Road Scholar Offers Ansel Adams Learning Adventure

BOSTON, April 20 - Ansel Adams is perhaps the most famous photographer in history. His images, instantly recognizable, evoke the American spirit and call forth nature in all her beauty. In a brand new program, Road Scholar is offering educational adventurers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study this renowned artist and environmentalist, in-depth and behind-the-scenes. Photographers of all skill levels will practice the craft and apply Adams’s Zone System and composition techniques to their own photography.

Road Scholars will begin their adventure in San Francisco, where Adams was born. They’ll spend eight nights exploring geographical wonders Adams helped make famous. They’ll explore Point Lobos as well as the Central California Coast and enjoy an exclusive evening at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park.

Adams’s assistant, Mark Citret, is the study leader for the program. Citret, an award winning photographer and photography instructor in his own right, will be with the group for the entire program, providing photographers with a remarkable opportunity to study with an expert.

The odyssey continues with an evening with Adams’s granddaughter, Sarah Adams. She’ll share first-hand anecdotes about the great photographer’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Perhaps the highlight of the program is a small-group photo safari in Yosemite, hiking trails that Adams himself explored on his Sierra Club expeditions in areas like Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Tioga Pass. Along the way, photographers of all levels of experience will compose photos with their personal cameras. They’ll also learn about conservation efforts at Mono Lake from environmental experts. Throughout the program, Road Scholars will enjoy ample photo opportunities and countless chances to refine their photographic technique under the tutelage of experts.

“Ansel Adams is an iconic figure in American History,” explained James Moses, Road Scholar President and CEO. “He was an ardent environmentalist who brought the full majesty of nature to a mass audience for perhaps the first time. We’re delighted to offer this learning adventure to both photographers and conservationists.”

Launched in 2004, Road Scholar is an initiative of Elderhostel, www.elderhostel.org, the world’s largest not-for-profit educational travel provider. For more information on Road Scholar, visit www.roadscholar.org or call 1-800-466-7762.