at Mojave National Preserve Starts on January 23, 2010 at 9:00AM Ends on April 25, 2010 at 5:00PM
Mojave: Near & Far
Photographs by Jim Smart
Exhibition: January 23 to April 25, 2010
Since the turn of the last century, transcontinental railroads have promoted rail travel to national parks by producing framed prints and advertizing art that depicts the beauty of these national treasures. The tradition of close ties between the railroads, art, and national parks continues at the Desert Light Gallery in Kelso Depot Visitor Center.
Mojave National Preserve invites desert travelers to experience the photography of Jim Smart in the Desert Light Gallery at the Kelso Depot Visitor Center. Smart's exhibit, Mojave: Near & Far, will be on display from January 23 to April 25, 2010.
Jim Smart has been taking photographic images for 50 years and had intended to let the digital generation pass him by; but as an instructor in photo-journalism at CSU-San Bernardino, Smart fount that he could no longer avoid converting if he were to serve the students. So he set aside his treasured Leica and Hasselblad cameras and joined the digital age. Although he continues to shoot with film, many of the images in this exhibition were taken with a Canon 5D Mark II.
In Mojave: Near & Far, Smart explores the stunning scenery of the desert both at the landscape level and in detail, finding interest in uncommon perspectives and unique moments created by the desert's celebrated light.
Limited edition prints from exhibitions are available for purchase at the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) bookstore inside the Kelso Depot Visitor Center. Proceeds from print sales fund projects aimed at promoting the understanding and enjoyment of Mojave National Preserve.
Wildflower Photography Workshp
at Ocotillo Wells SVRA Starts on March 3, 2010 at 9:00AM Ends on March 10, 2010 at 7:30PM Reoccurs weekly on Wednesday
Come spend a day and learn how to take pictures that you'll want to share with your friends! Bring your digital camera and get ready to enjoy the spring wildflowers. Whether you're a snap shooter or a camera junkie the flowers will provide the subject to make you grow as a nature observer. We will start the morning in the classroom talking about composition, light, depth of field, and equipment to get you up close and personal with the flowers. Discussions will include how to shoot close-ups, abstracts, landscapes, and panoramas. Then were off to the field to get down and dirty. Some of the best shots will require getting down on hands and knees. Be ready to get low...comfortable walking shoes and jeans are the order of the day. Expect to hike about 1 mile or so on the trails behind the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center.
After a light lunch of sandwiches, yogurt, fruit and cold drinks we'll settle into class to learn some editing to make our pictures pop! Then we're going 4 wheeling, because that's what we do in Ocotillo Wells "Off Road" State Park! We'll visit a nearby scenic overlook; bring your 4 wheel vehicle or take a ride in the parks 4 wheel drive vehicles to shoot flowers as part of the desert landscape. We'll learn about how to plan, set-up and shoot a digital panorama. When we return to the class room, we'll download and process the afternoon's pictures. Producing and editing the evening slide show will round out the afternoon.
After an exciting day in the desert, we'll enjoy a dinner of salad, pizza and lasagna (veggie options will be available). For the evening slide show were going back outdoors to OW's new amphitheater. We'll share a campfire, view our slide show and review our wildflower images.
This free, hands on workshop will be a day to remember. Class will start at 9:00am at the new OW Discovery Center and wrap up around 7:30pm. Bring your digital camera, a point and shoot or SLR; we'll be able to download images from most standard storage cards. If you have one, bring your laptop and learn some editing techniques. Bring a water bottle, a hat, and sunscreen. A tripod is recommended but not required, or bring a bean bag to rest your camera on, this will help you get down to where the action is.
Instructor for the day will be Ocotillo Wells Interpreter Ken Conway. Ken's experience includes 30 years of flower photography with 35mm, digital, medium format, and 4x5 cameras. After spending a career in the wholesale floral industry, Ken and his wife hit the road and live as fulltime RVer's, with summers in Yellowstone NP and winters at Ocotillo Wells State Park. Ken will share his experience, images, and love of flowers.
Reservations are required and the class size is limited to 12 chairs, come spend a day with the Flowers at Ocotillo Wells OHV state park and make some new friends. Call 760-791-8231 or email kconway@parks.ca.gov to make reservations.
Heavnly Hike thru Hellhole Cn
at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Starts on March 3, 2010 at 9:00AM Ends on March 3, 2010 at 2:00PM
Heavenly Hike through Hellhole Canyon
Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Ted Caragozian for a 6 mile round trip moderately strenuous exploration of Hellhole Canyon and Maidenhair Falls. Meet at the Hellhole Canyon parking area; take S-22 south from Palm Canyon Drive approximately 1 mile. The parking area is on the right hand side of the road. Due to the difficult terrain, wear sturdy footwear and bring a hat, sunscreen, lunch and plenty of water.
These events are free of charge. Call ABDSP Visitor Center for more information (760) 767-4205
Behind the Ghost Mountain Stry
at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Starts on March 3, 2010 at 9:00AM Ends on March 3, 2010 at 12:00PM
Learn about the Marshall South family and their experiment in primitive living on a remote mountain top. Join Volunteer Naturalists Mike and Jan Bigelow on this 2 mile round-trip, steep but scenic walk up Ghost Mountain. Bring water, hat, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the Marshall South Home Trailhead in Blair Valley, 3.2 miles off Highway S2.