Through the Wild Lens: A Journey into Nature for Teens with CARLA RHODES & CHARLES PURVIS
July 8–12, 2024
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Embark on a summer adventure and go wild – fusing creativity with nature! Join photographers CARLA RHODES and CHARLES PURVIS for a photographic exploration within the strikingly varied habitats of The Mountain Top Arboretum.
Our bridge to the world of nature connection is awareness. As we begin to see with the eye of the artist, we build that bridge to the endlessly rich natural world, to the majesty of plants, and to the secret life of animals as they move undetected through the forest.
Collaborating together we’ll develop key awareness skills, touch upon basic environmental photography techniques, set up camera traps to create “wildlife selfies” while exploring animal track and sign, make cyanotype photograms, and create our own books for sketches, journaling, plant pressing, and more!
The Mountain Top Arboretum will be our living classroom, where trails and boardwalks connect 200 acres of plant collections, meadows, wetlands, forest, Devonian bedrock and the oldest bog currently found in the Catskills, clocking in around 14,900 years old!
Carla brings her experience as a wild storyteller, creating environmental photographic stories that inspire and educate. Charles brings his rich photographic background including a passion for uncovering the creative potential of photography while offering insights into the art of seeing beyond the literal, encouraging participants to discover and express their unique visual perspectives.
We welcome teens and young adults from ages 14-20 to join us on this unforgettable adventure!
WHAT TO BRING: We will spend the majority of the time outside walking on trails. Please prepare for the weather accordingly! Students should bring hiking boots, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. Please bring a raincoat and muck boots if you have them.
Bring whatever camera you prefer: digital, SLR, Polaroid, Phone, etc. We’ll also have a few cameras available to use.
MONDAY, JULY 8 – FRIDAY, JULY 12
10:00 – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Students will meet at The Mountain Top Arboretum
(4 Maude Adams Rd, Tannersville, NY)
LUNCH: Students will need to bring their own lunch. There will be no food to purchase on site. Healthy snacks and beverages will be provided free of charge throughout each day.