From: djb@cbnews.cb.att.com (david.j.bryant)
Subject: Canon/Outdoor Photography Seminar - My Impressions
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1992 01:42:33 GMT
Keywords: seminar, outdoor photography, george lepp, good deal

This past Saturday I attended a Canon/Outdoor Photography seminar in
Novi, Michigan.  This was one of a serious of seminars being sponsored
by Canon and Outdoor Photography magazine all across the country, taught
in more-or-less alternating fashion by George Lepp and Dewitt Jones.   My
session, taught by George, was my first ever photography seminar, and I
was *very* impressed.  Overall assessment:

   *) George is an excellent speaker with a casual, informative style
      that effectively communicates his tremendous knowledge and 
      extraordinary experiences.  He was incredibly forthcoming with
      information -- any and all questions were openly welcomed and well
      answered.  During breaks he was swarmed by folks asking all sorts
      of things, and each time he was so into talking to people that he
      had to be prompted to get back to the group presentation.
   *) I estimate the crowd size at about 250.  I thought it overly large at 
      first but was wrong -- everyone hung on every word and behaved quite
      well.  I've been in groups of 50 that seemed much more frenetic.
   *) The entire day provided a great survey of outdoor photography, including
      film (detailed results of George's testing), techniques, subjects
      (flowers/wildlife/birds/landscape), gear (especially long telephotos) 
      and composition.  Lots of short slide presentations and great "how to"
      commentary.  I took about 8 pages of notes and learned an awful lot.
   *) The seminar was only $40, which included a full buffet lunch and
      various drinks (coffee, soda, etc.) at morning and afternoon break.
      An unbelievable bargain, if you ask me.
   *) The few vendors/sponsors on hand were very well behaved.  This was
      definitely *not* a commercial for anyone.  Vendors included Tamrac,
      Kirk Enterprises, Canon (obviously), Jobo, A. Laird Photo Accessories,
      and Visual Departures, Ltd.  Each had a variety of gear to show and
      sell (except Canon, who wasn't selling anything).  There was enough 
      time before the session and during lunch/breaks to shop and play with
      the gear.  Tinkering arounc with the Canon 600mm f/4, 300mm f/2.8 and 
      400mm f/2.8 was a treat.  (I've never before had a chance to hold 
      $10,000 of lenses in my hands at one time.)  And I wish I could afford 
      an Arca monoball...
   *) Lepp publishes a quarterly journal called "The Natural Image" that is
      his way of sharing his insights, techincal skills and equipment test
      results free of the taint of advertising.  Judging from the free issue
      we all received, and the two volume compilation of articles they had for
      sale, it's an impressive publication at a reasonable price.  I'm
      considering subscribing, after I've given the two-volume collection a
      good study.  (Comments from other rec.photo folks would be appreciated.)
   *) Logistics, handled by George's wife Arlie, were managed masterfully.
      Everything went off with out a hitch, and the few minor interruptions
      were easily dealt with.
   *) I wish I'd signed up for the second day photo shoot with George ($125).
      Next time...

I could certainly go on, but let me just encourage anyone interested to check
out upcoming offerings through the end of the year around the country.  Any
recent issue of "Outdoor Photography" should have an ad with all the info.
I'd be happy to answer specific questions, and would also be interested to
hear comments from others who attended the seminar.

					 UUCP: att!cbosgd!djb
	David Bryant                           att!cborion!djb
	AT&T Bell Laboratories       INTERNET: djb@cborion.cb.att.com
	Room 1B-256                            djb@cbosgd.att.com
	6200 East Broad Street          PHONE: (614) 860-4516
	Columbus, Ohio  43213             FAX: (614) 868-4302

ps: I have no connection with George Lepp's various photo-business enterprises,
    Outdoor Photography magazine, or any of the sponsors (including Canon --
    I use Pentax gear...)  I'm just a happy customer, who hopes to catch
    the series again next year and see what Dewitt Jones has to say.
Newsgroups: rec.photo