Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows
(Skyline Drive of Virginia)
June 5 - 7, 2008

It will be fawning season, a season bursting with new life. You are almost guaranteed to see and photograph doe and their newborn fawns resting in the open meadow, nursing and frolicking. Part of our workshop will instruct on how to approach wildlife so as not to cause them stress; after all, we are the outsiders. It is there territory and we do not want to encroach upon them by disrupting their day. Pushing wildlife to the edge in order to get a photograph is unacceptable. The deer are used to people and cars making them an easy target for photographers. But the fawns are not. Last year we saw more fawns than we could photograph. It was grand! We also saw twins being born and when we realized a third was on its way, left so as not to add additional stress for the Doe. We saw bear that were perfectly photographable, but not until after the workshop had ended. Hopefully the class will get as lucky next time. And we spotted, oh so briefly, a Bobcat. If 2008 is half as good as 2007 was, we are in for another memorable experience.
Skyline Drive is a most beautiful part of Virginia, just outside of Ruckersville, not far from Charlottesville. A destination for travelers from around the world, the area offers a wide variety of other photographic opportunities as well. You’ll have mountain scenics and flowers, but the baby fawns are a favorite. We will be staying at the Lodge where we will also take most of our meals. Camping sites are available. We will convene at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday where, in addition to our usual agenda, we will discuss what to expect for the next morning and make sure everyone is prepared. We will depart around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Cost is $575 which includes lodging. Meals are not included.

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