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Going Home THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Life happens. We wake up in the morning with the promise and potential of a new day. What we're not privy to are the outcomes of that day. What a banquet of delicacies awaited us in Colorado… Despite the fear of wildfires and sadness of drought, bellflowers, harebells, chiming bells, larkspur, lupine, aster, daisy, penstemon, wild geranium, fireweed, pink elephants head, paintbrush, campion, wild rose, king’s crown, yarrow, globeflower, cow parsnip, black-eyed susan, gaillardia, sneezeweed, sunflower, cinquefoil, stonecrop, and the beauty of Colorado’s state flower, blue columbine, surrounded us on mountain tops, in wildflower basins, on paths, (sometimes called roads), and in towns, reverently planted in gardens and pots. We stood in awe as light danced over mountains, creating incredible possibilities for our seeing. Over the rocky backroads we traveled…past abandoned mines, along cliffsides with sheer dropoffs to valley floors thousands of feet below. We laughed, we sang, we interrelated with nature, we feasted on the glory of it all, and oh yes, we photographed. What can I say that could describe that last evening when magic entered our lives in the guise of a rainbow? Encircling us with its majesty, we became bewitched by its wonder. It was surely the perfect culmination of a most perfect time. For one week in July of 2004, I will again lead a group to this most idyllic location. It will be based in Ouray and Crested Butte. In celebration of magic, Nancy Nancy, Your photo workshops are unbelievably special in so many ways. As a photographer you offer attendees so much beyond "put your tripod here" kind of instruction. I happen NOT to care for structured workshops where the 'leader' simply takes a group to a specific location and announces that if there are any questions, feel free to ask. That just doesn't do it. You inspire your students to learn to see, to relate to a subject at every possible level and to train the eye to go beyond the initial vision of a flower or a mountain & all that lies between. Your patience, wisdom and humor are priceless. I am particularly impressed with the fact that you don't conduct workshops to increase your stock images, but rather to serve and inspire photographers. The fact that you don't bring your own equipment conveys this to all. For those who have not joined you on a workshop: "If you have never had the joy of a photo workshop with Nancy Rotenberg you are photographically deprived." If you have an opportunity to attend a photography workshop presented by Nancy Rotenberg (and Husband Michael) do not delay - sign up right away. In April of 2001 I had the opportunity to spend a week at Callaway Gardens in Georgia with Nancy Rotenberg. This was the most inspirational photographic experience in my twenty years of shooting. The environment was perfect and Nancy guided us through a visual and spiritual journey that left a glow for weeks. Her natural enthusiasm for life and for photography, and her understanding of souls seeking expression in that medium, paired with spring in Georgia, was a combination made in heaven. She gives of herself continually, never stops seeking out the best of lighting and subject matter, and is always available to encourage and guide through technical stumbling blocks. I left for home in Minnesota knowing I had made a friend and that there was an expert photographer out there to call upon. I look forward to my next opportunity to spend a week with Nancy where ever it maybe. Carol Haubner "Fantastic workshop! Nancy and Michael presented the southwest with a thorough knowledge of the area and a true love for photography. We laughed, ate, had fun, and shot lots and lots of great pictures. Truly a great learning experience!" "What a fulfilling and enriching experience! I now have a sharper eye for photographing close-ups and reflections. I can't wait until my next trip with Nancy and Michael." |
