Workshops & Safaris

Painted Hills - God's Artistry
When: June 28, 2008
What we are doing: A half day exploring and photographing these magnificent hills in all their color and glory. We start at Noonish, exact time to be announced in the itinerary. We finish after dark so you may wish to get a room in Prineville and return home on sunday.
Where to meet us: Mitchell, Oregon, exact location to be announced in the itinerary, probably near the bears cage.
Starting Time: 12:00 o'clock or noonish and finish at dark.
What to expect: More images than you can ever imagine of a colorful hill. This area is one of my favorite places to visit and photograph. The colors, the textures, the ambiance of the area is powerful and amazing. The moon rise will be a half moon, but may conger up an interesting sky Scape or two. We will be visiting a good portion of this area in the afternoon so keep your camera gear to a minimum allowing for easier traveling. Expect the unexpected????
See the page "Important Items To Know!"
Things to consider:  Always dress for the weather.
Release Form must be signed and sent to
Robert (Bob) Davis
2415 E. 12th
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Along with enrollment fee . . . see the following
Costs: $65.00 per person. We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card! 

Ghost Towns - Experience a Past Life
When: July 12, 2008
What we are doing: Oh those places of yesteryear, they call and beacon us once again to come and do their portraits. What mysteries they hold, what tales they could tell us, listen, those voices of days past may be whispers on the wind.
Where to meet us: The Dalles, Oregon, exact location to be announced in the itinerary.
Starting Time: We start early 7 AM and go all day - all day, so expect a very late finishing time.
What to expect: We are doing them one right after another. Can you imagine so many ghost towns so close together? Well we have them lined up and ready to go, and they are right here in Central Oregon. Want those one-of-a-kind images that others don't have? Then this is the workshop you want to be in. We drive & we photograph, we drive& we photograph, this is how our day will be. Buildings and old cars and trucks, ruins and not so dilapidated ruins, it's all about camera positioning, the lens, and the glorious light. Granted these old icons of yesteryear are fading faster and faster each year, but yet they still offer us the beauty and the Art we all desire and seek out.
See the page "Important Items To Know!"
Things to consider: Wear your sun blocker and bring water to drink. Always dress for the weather.
Release Form must be signed and sent to
Robert (Bob) Davis
2415 E. 12th
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Along with enrollment fee . . . see the following
Costs: $65.00 per person. We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card! 

Windmills of Central Oregon - Power in The Wind
When: August 9, 2008
What we are doing: Scenic photography is always a bit problematic especially if you don't know where to go. We've been there and we're happy to take you there so you too can hopefully get those incredible images you see in the magazines.
Where to meet us: The Dalles, Oregon, exact location to be announced in the itinerary
Starting Time: We expect to get started about 3 PM and go until around dark or there after.
What to expect: We're out late in the day/evening, until about 10 PM, and we may photograph to well after dark so expect a late drive home. Remember we are photographing wind mills, so expect a lot of wind, brace yourself for the wind.
See the page "Important Items To Know!"
Things to consider: A sturdy tripod is a necessity for this workshop. Always dress for the weather.
Release Form must be signed and sent to
Robert (Bob) Davis
2415 E. 12th
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Along with enrollment fee . . . see the following
Cost:  $65.00 per person. We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card! 
Special: Bring a friend for half price (sorry only one friend for half price).

Venice - Italy
October 16 through 28, 2009
Note: these dates may change slightly after the first of the year

Venice, Italy
"The Old Woman of the Lagoon!"

Twelve days exploring the city and the Lagoon Islands
&
One day exploring the Castle Sirmione on Lake Garda.

If you love being a photographer,

        If you totally enjoy being creative with your camera,

                If your passion in Art is photography,

                        Then this is the safari/workshop to for you.

What we're doing:
    Buon Giorno
     We start this event in the Lagoon island church of Chiesa di San Giorgio Magigori where we take an adventuresome elevator ride within the church steeple (Campanile) up several stories into the Venetian air for a fabulous 360 degree over-view of the Lagoon and Venice. This start will help to orient everyone to, not only to where all the islands are, but, to show the smallness of this ancient city we love called Venice. Of course we'll bask in the beauty of this magnificent Italian Lagoon filled with rich history while we're up there with our cameras steadily clicking away.
     As we travel about the Lagoon and the city of Venice your imagination will run wild as you walk in the foot steps of some of the worlds greatest artists. Imagine standing before the church that inspired our President Thomas Jefferson to build his estate/house or eating in the same bar Papa Hemmingway ate his meals. Art abounds in Venice with each turn, twist, and street. We'll be there standing, maybe kneeling, before works of art that have withstood hundreds of years of service. Imagine seeing the rock throne of Attila The Hun, and Churches that humble us with their majestic frescoes and friezes, however, be advised that some churches do not allow photography.
    This event is twelve wonderful days filled with photography in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy and the Lagoon Islands as well as a day trip to Sirmioni Castle via the train (train tickets not included). Our days are long and the nights short. We're here to be photographers, Artful Photographers. We start early, before first light and finish after dark. We will be exploring those areas most tourists never see, the back streets and alleys - where the Venetians live - there's canals with laundry hanging precariously over them, people walking with their groceries, small colorful row boats, sidewalk cafes with their chairs in neat rows, and much more. You will visit and photograph those places well off the beaten path of the average tourist including the fabulous Jewish Ghetto. Of course there will be those places we all see and drool over such as St. Marks Square, the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, etc., that we will visit and photograph as well. However our main focus is those areas most folks don't travel to nor see.
    The islands in the Lagoon are a plethora of images begging for us to photograph them. Their buildings painted with colors so bright they come alive in almost neon displays as the sun plays it's warm rays gently across their facades. Shrines in great abundance, people everywhere, children running to and fro with laughter to warm us on the coldest of days. And yes those magnificent watery canals that seem to call to us saying, ". . . look, see how beautiful I am!" Bicycles of every description and color, unlocked, resting gently against a colorful wall, some new - some old.
     There are well over a hundred bridges in Venice including the Lagoon Islands. I doubt that there are no two bridges alike which offers us many possibilities for new and exciting array of images. Reflections in the canals are so many you can get lost in them. Bridges, canals, Gondolas, row boats, and laundry - hundreds of possibilities, hundreds maybe thousands of lighting arrangements. Yes it's that's fabulous.
    Our days start with a ride on a Water Bus to that days first stop. From here we walk and explore crevices and nooks that abound in colorful displays. No matter where we stop to rest there are always images beckoning our camera. Lunch is where ever we are the time, Dinner is usually on the island of Lido where our hotels are. Pack light, pack smartly, but bring lots of film or memory cards - you'll need them.
    We ride the water bus every where we go about the Lagoon and Venice. This gentle swaying, overly filled with people, ride is one that makes our adventure even more exciting. These delightful boats with their seats and decks filled continually with people coming and going add a flavor to our trip not found else where. Most rides are a mere few minutes in length but the vistas and sites we see from their decks always titillate our senses causing ones camera to be brought into use. I can't remember once sitting on a water bus ride during the day.
  One unusual thing we do is we take a bus ride, it's liken to our city buses (they have wheels), and travel to Malamocco (a Lido Island city on the edge of the Lagoon) where the church and ancient fort conger up mental images of long ago when this was the seat of government power in the Lagoon. This bus ride is one not too soon forgotten with it's hard acceleration and rapid braking causing us and our gear to be heaved about in our seats, that is if we're lucky enough to have a seat.
     In all we get mega quantities of images and a flavor of Italy's Venice that's rewarding and stimulating. Yes this is a trip to be remembered for many years to come. Enroll today.

Things to consider:
   If you don't have it . . . Get your passport today! Do not delay one minute!
    Keep your camera gear to a minimum. We walk everywhere, the only time we ride is when we are on the water buses and then we may have to stand as well.
    If your film . . . bring lots, if your digital bring a means of down loading your cards - I use Wolverine data storage devises.
    Wear shoes that are designed for walking, it would be prudent to have them well broken-in prior to the trip.
    Don't bring a lap top computer, if it doesn't break you might lose it. Instead use a data storage unit like the Epson or the Wolverine, they are small and light weight.
    The Venice Card is well worth the money to buy. This transportation pass is vital to have in that it gives free access to all types of transportation in Venice and the Lagoon as well as free access to the 'Water Closets.' You'll be glad you have it!
    Voltage converter transformers are a must have (these are heavy units - do not bring plug adapters as these do not change the voltage, they only change the plug configuration). These units will allow us to safely recharge our batteries.
    Knowledge of Italian would be helpful, but not needed. Most places have people who comprehend English very well. However, a few key phrases and words would definitely be an asset and well received by the locals. Enroll today.What

What to expect:
     This is not tour guided event, we are photographers leading a photography workshop. Photography, this is our focus, "The" reason for being in Venice. We will show you the sights from a photographers view point and assist you in creating exciting images. These twelve days we're in Venice each person should expect to create in the neighborhood of several hundred images (200 to 900), and in some instances create well over a thousand each day. We will be doing a mega amount of photography so come well prepared.
     We dine together, travel about together, and work as a close knit team. As we walk together throughout this ancient city we'll find a plethora of subject matter that will be shared over and over. Friendships will be made, comradery is high, and bonds will develop between us. We will discuss our days itinerary each morning, and later in the day put to vote where we have lunch and dinner. Staying together ensures no one gets lost (misplaced) nor left behind as we board and un-board the water buses.
     We work with each person on a one-to-one basis throughout the duration of the workshop. Everyone has different needs so we try to be conscious of these needs and work them into our daily endevours. Obviously we cannot be all things to all people, however, we do attempt to be there as supporting for everyone as possible. Enroll today.
     Expect your itinerary for the workshop to arrive approximately two weeks via e-mail prior to our departing the west coast. The itinerary will cover several key issues as clothing, baggage, camera accouterments, money, and our biggest concern for everyone . . . Safety! There will be some redundancy in the itinerary but only to assist you in ensuring you have all the ingredients for a fabulous trip. We even offer suggestion like ... don't forget to take out the kitchen garbage before leaving home - lame, but helpful.

Release Form must be signed and sent to

Robert (Bob) Davis
2415 E. 12th
The Dalles, Oregon 97058

Along with enrollment fee . . . see the following.

Costs:
    The early bird fee for this Safari/Workshop is $1675.00 per person for the twelve day safari/workshop, or any portion there of, if paid before 1 July, 2009 this date and after the fee is $1900.00 per person. Hotels, food, airfare, all transportation, etc., is extra - not included - and attendees are responsible for their own arrangements - - - we have a great travel agent, her name is Pat, at Newberg Travel (www.newbergtravel.com) who can assist you with your arrangements.
We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card! 

Pay, before 1 July, 2008, by check/money-order and save an additional $35.00.
Make Checks Payable to "Tableau' Vivant"
 Due the nature of this workshop/safari there are no credits or refunds. 
Enroll today

Contact me:     ghosttownsafari@aceweb.com
541 296 2553

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