mark:

"Photographing 35 loons running back and forth across Lake Clear, diving and feeding together… fields of stars and the Milky Way, bright as a cloudbank as we painted Adirondack chairs on a dock using a flashlight… across a field of wildflowers the sun rose as a red ball through mists, Whiteface Mountain and the McKenzie Range as the backdrop. I’m continually amazed at the ever-changing scenery of the northern Adirondack waters region. With all that, maybe the highlight of the workshop was being a part of the camaraderie of like-minded people feeding off one another’s creativity. Thanks to all who made this an inspiring, power-packed workshop."

API Featured in Adirondack Life Magazine

2009-08-04T17:08:00.002-04:00

We are proud to be the subject of Lynn Woods wonderful feature article entitled "Adirondack Photography Institute: Bringing the Natural World Into Sharp Focus" in the September/October issue of Adirondack Life Magazine. Lynn attended API founder John Radigan's Intimate Image workshop last July as a participant. Grab a copy and see what Lynn had to say!

API at NECCC – Sunday

2009-07-13T16:41:00.008-04:00

this posting is a day late because i’m still recovering from the whole NECCC experience. saturday night wrapped up nicely with a few more important connections being made. i met janice wendt from nik software and charles needle, a macro photographer from GA. both of them expressed an interest in working with API, which is very cool. stay tuned for more on both fronts, fellow photogs.

later that night i attended the awards ceremony. i tried to tuff it out but not knowing any of the recipients, i could barely stay awake. to tell the truth, i was loosing the last light of the day, so i quietly left and biked around campus, stopping at various points of interest and photographing till it began to rain. at one point it rained so hard i took shelter at a bus stop but continued to shoot thru the distressed plexiglas, lights echoing in the wet road with car lights streaking by. it was a real party.

sunday morning, after breakfast at the dining hall, (btw –the cranberry nut bread is to die for) i attended two presentations. gary needle is a macro photographer who had set up some shooting scenarios on saturday at the hi-jinx area. i was intrigued by his set-ups and curious about his results. he started his presentation with samples of his work… absolutely beautiful. then he covered equipment basics and surprisingly revealed some of his tricks, tips and studio set-ups. simple set-ups really but the results were magnificent.

i then treated myself by attending mark bowie’s “light of midnight” presentation. there are no words i could possibly write, to could describe what i saw. absolutely stunning images taken with exposure times of 2 minute to 6 hours , multiple exposures and HDR shots. all shot in complete darkness and occasionally lit with a mag light, headlamp, million candlelight flashlight or the night lights of surrounding buildings. there was one shot of a line of small pine trees, covered with snow and lit by the light of a nearby gas station, that took everyone’s breath away. mark admitted to us, that it took him 5 minutes to decide whether to take the shot or not… glad you did MB. as one attendee told mark afterwards, “i have a new hero”.

on the ride home, i came to one very important conclusion… you and i both know that the adirondack photography institute is fast becoming the place to go, for world class photography instruction …enveloped in the incredible beauty of the adirondack mountains… and now the members of the NECCC know it!

carpe diem, lightwriters.

API at NECCC - saturday

2009-07-11T14:50:00.007-04:00

first let me say about of things about the rest of my friday. i met a lot of NECCC attendees and got a chance to ask them "when was the last time you photographed in the adirondacks?" most of the photogs said they vacationed there throughout their childhood but had never considered photographing in the park... my next question... "why?"

i reminded them that it was less than a tankful of gas away, they could pack up all their camera gear and extra clothing in their car, and not be restricted to an overhead carry-on, get 10% off their first workshop (that savings will fill up your tank) and then get great shots in the park... it's almost a no-brainer. they signed up for our emails, took the discount coupons and walked away, rearranging their calender while daydreaming of the incredible images they'll create.

i did get a chance to see one presenter after dinner. ray guillette presented a program on creativity and it reminded me of the details that one needs to practice every day to challenge oneself, creatively. what was very unique about ray's work... it was done on film.

today has been just as interesting here at the NECC convention. the hi-jinx rooms have drawn a lot of people and has produced some incredible results. there were macro shoots (including , black light set-ups, model shoots (the bikini model swinging from the big silver ring was certainly a fan fav), and hi-speed flash photography.

mark bowie was showing advance copies of his new book, adirondack seasons, an absolute stunning collection of work. his verbal expressions are equally eloquent and if you never see the image he has captured, his words will take you there just as easily. well done mark!

i also spoke with the people from onOne software, Canon and AutumnColor. more on that later. i'm still hoping to get to the print room and see the images that have been submitted for the competition. and then there's the awards ceremony later tonight.

check back later. i'll be sure to have more.

later lighwriters.

API at NECCC - friday

2009-07-10T09:40:00.009-04:00

this is impressive. i mean the whole NECCC convention. truly organized and everyone is very helpful. audrey weigold has given me a personal tour of the exhibitors and i have to tell you... it is a treasure trove of products, talent and information. hunts photo is the flagship and gary farber has a crew of talented people unloading a boatload of product. i stopped by to introduce myself and gary was very busy but he stopped for a moment and said hello. stay tuned for an important announcement regarding hunt's photo and video and the adirondack photography institute.

i sat with joe lefevre briefly (joe is conducting a photo tour for API at letchworth state park in october) to discuss the buzz here at NECCC. joe is presenting "now that i'm here, what next?" three times this weekend and it "promises to be a very insightful program... you should pop in, georg". i'll try joe.

i did get a chance to ride around last night and take some shots in the golden light of the evening here at UMASS. the campus is stunning... old and new buildings, wonderful textures and very easy to navigate (with a campus map, compass or GPS). i brought my mt. bike and i gotta tell you, it's the best way to get around and work off those extra pounds.

gotta jet. need to set up the exhibit booth and get ready for all those hungry photogs who want to get to the adirondacks this season.

carpe diem lightwriters!

API's Eric Dresser at The Wild Center

2009-07-07T09:33:00.004-04:00

See Eric on Tuesday, July 14th in The Wild Center’s Flammer Theatre as part of the Wild About the Adirondacks series. The presentation will take place at 11:30 am and again at 2:00 pm.

Featuring stunning photos of Adirondack wildlife, this show will be a journey through the seasons. During the presentation, Eric will discuss techniques used to capture images of his wild subjects. Whether you enjoy photographing or observing wildlife, this program will be an inspiration. “Capturing photos of wildlife and wild places has been a passion of mine for the past 30 years. I hope that these pictures will inspire an appreciation of nature in others. Our wilderness and wildlife need to be preserved, for they are the true barometer of our own future.” – Eric Dresser

Eric Dresser is an internationally published photographer who specializes in wildlife and landscape photography from the northeastern United States and Canada. His credits include Adirondack Life Magazine, National Wildlife Magazine, The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, L.L. Bean Catalogues and many more. Eric is also an instructor for the Adirondack Photography Institute. His first book “Adirondack Wildlife” will be available in the 2009. With over 35 years of experience in the field, Eric has developed many strategies for getting up close and personal with his wildlife subjects. His love and passion for our natural world can be seen in his photographs.

This program is free for members or with paid admission. For more information or directions please visit http://www.wildcenter.org/ or call 518-359-7800.

API is very excited to work with The Wild Center in offering Wild about the Adirondacks!

Announcing Two New Fall Color Tours

2009-06-30T15:38:00.005-04:00

In these tough economic times, API is always looking for new cost-effective ways to get photographers out into the field to do what they love: Create images! Due to their combination of lower cost and less time commitment, tours are becoming a more and more popular alternative to the traditional photo workshop.

We are pleased to announce two new tour offerings for 2009: Fall color tours to Letchworth State Park and the Hudson River Valley. Led by Joe LeFevre and Greg Miller, respectively, these tours were chosen for their outstanding fall color potential, as well as their proximity to major metro areas.

Registration is open now for these two great opportunities!

East Branch Friends of the Arts to Hold PHOTOSHO 09

2009-06-30T15:16:00.004-04:00

East Branch Friends of the Arts presents PHOTOSHO 09, their 4th annual Photography Exhibition and Sale. PHOTOSHO 09 will be held at Keene Central School, 33 Market Street, Keene Valley, NY. The Opening Reception is Friday July 31st from 5-8 p.m. Hours on Saturday, August 1st are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 2nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keene Valley is nestled in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks on Route 73 about 15 minutes from Exit 30 of the Northway and 25 minutes southeast of Lake Placid. For additional information, call 518-576-4769 or visit their website here. The Adirondack Photography Institute is a proud sponsor of this event.

API Partners with Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts

2009-06-30T15:08:00.002-04:00

API is pleased to announce a partnership with the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (ALCA), to bring digital photography workshops to the arts center in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. ALCA is a non-profit organization offering classes, workshops, visual, and performing arts to a local, regional, and national audience.

This summer, two photography workshops led by API instructor Carl Rubino, will be held at the Arts Center. IMPROVING YOUR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY – “THE BASIC SKILLS” will take place on Monday, July 20th, 9:00am – 5:00pm. In this one-day course, you’ll learn many of the fundamental concepts for making better photographs. DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY – BEYOND THE BASICS, a two-day workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 19th, 9:00am-5:00pm & Thursday, August 20th, 6:30am-4:00pm. In this two day workshop, you’ll learn some more advanced principles of composition, learn how to use natural lighting to increase or decrease the intensity of color, to make texture “pop”, to emphasize line or shape, getting the best exposure out of your camera and much more.

For information and to register for the workshops, visit www.adirondackarts.org or call 518-352-7715. The Arts Center is open September – June: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. July and August: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4pm

API Partners with onOne software

2009-05-28T08:41:00.004-04:00

API is pleased to announce it's first affiliate relationship... onOne Software! now your question is "what is an affiliate relationship?" and "what does that have to do with me?" well, it's kinda like a partner, a friend in the business, or your favorite family member.

because onOne software has the same philosophies / interests / mindset about photography as API, we approached Patrick Smith a couple of months ago and asked if he would be interested in promoting our workshop discount to all onOne customers. well one thing led to another and we have several exciting programs and discount offers planned for this year.

probably the most exciting (and the first to kick off this partnerships) is that onOne has extended a generous 25% discount on all software purchases (til the end of June), to all attendees of API workshops (both past, present anf future). onOne's flagship software is Plug-in Suite 4, which includes genuine fractals, mask pro, photoframe, phototune, focalpoint and phototools. while most of you know that genuine fractals is the industry standard for increasing image size well over 1000%, without the loss of sharpness or detail, this photographer is here to say that the other PS4 plug-ins are just as important for image manipulation, ultimely saving post production time and money.

to take advantage of this discount, simply go to www.ononesoftware.com and use the code ADKPI at time if checkout.

stay tuned for more earth-shattering announcements like this. check the API blog periodically for exclusive discounts, last minute workshop updates and offers, amazing tips and tricks from your friendly neighborhood instructors, and the occasional sneak peak into...

carpe diem, lightwriters

top 5 things i take in the field

2009-05-05T10:58:00.001-04:00

i'm no les stroud but survival is very important to me. isn't it to you?
these are the top 5 things i must take with me when i pack up my gear and head out in the field:

head lamp or mag light (sometimes both). remember, you've hiked deep into the woods to get that perfect sunset shot with the reflections and mist you finally take a peak outside your view finder and holy $@%#... it's pitch black. where's the trail? LIGHT.
WATER. my lowepro dryzone has a small bladder (as do i) and a hose, but if i'm traveling light, i take a nalgene bottle (sometimes i mix in gatorade). can you find the two (shameless) product plugs in that sentence?
emergency pauncho. this could be something as simple as an extra large trash bag. something i can cut a few holes in and wear, cover my gear or cut open like a tarp to make a quick shelter. SHELTER.
swiss army knife... including magnifying lens (fire - ugh), various screw drivers, knife, saw, tweezers, toothpick (you never know), scissors, bottle opener (what if your rescuer arrives with a cold brew). WEAPON.
energy bar. remember, you got up before the coffee, it's about 10 am and you got some great sunrise shots but now you're stomach is reminding you that you missed the most important meal of the day. break out that carrot cake clif bar and wash it down with some orange gatorade! FOOD.

a lot of this goes way back to the days when i was a boy scout. yes, i was a scout... loved every minute of it. in fact my motto has always been "be prepared". in fact, i'm thinking that might just be my next tattoo.