Back to the Wilds!

[DanB]

It's been a couple of months since our celebration at the Wilds. Speaking for myself, it was a very special time with a great group of people in a great environment.

It's going to be hard to top that experience, but it is almost mandatory that the effort be made. I would like to offer up a possibility for your consideration.

During our weekend, it became pretty obvious that we had more than a few photographers with us. Some were very serious, some more casual. I'm somewhere in between.

It is possible that I may be able to arrange a unique opportunity for us. At this time I will not get into specifics, but would this community be interested in spending the weekend with an internationally known nature photographer? I'm not talking about someone good with a camera; I'm talking about a "lifetime achievement" type person.

I had the opportunity to meet this person, and I believe I could twist his arm to join us at the Wilds.

This person is used to escorting customers overseas (India & deeper) to give classes. He is an excellent storyteller, and his experiences stretch far beyond nature into wartime photography and celebrity representation.

OK, so I know everyone will want to know who I'm talking about. I hesitate to say without discussing the possibility further with him first. Google has a way of finding things.

The experience of having a series of formal photo sessions, lectures, and critiques sounds overwelming. In truth, this guy teaches in a very informal down-to-earth manner. He respects the qualities given by beginners up to the most advanced photographer.

I watched him transform a young students basic image from a “normal picture” to “art” within 15 minutes using his Photoshop techniques, all this while throwing out suggestions and settings.

A basic Itinerary for the weekend might be:

- Thursday Night or Friday Arrival

- Friday, beans & weenies, causal potluck dinner followed by “meet & greet” presentation.

- Saturday, sunrise photo session.
- Potluck lunch around 1-2
- Sunset Safari & Dinner.
- Evening critique and presentation around campfire.

- Sunday, breakfast & depart.

Please note that this is a VERY preliminary schedule!

Now the hard part. What would this be worth to you? The possibility exists that this could be partially underwritten, but not all of it. The fee for “Airsteams in the Wilds” last year just about covered the expenses.

Let’s assume I can get 15 participants that want to be “students”. What additional fee would you pay to spend the weekend learning from this guy?

Let’s put it in three price ranges:

A….. $0-$100
B….. $100-$200
C….. $200-$300

It is also important to note that while “photography” may be a theme for this year, it will not overwhelm the spirit of fellowship created by all of us camping together. We might be talking about cameras some, but I’m sure the conversation will be varied and interesting. Besides, when else can you pet a rhino?

Final, please understand that this is only one idea. We may choose to just leave the event alone! I’m just throwing this idea out there for discussion.

The key here is that “discussion” needs to take place. If I don’t get a response, either public or private, I’ll assume this idea is not good and I will abandon it.

So, let’s here your thoughts!

[Ganglin]

With or without the photo session - you are still planning to do The Wilds again next year?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Do you have a date yet? We wanted to attend last year but had a wedding the same weekend. Maybe this year will work out.

[DanB]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

With or without the photo session - you are still planning to do The Wilds again next year?

Good Question!

I could go either way. We had such a great time this year, It would be nice to do it again.

I'd like to hear others opinions and ideas.

[deauxrite]

OK. For those of us that are uninformed...what is "The Wilds"?

[wheel interested]

That rally sounded fantastic!! I wanted to go sooo much. I am sure a lot of people will enjoy it.

I am also looking forward to see what other interesting and active rallies you cook up, maybe where pets are allowed.

NOVA is going to be a very cool group.

[DanB]

Originally Posted by deauxrite

OK. For those of us that are uninformed...what is "The Wilds"?

The Wilds is the largest Nature Conservatory in the U.S. It is located in Mid-Ohio. We had a fantastic rally there last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Capetown to Cairo Caravan.

Refer to http://www.airforums.com/forums/f288...lds-49169.html

Towards the end of the thread, there are some great pictures.

[WineStream]

We're game for the Wilds camping again, but the photography part doesn't interest us at all. Not that I'm saying, "if you do the photography thing, we're not coming." We'll come for the normal AS fellowship / camping, but there needs to be a separate add-on fee for those wanting to participate in the photography stuff.

Don't forget the other camping areas that Shacksman found after last year: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f382...lds-57097.html

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by DanB

The Wilds is the largest Nature Conservatory in the U.S. .

Whew, that's relief. I thought I would have to go back to the Bronx.

[memgrove2000]

Wow! I missed this when it was first posted! Yes interested maybe not so much the photography (ok may be in the low "a"$$ category)

[Grand Master]

I would be interested in a return trip to The Wilds, and would enjoy improving my photography skills. The up to $100 fits my budget.

[64airstream]

Dan,

Marie and I are in. Marie's more the photographer than me, and I think she'd love an opportunity like this. (I can make a pot of beans or two to hold up my end.)

We'll watch for details and appreciate your williness to pull together a Wilds 2.

Roy

[vinfan]

Dan,

We would like to return to the wilds. Do you have any dates? I would be very interested in doing the photography session.

Margaret and Mike

[nvestysly]

DanB,

We're interested in attending. Not sure if the photography class is for us since we only have point and shoot camera with 3X zoom - a separate fee for the photo class would probably make sense. I like the A price range and would be willing to go into the low range of B pricing.

Would you be willing to do Wilds 2 earlier in the year? I seem to recall several people would like to attend but going during the school year posed a problem. Early summer (before it becomes hot in Ohio) might give those people a chance to participate and provide a greener backdrop for photos.

Thanks for posting this. I think it's a good idea.

Lucius

[nvestysly]

We're starting to plan vacation dates for the year and the days are getting used-up quickly. Any updates on whether The Wilds II is in the works?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Lucius

[mouth012006]

I second that question.....anything decided yet?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I have a question too... is this a WBCCI rally?

[robandzoe]

Inquiring minds would like to know.

[DanB]

Airstreams in the Wilds was a celebration to remember the Capetown to Cairo Caravan. This caravan was not a WBCCI event. The event was a very special time for me and my family.

Frank and Rob, you guys are welcome to come!

Short answer: If the Wilds happens again, it will not be a WBCCI event.

Longer and more important answer: The Wilds rally took a lot of work and a pretty decent amount of money to pull off. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

As most of you know, I've got a lot on my "Airstream Plate" right now. But, the possibility of a repeat is seriously being considered.

I did not receive enough responses regarding the photo idea to warrant basing the event around the individual, so the dates are fairly open.

Bear in mind that I'm looking forward to getting my son into college this year, and thats taking a lot of emotional work! So the consideration to make the Wilds happen every two years is also in play.

Let me know your thoughts! I'm especially interested in hearing from past attendees.

[Ganglin]

I'll be the village idiot and ask..... why do you ask....?