Ian J. Plant Photography


			ANNOUNCING PHOTO WORKSHOPS! I am pleased to announce that this year I will be leading nature photography workshops through Mountain Trail Nature Photography Workshops and Tours. Below is a schedule of 2008 workshops.


			CHESAPEAKE BAY EXPERIENCE Tylerton, Smith Island, Maryland August 8-10, 2008 SOLD OUT! This workshop travels to famous Smith Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay for the quintessential Chesapeake photography experience. Only accessible by boat, the small waterman communities on Smith Island retain the spirit and charm of days long past. During this tour, we will take several boat trips to locations around Smith Island to photograph the island's natural and man-made scenery and abundant wildlife. We'll also take a trip to nearby Shanks Island, home to a huge brown pelican nesting colony, to photograph one of the most incredible wildlife events in the Eastern United States. We'll have the opportunity to photograph brown pelicans, seagulls, double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, and other shorebirds; beautiful salt marsh and unspoiled beaches; and the historic waterman towns of Tylerton, Ewell, and Rhodes Point. Joining us on this workshop is famous Chesapeake writer and naturalist Tom Horton. Tom has written several books about the Chesapeake Bay, including his award-winning "Bay Country" -- and, most recently, he wrote the text for Ian's "Chesapeake: Bay of Light". Tom's Bay credits also include several National Geographic articles and a weekly column for the Baltimore Sun. Simply put, one would be hard pressed to find a better Chesapeake guide than Tom. He'll take us out on his boat to the best photo locations on and near Smith Island. Participants are responsible for transportation to the island; passenger ferries travel between the mainland (departing from Crisfield, MD) and Smith Island on a regular basis. As lodging is very scarce on the island, participants should be prepared for somewhat more "rustic" accommodations than would otherwise be available in a hotel. Several rooms are available in Tom Horton's guest house, and additional guest rooms can be secured if necessary from other island residents. Tuition includes the price of lodging in any of these guest rooms. Participants may be asked if they are willing to share a room. Similarly, dining options are somewhat limited, but we'll have one of the locals prepare a traditional Chesapeake Bay crab feast for dinner; the price of dinners is included in the tuition. As a result, workshop participants will be immersed in the local culture for a unique "organic" experience. Tuition for this workshop is $625 per person, which includes lodging in a guest room, continental breakfasts, dinners, and boat transportation while on the island. THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT. fast!

			*NEW* ST. MICHAELS AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY St. Michaels, Maryland September 5-7, 2008 Spend an exciting weekend with Joseph Rossbach and Ian Plant photographing in beautiful and scenic St. Michael’s on the Chesapeake Bay. You will have an exciting time shooting landscapes, wildlife, reflections and old fishing villages. As always, Joseph and Ian will be on hand to lead the group to the most dynamic locations and will be available to answer questions, check compositions, help with exposure and give feedback on the creative process. Tuition for this workshop is $325 per person.

			SHENANDOAH FALL FOLIAGE Shenandoah National Park, Virginia October 24-26, 2008 Join Ian on a scenic tour to photograph autumn's splendor in Shenandoah National Park. In late October, fall color explodes in Shenandoah's high mountains and deep canyons and valleys, giving photographers almost endless possibilities for creative image-making. Ian will take participants to many of the locations he photographed for his book Shenandoah Wonder and Light, including Blackrock Mountain, Whiteoak Canyon, Little Stony Man Cliffs, and many other superlative locations. Participants will have the opportunity to photograph scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive, beautiful waterfalls, babbling brooks, and rocky mountain summits, all awash in the colors of fall. In addition to the colorful foliage, participants will also get a chance to photograph autumn wildflowers and Shenandoah's famous and abundant wildlife. Detailed hands-on instruction and image critique is available for photographers of all skill levels. Tuition for this workshop is $525 per person (lodging is not included). Click here to register.

			WONDERFUL WINTER WILDLIFE Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland November 21-23, 2008 Every winter, tens of thousands of migrating birds descend upon Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is a sight not to be missed, especially when in the company of an experienced photography guide. Join Ian for this thrilling winter wildlife event. Participants will have the opportunity to photograph snow and Canada geese, tundra swans, great blue herons, bald eagles, ducks, and possibly even white pelicans, which are rarely seen on the East Coast, but have been wintering at Blackwater in recent years. Ian will instruct participants on techniques for capturing great wildlife images. Tuition for this workshop is $525 per person (lodging is not included). Click here to register.