Bosque del Apache Photo Workshop ~ December 5-9th, 2024 Announced!

December 27, 2023

Bosque del Apache, New Mexico is one of my favorite photography locations; it is filled with all kinds of different photo opportunities for the creative eye. We should have many chances at impressionistic bird blast-offs with pre-dawn skies as our backdrop. In addition let me set you up for flight photography so that you can make the most of your time at the refuge. This trip will be led by me and I have been wanting to get back there since my last visit in 2021—so come join me in Bosque!!

Bosque boasts tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, as well as assorted ducks, etc.. In addition to capturing tack sharp flight shots, we will also spend time photographing around the refuge using techniques such as multiple exposures, in-camera blur techniques. You name it we will photograph it. We may even choose to leave the refuge and photograph at some other locations around the area.

There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque workshop as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and the weather. We need to be totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 9::30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch on your own. We head back to the refuge each day to photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity. This workshop will have two informal Image review/Photoshop sessions.

Participants should plan to be at the Meet & Greet on the first day at noon at the hotel. They should plan their flights home after the morning shoot on the last day, which should end around 10:00am

A detailed information sheet will be sent with gear suggestions, hotel, airport and all relevant information to get you ready to make the most of this workshop.

Included: Photography instruction, permit fees, informal Photoshop/Lightroom session and Image review session as well as an informal introductory Slide program with detailed information. And of course my guidance throughout the refuge.

Not included: Lodging, meals and transportation and all entrance fees into the refuge and or other parks/refuges that we may visit are to be paid by the participant.

Dates: December 5th-9th, 2024.

Cost: $1899.00

Sign up HERE.

Limit 8, this trip needs a minimum of 8 to go.

* This date will be directly before the Festival of the Cranes. Check out my Bosque image gallery HERE.

Falkland's Trip Report

December 17, 2023

We arrived in Stanley after a slightly long delay in Punta Arenas that caused us to miss our first inter-island flight. It turned out to be a very tiresome travel day and I was extremely happy that there was “room at the Inn” for me and my group when we finally arrived in Stanley; it’s good to have connections on the island just in case something like this happens. Things picked up from there as the rest of our inter- island flights were not affected.

Our first stop was Pebble Island. I had never been to Pebble. I put it on the tour for one of my clients/ friends -Alan Lillich who really wanted to do a return trip there. I was pleasantly surprised. There were quite a few different penguin colonies. Each were spread out and very clean (as colonies go). We spent two days exploring the island in 4x4’s. The accommodation was clean and spacious. The food was incredibly good, but the lunch sandwiches were exceptional.

We left Pebble and flew to Carcass. The island was in a “transitional state” (one of the owners had passed away and the new management was just taking over) with limited staff and no cook. The meals were edible and the two people who were there trying to hold down the fort were friendly. Since we had huge winds forecasted, we took a walk to one of the far beaches. The wind hit the surf just as the waves were breaking and we photographed Magellanic and Gentoo penguins plunging in and out of the water. It was great fun! During our time on Carcass, we also photographed songbirds and penguins in and around the golden yellow gorse that lined our pathway to the shore.

Leopard beach with extremely high winds!

My group and I took a boat over to West Point Island to photograph Black-browed albatross on the cliffs. It turned out to be a windy day. The albatross continually flew overhead and banked around us before landing. This made for some great flight photography. I imagine trying to maneuver those large wings in the wind must be a challenge.

Elephant seal abstract with sand blowing over the top of the seal.

A weaner with sand blowing over tit as it tries to rest.

Slow shutter speed used to soften the waves.

Our visit to Sea Lion Island was (as always) memorable. Between the seals and bird life, there is always something to photograph. We saw the orcas in the “orca pool” and out at sea. They caught a weaner (young elephant seal) in the pool, it was hard to see the orca going into the pool as it put its fin down on its the side so it wouldn’t be spotted.

During our time on Sea Lion, we photographed so much. At the rockhopper colony we watched as massive waves slammed the tiny penguins into the cliff walls. It was amazing to see how buoyant they were. We called this place the washing machine!

On Bleaker Island we spent our time between the beautiful sandy beach and the rocky cliffs. This year was a treat as some of the Imperial cormorants were nesting with the rockhoppers, I haven’t seen that in years and it felt like old times having the two species together again.

On one of our afternoons, we spent some time with a *leucistic Ruddy- headed goose. Apparently, it was a rare sighting so everyone, including me wanted to see this bird. I have to say it was beautiful. It had a tiger striped pattern on its breast feathers and a yellowish colored bill.

We also saw a Macaroni penguin sitting on a day-old chick. The macaroni mated with one of the rockhoppers in the colony. Our host said he would keep us posted on how the chick makes out and what it ends up looking like. Some of the hybrids are a bit bigger than regular rockhopper penguins, with deeper yellow plumes and a thicker bill. Last year, this macaroni and rockhopper pair lost their egg and never did produce another.

I’ve heard two names for these hybrids —(rock-a-roni) and (mac- hopper), I personally prefer rock-a-roni.

We also visited Saunders Island and stayed at the Neck. Here we photographed Black-browned albatross putting the finishing touches on their nests while waiting for their eggs to hatch. We spent time at the gentoo, rockhopper and cormorant colonies on Saunders as well as photographing the thirty king penguins that call the Neck their home. Some of the kings were on eggs. Our last morning there was special, we had a beautiful pink sky sunrise with penguins in the surf.

Imperial cormorant with nesting material.

Foam bath in the early hours at Saunders.

Our last visit was to Volunteer Point to photograph the vast colony of king penguins. Many of the kings were on the beach and lined up for us at the surfs edge for the classic shot. At Volunteer Point there is gannet mixed in with the sand creating swirls of reddish patterns in the sand, I couldn’t help but take a few snapshots! I haven’t gotten around to looking at those files yet….

King penguins in the surf at Volunteer Point.

This was the windiest visit I have ever had to the Falklands. I know that the islands are known to be windy but the high winds on this trip actually added to the photography. We had slamming waves with large sprays that added to our image backgrounds. The blowing sand added additional interest to our shots. Wind gusts meant that flying birds were slower to land and wound up in unique poses.

I hope you enjoy the images in this post as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

*Leucistic refers an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring and is caused by a genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers, hair, or skin. (wikipedia)

Vietnam Photo Tour ~ May 5-15th, 2024

November 11, 2023

Vietnam Photo Tour ~ May 5-15th, 2024

(10 nights): $6,999. Double Occupancy/Limit: 8

There are still a few spots open for this fantastic photo opportunity to Vietnam. My very talented local guide (English speaking), will be joining our group once again as we explore even more of what Vietnam has to offer; he is an award winning photographer who was born in Vietnam and shares his love and knowledge of his country freely. This third trip to Vietnam will also include a chance to photograph the endangered Red-shanked doucs .

*This trip will be led by Denise Ippolito and/or Donna Bourdon and my Vietnam guide.

TO SIGN UP CLICK HERE.

Itinerary

Day 1 —May 5th

Saigon – arrival [-/-/d]

Meet up with our professional photo guide on arrival in Saigon / Tan Son Nhat International airport, transfer to hotel for check in.

Group Transfer Time 12 :00Noon $20.00 transfer fee pp if not part of the group transfer at noon.

Note: Check-in time: 14:00 pm

Enjoy free time. Welcome dinner at hotel.

(If time permits, we will photograph a traffic jam in Saigon city)

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

Day 2

Saigon full day city tour [b/l/d]

Hotel breakfast

We’ll photograph one of the largest post office’s in Indochina in the early morning, A Catholic church that was built by the French in the 18th century in Saigon, Then, we will photograph monks and nuns at the university where they both study and have lunch together in Binh Chanh District.

Back to Saigon center to have lunch at the local restaurant.

At 14:00pm, we’ll photograph the monks and the Buddhist followers to pray inside the pagoda in Saigon. Next, we’ll photograph one of the traffic jams in Saigon before having dinner at the BATALIS restaurant.

After dinner, our guide will take us back to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

Day 3

Saigon – Hue [b/l/d]

Breakfast boxes will be arranged by the hotel in Saigon

Leave Saigon for Hue with early morning flight.

Flight: TBA [approx. 06:15-07:40]

Arrive in Hue city and transfer to hotel for check-in, before going to shoot the models inside the Imperial Citadel.

Note: Check-in time: 14:00 pm

Lunch at local restaurant.

If time permits, we can photograph the models at the Tu Duc Tomb.

After shooting, dinner will be served at a local restaurant before coming back the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Hue

Day 4

Hue - Danang [b/l/d]

Hotel breakfast

Check out to leave Hue for Da Nang by bus.

Shoot the fishermen with the big nets on their small boats.

Depart from Hue for Danang via the picturesque Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds) moving through many pretty red-tiled villages and enjoying a spectacular view of the sea and the sky.

We will see big fishing nets on the way.

On arrival in Da Nang, our lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Da Nang city before checking into the hotel.

We will photograph the Red-shanked douc monkeys on Son Tra Island in the afternoon.

Dinner at a local restaurant in Danang city before coming back the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Danang city

Day 5

Danang – Hoi An [b/l/d]

Hotel breakfast

We will once again, photograph the Red-shanked douc monkeys on Son Tra island. After shooting, You are going to leave Da Nang for Hoi An-an old town by bus, just takes 1 hour. (Check-out time at noon: 12:00)

On arrival in Hoi An, we are going to have lunch at the DAO TIEN restaurant before checking into the hotel. (Check-in time: 14:00 pm)

After check in and a short rest at the hotel. We will take a boat trip on Thu Bon river for shooting fisherman with big nets at the sunset in the late afternoon

Back to Hoi An center to photograph lanterns which the local people make and sell.

Dinner will be at the TAM TAM CAFE restaurant, then back to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Day 6

Hoi An - time at leisure [b/l/d]

Hotel breakfast

This time is free for you to discover the ancient town on your own.
(No vehicle, no tour).

Lunch and Dinner at hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Day 7

Hoi an – Danang – Hanoi [b/l/d]

Hotel breakfast

Early morning photo shoot at the colorful, local market and will be back to the hotel for breakfast. And visit the local merchant house were built more than 200 years ago. The Chinese temple where the first Chinese ancestor arrived in Vietnam.

Free time at the hotel to pack up your stuff before going to the airport in Da Nang for our afternoon flight to Saigon (the flight takes 1 hour but we must be at the airport 2 hours in advance). (Check-out time at noon: 12:00)

Lunch at local restaurant in Hoi An then proceed to the airport.

Flight: TBA [approx. 17:15-18:35]

On arrival in Hanoi city, you will be picked up and transferred to a local restaurant for dinner before check in. (Check-in time: 14:00 pm)

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi—

Day 8

Lao Cai – Sapa – Ban Ho – Nam xai – Sapa [b/l/d]

Arrive in Lao Cai station, proceed to Sapa town for hotel breakfast.

Note: Check-in time: 14:00 pm

After breakfast, leave the hotel for Ban Ho & Nam Xai Village where you can see the Xa Pho people who wear traditional dresses and explore their houses and village.

Take time to admire the photogenic landscape, rice terraces on the way.

Come-back to Sapa center for lunch at local restaurant.

After lunch, rest at the hotel before having dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa

Day 9

Sapa – Ban xeo - Muong hum – Y ty – Alu village – Lao cai – Night train to Hanoi [b/l/d]

Early morning departure/ breakfast boxes to go.

We will leave the hotel for Muong Hum where we will see large rice terraces, this takes about 2 hours. Arrive there and spend some time shooting the rice terraces at the top of the valley.

Take lunch boxes with us from the hotel. Because there are no restaurants along the way.

Arrive in Lao Cai town to have Day-use with 6 hour stay and dinner at hotel in Lao Cai.

Then we'll leave Lao Cai town for boarding on the night train to Hanoi, departure around 20:55 hrs.

Overnight on Livitran train [approx. 20:55-04:35]

Day 10

Hanoi – Tho ha village & city tour [b/l/d]

04:35 am -Early arrival in Hanoi and drive straight to local restaurant for breakfast.

After breakfast, leave Hanoi for Tho Ha village to see the local people make rice paper.

Come back the Hanoi central for lunch.

After lunch, take pictures of the bamboo fishing basket village in Hung Yen province.

Get back to Hanoi for a rest before having dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Day 11 —May 15th

Hanoi - departure [b/-/-]

Hotel breakfast

Free time at leisure until check out. Check-out time is at noon.

Transfer to Noi Bai International airport for departure flight home or to your next destination.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Accommodation with meals as outlined-(for example-[B/L/D]= breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Domestic air tickets
• Transfers and tours by minibus or coach with English speaking local guide (professional photo guide)
• Night train (if we use one): Hanoi – Lao Cai, private cabin- 2 per cabin
• All entrance fees for sightseeing and visits as mentioned itinerary
• Service charges, room tax and handling fee
• Model fees

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• International airfare to/from Vietnam
• Any meal other than listed above. All meals are pre-planned; please let us know your dietary restrictions.
• Vietnamese visa
• Personal insurance
• ALL beverages, participants will need to bring a refillable water bottle as single use water bottles are not provided as they are banned.
• Early check-in or late check-outs
• Tip for guide and drivers-- approximately $350pp

* Laundry service, it is available in Hoi An and is relatively inexpensive.

Itinerary subject to change due to local conditions, etc…

Single Supplement:
Single supplements are available for the entire trip (except for the one night on the train ride) and will be available on a first come first served basis. Single supplements must be paid in full at time of registration. Single supplement charge: $1400.00

Deposit Info:

A $2000.00 deposit is required to hold your spot for this tour. All final payments should be made via check made out to "Denise Ippolito LLC". Wire transfers accepted from overseas participants and participant is responsible for all transaction fees on both sides. All tour deposits are non -refundable, please check your schedule closely before making your deposit. Credit cards will only be accepted for deposit payment only. All other payments must be made by check or wire transfer.

Final payment due by July 15, 2023

Trip insurance is highly recommended for all trips. A detailed PDF file will be sent to all participants once we get our entire group together. Please do not purchase airfare until I let you know that the trip is a go.

*Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increase.

In case there should be a major change (5% or above) in the exchange rates between the Vietnam Dong and the USD, (presently around VND 22,000 per USD), the tour company reserves the right to correct quotations in line with the revised value of the USD.

Mountains on my Mind

November 7, 2023

I recently returned home from the Italian Dolomites. I can’t tell you how recharged I feel. I absolutely love the Dolomites, the area is a perfect blend of mountains, quaint villages and rustic charm. In the fall you also have the gorgeous larch trees that add so much to the scenery. I am missing my time there and cannot wait to get back.

I have been watching a lot of silent hiking on YouTube. One of my favorites is Harmen Hoek. He only has about 20 videos but I have already watched everyone twice! He inspires me to get out in nature and enjoy the natural beauty as much as possible. On You Tube- @HarmenHoek

So, this post is inspired by the Dolomites, the silent hiking channels and my yearnings. I have been fortunate enough to see and photograph a few mountain scenes and I know I’ve shared them before but maybe I can inspire you to go out and be in nature.

One of my favorite photo shoots was completely unexpected. We set up to shoot at a lake, but we got socked in by the fog. I followed the only light in the sky, and it led me to this pano shot.

Dolomites Are Magnifico!

October 28, 2023

I’m heading home now from an amazing trip to the Italian Dolomites. The Dolomites, also known as the Dolomite Alps, are a mountain range in northeastern Italy. Before our time in the Dolomites, my friend Michael Zajac and I spent some time in Venice Italy. I hadn’t been to Venice in years, and it was great to get back there. First stop- gelato followed by a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. As much as I enjoyed my time in Venice, I was anxious to get to the Dolomites.

The Dolomites have a magical allure with their mix of jagged mountains, alpine terrain, beautiful lakes, atmospheric fog and of course the larch trees. The quaint villages are filled with charming homes and lodges; most of which have geraniums or petunias adorning every window.

There is a rustic feel to the area that creates a sense of stepping back in time. Not only did I enjoy the photography, but I also enjoyed my short walks through town stopping at the local market or sitting at an outside café having a cappuccino and vanilla crème-filled croissant, it was just lovely. From my hotel balcony in Cortina, I watched as a local sheep herding dog moved a flock of sheep into a coral. The dog was so efficient, and I could have watched him for hours, but he made quick work of his job.

The three images below show how the light can change in the early morning. When I first set up (pre-dawn) the blue tones and the slight fog were great. The light was just coming up and there was some alpine glow starting to show on the mountains. Then the sun rose and the pink colors filled the sky. After a the pink show the light hit the tips of the mountains creating a fiery glow. It was magical! Plus, we were some of the only people there.

This year, I had planned on doing a few hikes on my own that I don’t usually do with the group. On our first couple of days the weather reports were not good. It called for rain and fog the entire time we were there. Thankfully, I never put too much faith in those reports and always go ahead with my plans just in case. The weather could not have worked out better, we had lots of clouds, foggy and drizzly conditions that added to the already saturated colors and interesting backgrounds. BTW, the weather changes here on a dime.

I chose not to make this a B&W as I loved the slight green and blue tones, that helped to set the cold moody tone for the image.

When we first arrived in the Dolomites, the larch trees that cover the mountain sides were just starting to turn colors. Their rich shades of yellow and orange were at peak on our last few days. Larch trees are deciduous, their needles turn yellow then different shades of orange before dropping. I imagine in a week the autumnal show will be over.

During our stay, we visited Lago di Carezza, it was my first time there. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see the alpine lake which is also referred to as “rainbow lake.” It’s a beautiful emerald lake that is lined with spruce trees and the peaks of the Latemar Mountain. I read that there are Arctic Char in the lake, but I am not sure I believe it. On our scouting trip I was able to capture the shot above, however, on our early morning return visit we got fogged out of our anticipated shoot. So my shot above is really just a compositional practice shot…next year I plan on going back and having another try at it.

One of the funniest shoots was at a lake that was owned by a duck. Well, at least the duck though it owned the lake. After an hour of it swimming in and rippling the calm water in front of us, and then quacking so loudly it startled us, we decided she owned the lake, and she wanted us to pay her for our time there. We had no food with us, but it seemed her tactics had worked in the past. I decided to photograph her and put her in the center as she was clearly the center of attention! That night we waited until sundown —the color ended up being a no show! Still, I’ll remember my time with the duck fondly.

Pano of the alpine hut Locatelli Rifugio Locatelli. Drone shot.

I am already looking forward to next year’s visit to this amazingly beautiful alpine location. I’ve decided to fly into Venice as the drive is more scenic and it’s a straight run. Folks wishing to spend a few days in Venice before the tour can do so easily. I can provide the logistical information needed. For more info on this tour or to sign up —CLICK HERE.