EVENTS

Take Action: Events

Photography Workshop Offers Glimpse of Wild Desert and Spring Blooms, March 17th

Due to demand, this workshop is currently full.

If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in case of any cancellations, please contact Meghan Mix at 520-326-4300. Thank you for your interest!

Spring fever is upon us! The Arizona Wilderness Coalition (AWC) is working diligently to raise statewide awareness about our flagship campaign to protect some remarkable Bureau of Land Management Lands in western Maricopa County. The Sonoran Desert Heritage proposal continues to gain momentum, most recently featured in January’s Phoenix Magazine.

Many of the areas in the proposal are ideally situated in terms of slope and vegetation to support an abundant array of native wildflowers. They also offer incredible diversity of terrain, cultural resources, and wildlife viewing opportunities—a photographer’s wonderland!

AWC is planning a photography workshop to help generate enthusiasm for the proposal, showcase their tremendous beauty, and increase the base of support among outdoor-lovers to see these unique Sonoran Desert lands safeguarded by Congress for future generations. Participants will enjoy top-tier instruction on photography techniques, lighting, and method for capturing stunning wildflower photos.

On Saturday, March 17^th the workshop will be held at Saddle Mountain from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. This stunning area is proposed for new wilderness designation in the Sonoran Desert Heritage conservation initiative. Details on registration below.

AWC has partnered with Colleen Miniuk-Sperry, award-winning, Arizona-based international outdoor photographer and co-author of the new book, Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildflowers—A Guide to When, Where, and How(2012, Analemma Press). Colleen will be offering her time and expertise for the 5+ hour, afternoon-into-sunset workshop, with AWC staff and coalition partners along to talk to attendees about the unique attributes, wildlife, and cultural significance of the lands in the Sonoran Desert Heritage proposal.

“There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring and the value of these special lands than to experience them first-hand,” says Miniuk-Sperry. “As we learn more about these scenic areas rich with photographic opportunities during this workshop, we’ll share tips and tricks to capture great images at each location, no matter the camera or skill level.”

Colleen’s work has been published in National Geographic calendars; Arizona Highways magazine, books, and calendars; AAA Highroads; Native People; Pop Photo; Golf Illustrated; Lighthouse Digest; Vancouver View; Experience AZ; InsideOutside Southwest; and a broad variety of other publications. Colleen enjoys leading photography outings for Arizona Highways, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Through Each Others’ Eyes, and numerous private workshops, where she has become known for her inquisitive storytelling approach, instruction intensive style, and enthusiasm for exploration.

WANT TO SIGN UP?

The workshop is scaled to suit a variety of skills and interests—from amateur photographers seeking additional guidance, to more seasoned veterans looking to get into rugged terrain. This event requires pre-registration! All registration fees go to supporting AWC and its programs; fees are non-refundable. For more details on the workshop, contact Kate Mackay at 602-252-5530.

HOW TO REGISTER:

1.      Fill out the registration/donation form on AWC’s website. We need all contact information entered so that we can contact you with workshop details.
2.      Under the “Other Amount” box, please fill in your required fee ($65 for early bird, or $75 for week before). See above chart for guidance.
3.      In the “Comments” box, please note that you are registering for the "Saddle Mountain Photo Workshop" so we allocate your fee for that trip.