Images of Nature - Instruction - Workshops
Views of Nature Photography
The Galapagos Archipelago
These islands and the surrounding ocean are a stunning wildlife sanctuary. 97% of this vast area is a national park administered by the government of Ecuador as a permanent sanctuary for the many species of flora and fauna found here. Many of these are unique to the Galapagos while others visit this area on their migrations. Although the animals are varied, they share one trait; they are very tolerant of human presence. This affords visitors the opportunity to be close and observe natural behavior.
Although most people do think of the wildlife when they hear Galapagos, the human history and culture up to the present day are an important part of the area that we present as well.
Our program tours the islands, with superb images of the animals and plant life, We also give our audience a view of the present human population centers as well as an introduction to the geology and the human history of the archipelago.
To see some images and learn more click: Galapagos
Upper Amazon
The upper reaches of the Amazon River System are home to incredible numbers of birds, mammals, reptiles, and other critters. Add to this the thousands of plant species and communities of indigenous people and you come up with a photographer's dream. Our program will take audiences to this ecosystem and will explore the rivers, rainforest and villages with images and stories of our trip. We'll be sure to include hints, cautions and planning ideas for your own trip.
To see some images and learn more click: Amazon
Tasmania
Tasmania, the southernmost state of Australia is home to three species of kangaroo, many other pouched animals (marsupials) and of course the Tasmanian devil. In addition to the wildlife, Tasmania has incredible scenic opportunities and delightful people.
It is a fairly large island, 35,000 square miles with a small population, less than 475,000. This means lots of open space. It is also well south of the tropics so the climate is moderate for the entire year.
Our presentation will take the audience on a tour of cities, countryside and remote sections of this island state. We’ll explore the scenic beauty, some of the special events and look at the lives of the people in this unique part of Australia.
Holland in the Spring
Holland is known for windmills, flowers and cheese. We will explore these along with cultural and historic sites in this delightful western European country. We will also take a quick side trip into Belgium to the historic and picturesque town of Bruges.
The people of Holland (Dutch) have created a country out of the sea bed. Most of Holland is several feet below sea level but remains habitable because of a complex set of canals and water control systems.
We will take the audience on a tour of Amsterdam, Haarlem and Leiden as well as smaller towns including Edam and Gouda. The program will highlight the magnificent spring flowers and contrast the old and new, traditional and modern such as the centuries old cheese market, the ultra-modern cut flower auction and the historic windmills.
To see some images and learn more click: Holland
The Greek Isles
Our travelogue on Greece allows us to take our viewers on a cruise of the Greek Isles on a tall ship, followed by some time in Athens. We visit six of the Greek Isles including the always popular Delos and Santorini. In addition, we journey to the lesser known islands of Paros, Naxos, Sifnos and Patmos. We present both images and information about the history and culture of the islands as well as a look at modern life on the jewels of the Aegean Sea.
We conclude with a stop in the ancient part of Athens with a visit to the Acropolis and the surrounding historic district. As we always do with our programs, we’ll include some travel tips on visiting Greece.
To see some images and learn more click: Greek Isles
Sacred Valley of the Incas/Machu Picchu
This high valley in the Andes Mountains of Peru has been occupied by various cultures and empires for thousands of years. The Inca were the last of the indigenous people to rule the area before the Spanish conquest. One of their most celebrated archaeological sites is the magnificent citadel at Machu Picchu. The Incas did what none of the previous cultures could; they controlled a major portion of western South America. They accomplished this because of superior engineering and administrative skills as well as their prowess in military efforts.
Our presentation will take the audience on a tour of several of the Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, culminating with Machu Picchu. We’ll also look at both the pre-Inca cultures and the present day Peruvian towns and villages in the Sacred Valley. The Inca Empire is gone but the Inca people are alive and well!
To see some images and learn more click: Sacred Valley
Wildlife of the Southern Ocean
This hour long program is an in depth view of the wildlife in the Southern Ocean. The wildlife in and around the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands is varied and in many cases unique to this part of the world. We'll explore in some detail the marine mammals and birds of the region, discuss their adaptation to this harsh environment and take a look at how the changing climate is affecting the ecosystem.
All photographs on this site are copyrighted by the photographers and carry liability if copied, downloaded, reproduced or manipulated in any way without prior consent.
email: viewsofnature@comcast.net
Iceland
Iceland is called the land of fire and ice. It has numerous glaciers and ice fields plus a number of active as well as dormant volcanos. Couple this with the grand landscape, numerous bird species and photogenic towns and villages and you have a photographer's dream location. This one hour program will give your audience an overview of how to travel to and around Iceland, gain insight as to the history and culture and explore the numerous photographic opportunities.
International Destinations
Belize
Belize is a small Central American country, formerly British Honduras, that includes a wide variety of things for visitors to enjoy. Our program takes the viewers from the surf to the turf. We start out on South Water Cay, a small, quiet part of the Belize Barrier Reef (second largest in the world, only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is larger). We then move back to the mainland to visit historic Dangriga, then on to the rainforest to a modern Mennonite settlement, local villages and ancient Mayan sites. We also explore the wide varieties flora and fauna in this tropical land. As with all of our overseas programs, we’ll conclude with tips and suggestions for your own visit.
To see some images and learn more click: Belize
Japan in Winter
Photographic and travel opportunities in Japan in the winter are really great. This program starts on the northern island of Hokkaido as we look at the endangered red-crowned crane (the Eurasian relative of our trumpeter swan), the whooper swan and the indigenous Ainu people. We complete our visit to Hokkaido with time in the bustling city of Sapporo to experience the snow and ice festival as well as the local fish market and brewery. After that we travel down to the main island of Honshu and spend time with Japanese Macaques, known better as snow monkeys. While traveling between wildlife sites, we took advantage of and present to our audience, some of the culture and everyday life in this fascinating country.
To see some images and learn more click: Japan
Antarctica and Environs
We had the opportunity to join a three-week expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Our program documenting this trip is much more than a travelogue of great images (although there are a lot of those). In this one hour presentation we’ll not only take the audience on this incredible journey but we’ll provide educational information on the history, fauna and geology of this wonderous place. To get a preview, please feel free to view our page on Antarctica.
To see some images and learn more click: Antarctica