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ConferencesNANPA's Seventh Annual Summit From
Joe McDonald
When one thinks of Las Vegas, nature photography may not come immediately to mind, although, perhaps wildlife photography might. Nonetheless, there are several great locations for filming nature within a few hours' drive of Vegas, making this year's Summit one of the best in terms of places to shoot, before or after the conference. Here are some of my favorites. Valley of Fire State Park is among the closest of these locations, and one of the best for shooting. If you hit the early morning or late evening light just right, the wind scoured rocks and tortured landscape can indeed look as if they are on fire. Throughout the day there are subjects to shoot, especially in the low angular light of winter. Along several washes you can find Indian petroglyphs, and the chance for desert cottontails and jackrabbits. The landscape can be almost eerie. It's not a surprise that several space movies have been filmed here. Jim Clark, Steve Gilroy and Ruth Hoyt will lead a NANPA field trip here on Sunday, following the Summit. Death Valley needs no introduction, but the salt pans, the sand dunes, and the sweeping landscapes make compelling photos. If you visit the sand dunes, arrive early. You'll not only catch the best light and shadow detail, you're also more likely to find the dunes "trackless" if it was windy the previous night, as you can see in the photo made by Boyd Norton on the program's cover. For the first time, NANPA will offer an overnight field trip to the Death Valley area, which will be led by Mary Ann and I, Bob Rozinski and Wendy Shattil. Other options not too far away include Zion National Park, one of Mary Ann's and my all-time favorite scenic locations. Zion is at a low enough elevation to be fairly accessible throughout the winter, but under a light mantle of snow - well, what a place! Make sure you visit the Checkerboard Mesa area for the petrified sand dunes and swirling rock formations, as well as the valley floor. With low winter light the formations and contrast within the Virgin River area of the Park should make for spectacular images. Bryce Canyon National Park is only a few hours away, but be sure to call ahead to check on weather and road conditions. Most images of Bryce are made in summer, but the winter landscape, with snow covering the hoodoos, will be unforgettable. Bryce has great mule deer and wild turkey populations, which might be accessible in the lower reaches of the park. Nearby is the appropriately named Kodachrome Basin State Park, with colorful earthen layers reminiscent of Arizona's Painted Desert. Southeast of Vegas is Hoover Dam, where Alison Jones and Russ Kinne will be leading a Pre-Summit field trip on Wednesday. If nothing else, take your camera along to film the light and laser show on Fremont Street in downtown Vegas, or visit the white tigers at the Mirage Hotel down on the Strip. Besides a great conference, there's great shooting to be had. Bring your gear, and plan on spending a few extra days before or after. It will be worth it! Sincerely, Joe McDonald
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Fellow
NANPA Members, 