New eBook and Spots to Fill

April 28, 2023

There is one opening for a “male” shared room on the Polar Bear trip to Svalbard in June due to a last minute cancellation. If you are interested you can check out the additional information here-or get in touch with me.

Two spots open on the Samburu/mara trip in September, Donna Bourdon has joined the trip! more info here. And two spots open on the Mara/Amboseli trip with Paul McKenzie- here.

Donna’s Falkland Island trip November 4-18, 2023 has two spots open due to cancellations. Click here for more info.

These trips are all still good to go, I just want to fill in some cancellations. Most of these cancellations could not be helped.

Other news, my Tulip Stamps were featured on the Hallmark Facebook page and once again, thank you all for your very kind support, it means a lot.

I started writing a new eBook, I am not sure of the title or the cover photo just yet but maybe someone out there could come up with a fresh title for me, no royalties or anything, but I will give you credit for the title unless it is already one I am considering. So far I am calling it— “It’s About the Connection”. Below is the introduction I am planning.

Introduction

This latest eBook of mine is an exploration into the many ways that I connect with nature, in all its forms. Inside are firsthand accounts of some of my personal experiences and stories, of tenderness, interaction, and intimacy. I also share some insight into how my creative process works. How I use intricate details to help create a photograph that will resonate with the viewer. This piece was, and still is, a labor of love to produce, compile and now soon share.

While drafting this book, it occurred to me that I have spent a decade chasing images that mean something to me. I have a strong need to connect with my subject when I am photographing. I’m not sure if it is the artist inside of me that craves this closeness or if it is a deep seeded love for nature. Whatever it is, I am hooked, and I hope that you will enjoy the ride with me as you read through and view the images in this publication. Please keep in mind, this book is not meant as a how-to book. I do have several how-to books for those wishing to dig deeper.

Hugs, Denise

Longwood Gardens Trip Report

April 19, 2023

After having two back-to-back private clients for six days, I can truly say that I have had my tulip fix for the year. I was excited to get back to Longwood as it’s been quite awhile since I’ve been there. I used to run tons of workshops there, especially in the spring and at Christmas. Longwood has changed their rules since then and have implemented “timed tickets” which is sort of a pain, but they did need to do something about the crowds. They also have a “no re-entry” policy that I think is completely bogus. If you forget something in the car or just want to take a break and go have lunch somewhere else—you can’t. Once you leave, whether you are a member or not (during sold out timed tickets) you cannot re-enter the gardens. Ugh… to me that is wrong. I understand they do this as another measure to keep the crowds down…but really?????

Anyway, even with the rules as they are, it is still totally worth a visit. But, I would not travel a distance without checking to see if you need timed tickets-even if you are a member. They also don’t open until 10:00am but if you are a member you can get in an hour earlier on the weekends. Best to check their policies and hours of operation before heading there.

I thought that Longwood’s tulip displays were exceptional this year and we got there just in time to see them at their peak. If you enter the gardens and head to the right you will be overwhelmed with the plantings. Another large planting of tulips is in the Idea Garden. Best to take a picture of the map as you enter to find your way around. There are plenty of workers, volunteers and security throughout the gardens. There is a lovely café with the best cream of mushroom soup I have ever had.

The conservatory was ok, but just ok. There were gorgeous delphinium, orchids and hydrangeas but nothing else was that spectacular. The orchid room was over-crowded and it was impossible to photograph in there for any length of time. Longwood is under construction, they really do need to build more indoor spaces and plant more tulip beds to distribute the visitors. Nowadays, anywhere you go is crowded.

I used my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera and my Olympus ED 12-40mm f/2.8, handheld, natural light for all of these images. I also used a 12” reflector whenever possible or needed. Our conditions were full sun to slight rain, so we had a variety of different lighting conditions during the six days. It could not have been more perfect for our photography.

A special thanks to Pam C. and Glenn D. for coming on this adventure to Longwood Gardens with me and allowing me to share my vision with you. I hope you both enjoyed your time in the gardens as much as I did.

Red Tulip

April 15, 2023

As I was waiting for a client to arrive at Longwood Gardens yesterday, so I spent some time photographing a few beautiful red tulips that appeared to be floating in a patch of yellow tulips and daffodils. I captured lots of images that I was really happy with, and I hadn’t even gone inside yet. There is something special about red tulips and red poppies. I don’t even love the color red unless it has tons of blue in it, but I was struck by this one in particular. I used my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera and my Olympus ED 12-40mm f/2.8. I still love this combo for flower photography. It’s lightweight and a breeze to shoot crazy angles with, especially since I seldom use a tripod anymore.

Longwood Gardens has done a fantastic job with their tulips this year. There are loads of varieties and colors, they seem to go on forever. They also have a lot of delphiniums in the conservatory—so pretty! Even though they had construction going on it did not affect us at all.

I want to say a special thank you to everyone that has taken the time to write to me, posted on Facebook about my Forever Stamps. Or have sent me beautiful gifts or have had promotional items made for me. Thank you, thank you , thank you. You are all terrific and I appreciate every kindness, truly.

Big hugs,

Denise

Fort DeSoto Florida Workshop-March 14-19, 2024

April 10, 2023

Join Donna Bourdon, A Creative Adventure tour leader for a 5 day workshop at Ft. DeSoto, Florida. Fort DeSoto has long been known for its variety of wading birds. It is a popular layover for migrant shorebirds as well, including assorted terns, and plovers. During March, we can expect to see most birds in breeding plumage. Our target birds will be dancing Reddish Egrets, both white and dark-morph. There should be plenty of Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron and Ibis. Great Horned Owls and even Roseate Spoonbill are possible. To sum it up, Ft. DeSoto is a haven for bird photography!

Cost: $1899.00

Dates: March 14-19, 2024

Location: Ft. DeSoto, Florida

Tour Leader: Donna Bourdon

A detailed file will be sent with hotel , airport and other necessary information pertaining to this trip.

To sign up CLICK HERE.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota-August 26-30th, 2024

April 5, 2023

Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

Dates: August 26-30th, 2024

Price: $1899.00

Join Denise Ippolito for an amazing adventure to Badlands NP. This photo tour will be centered around early morning photo sessions as well as sunset photo shoots. We will spend our time chasing the light, so to speak. I will guide you with composition in the field and work with you on exposure, gear, camera settings, lens selection and more.

Badlands National Park is one of the most unique locations that I have ever shot at. The varied color tones of the rock formations along with the otherworldly look of the entire park makes me want to go back again and again. At first glace you will be in awe of the dramatic landscapes, steep canyons and towering spires. Along with the landscape opportunities we will most likely see bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs across the grasslands.

Our daily schedule will need to be extremely flexible; we want to capture dramatic skies and a lot will depend on local and weather conditions. Even though I list what looks like only two field sessions, they are long field sessions and folks will need to rest in-between shooting times, download memory cards, charge batteries, eat and take care of personal obligations during the mid day.

Daily Itinerary

Early morning and morning in-the-field photo sessions followed by an afternoon break.

Afternoon/evening photo sessions- this will include a sunset shoot whenever possible.

Informal Meet & Greet on August 26th at 12:00 noon followed by an afternoon/sunset shoot.

Participants will need to plan their flights home after the sunset/evening shoot on August 30th.

Physical requirements:

Some of the areas that we will be shooting from require little or no walking. All areas will require good balance as we are sometimes at the top of a ledge and/or on uneven ground. There will be times when we will need to walk out to a shooting location and participants will need to be able to hike up to 1 mile up and over badlands mounds to reach our shooting destinations. All participants should be in good physical health and be able to carry their own gear and keep up with a moderate pace.

Lodging, meals and transportaion are not included in this workshop. A detailed PDF file will be sent once our entire group is together.