Big Bend with David Muench

Big Bend National Park, TX
With Special Guest David Muench
April 18-24, 2010
Group Leaders - David Muench & Ron York

The Nature Workshops is honored to have David Muench joining us a workshop leader. David is one of the premier landscape photographers alive today and we welcome him to share his lifetime of photography experiences. We have kept the group size small so that you will have the opportunity to actual get to know this photography legend.

Come join the Nature Workshops & David Muench for an exciting 6 days in Big Bend National Park and bring back images from the remote National Park that few ever visit.

David Muench has photographed the landscape in all its grandeur for half a century. Traveling the U.S. since early childhood with his father, renowned photographer Josef Muench, there was never another way of life for him. His 4 x 5 large format camera is as much a part of him as his innovative eye. Although film remains important to him he is also exploring the digital world. For him, every photograph is a journey in perception.

In his words: "For me, making photographs is always a total and continuing involvement. Underlying my need for expression of a spirit of the land are certain patterns of discovery and exploration. Intense creative awareness, along with the patience in waiting for dramatic forms of sun and shadow, unusual angle of light, or a decisive moment of mood challenges my mind's eye."

Ron has worked with David on previous workshops and found his passion and enthusiasm is infectious. Travel with us and learn from David as we visit one of his favorite places “BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK”. David is intimately familiar with this park and its remote location in the far southwest reaches of Texas. The Rio Grande River marks the southern edge of Big Bend and the Mexico / U.S. border. It separates the Chisos Mountains of Texas from Mexico’s Sierra del Carmen. Both ranges are known as “Sky Islands” that rise high above the Chihuahaun Desert.

We are visiting Big Bend during the spring bloom and will have numerous opportunities to photograph Ocotillo, Sotol Plant, Prickly Pear & Barrel cactus, and the large Yuccas of the area. This entire flora and fauna along with the magnificent sunrises and sunsets will provide great opportunities to photograph the desert splendor.

Our journey begins on April 18, 2010 in El Paso Texas. Participants who have reserved the transportation option of the trip will meet at 8:00 AM to depart for Big Bend. We will travel through the west Texas landscape, including the towns of Alpine & Marathon. Those that are providing their own transportation should meet us at the Chisos Lodge in Big Bend on the evening of the 18^th. Reservations have been made for all participants. The only lodge in the park, the Chisos Lodge is centrally located to provide access to all areas of the park. Once we arrive and are checked into the lodge, time permitting we will have the opportunity for a sunset shoot near the lodge.

The next week will consist of photographing in various areas of the park including Balanced Rock, Santa Elena Canyon, the Blue Wall, the Yucca forests, Chisos Mountains, Boquillas, the Rio Grande River, and many other areas. A detailed itinerary will be provided for each participant, as is always the case it is subject to change based upon photographic conditions and opportunities that may occur.

Each Participant is encouraged to bring 5 digital images for review and critique. Time permitting; we will also have a critique of images made during the workshop.

After an early morning shoot and breakfast at Chisos lodge on Saturday April 24th we will depart for the return trip to El Paso arriving late afternoon/evening. We suggest that participants book return flights for Sunday the 25^th because of the late arrival time in El Paso.

Fees: $2245 includes double occupancy lodging at Chisos Lodge in the park (Apr 18-23). Lodging in El Paso before and after the workshop is not included. A limited number of single rooms are available at an additional $360. Van transportation while at the workshop can be added for an additional $125, and pickup, depart El Paso on April 18 at 8 am. and drop off in El Paso the evening of April 24 can also be added for an additional $75. please see airport transportation guidelines). We will coordinate the sharing of rental cars if requested, for those who do not take the van transportation. No Meals included.
Estimated lodging cost: included double occupancy, $360 additional for single
Airport for pickup: El Paso, TX
Hiking Rating - Relatively level with minor elevation changes. In some areas the terrain can be rocking and uneven. Participants should be in good physical condition.
Minimum number of participants - 4; maximum participants - 10. INFORMATION REQUIRED PRIOR TO PARTICIPATION: Completed participant questionnaire and release form. No exceptions.

Deposit - $600 at registration, balance due January 15, 2010.
Cancellation - Normal.