Galapagos: Darwin’s Enchanted Islands

In 1835, Charles Darwin reached the Galapagos Archipelago, a cluster of islands straddling the equator 600 miles off the west coast of South America. His five weeks on these strange volcanic islands formed the basis for his theories on the evolution of species, concepts which shook the world in controversy that continues to this day.

Today, the Galapagos Islands are a mixture of Ecuadorian National Parks, scientific research stations, bustling towns and a thriving tourist industry. Most visitors to these islands come to see the famous land tortoises, marine iguanas and equatorial penguins that are trademarks of the Galapagos. But the real treasures of these islands lie beneath the waves. Swirling in the colliding currents from the north and south are massive schools of Hammerhead Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Sea Lions, Dolphins and the breathtaking Whale Shark.

Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they dive the world renowned Darwin and Wolf Islands and take you along on other awe-inspiring adventures both above and below the waters of these enchanted islands. Travel logistics and diving details are discussed along with descriptions of the magnificent wildlife that can be found in the Galapagos Islands.

Date: March 29, Saturday
Seminar Location\Room: Session #3 Holiday Inn - Hunterdon Room
Time: 9:00 am - 9:45 am

• Galapagos Expedition Notes - Year 2007

Journey to Digital Hard Lessons Learned on the Road

The world of photography has changed dramatically in a relative blink of an eye. The advent of digital photography, with all of its advantages, has had an enormous impact on both the professional and recreational business of photography. Film is now considered "old school", and many manufacturers have phased out their film equipment.

In its place, a plethora of digital cameras have emerged, ranging from relatively simple "point and shoot" cameras to more sophisticated, and complicated, Digital SLR systems and expensive housings. This session will trace the complex, difficult, sometimes frustrating but ultimately rewarding journey from film to digital by two long time professional photographers.

This is not a vendor-sponsored presentation but, rather, an examination of what it really takes to switch from film to digital, and offers practical guidance, insight and many “heads-up” tips to help your journey to digital be an easier, more rewarding experience.

Date: March 29, Saturday
Seminar Location\Room: Session #4 Holiday Inn - Warren Room
Time: 11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Inside the Cage: Shark Cage Diving in North America

Sharks have long held a unique fascination for people the world over and for SCUBA divers, being in the water with these creatures has always been a high adrenaline activity. There are many shark dives the world over, but divers need not travel to exotic destinations to witness sharks in their natural element.

Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they venture inside the cage right here in North America to dive with Blue Sharks in California, Rhode Island and New York. This program will conclude with heart-stopping action from Mexico’s Isla de Guadalupe, home to some of the largest Great White Sharks in the world.

Date: March 30, Sunday
Seminar Location\Room: Session #3 Holiday Inn - Hunterdon Room
Time: 11:30 am - 12:15 pm