When he photographs overseas, Alex Sneiders tries to capture one image containing that nation’s flag to act as a “title slide” for the photo series he’ll assemble at the end of his trip. So when he saw the emblem of the People’s Republic of China rippling over the Li River, he knew he’d found his title subject. All he had to do was figure out the composition and manage the light.

That’s exactly the kind of photo challenge that Sneiders, a 54-year-old urologist who lives in southern Minnesota, has come to embrace on his many trips (more than a dozen so far) with Popular Photography’s Mentor Series workshops; the trek in China in May 2012 has been his favorite to date. A Pop Photo reader since the age of 14, he pushes himself to “get it right in the camera,” he says.

The morning of the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshou in Guangxi province of southeastern China started out hot, humid, and gray; Sneiders converted his photos from the first half of the day to black-and-white to better handle the flat light. But as the overcast sky began to clear near midday, he made his way to the stern and that signature pictorial element. “The red flag became a fine focal point when contrasted with the various shades of green and blue,” he says. “This one just begged to be color.”

A fan of the Rule of Thirds, he composed the photo “to balance the closer and more prominent Karst mountains on the right side of the image with the flag on the left,” he recalls. And the boat’s wake, sharp thanks to a 1/800 sec exposure (at f/10, ISO 2000), adds a sense of motion.

Alex Sneiders

Visit www.alex
sneidersphotog
raphy.com for more work by this physician/photographer.

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When traveling, a camera is one of the best companions a person could ask for. We asked you to share your best travel photography with us and you, as always, delivered some tremendously impressive images.

Now, we have narrowed down thousands of entries into a small gallery of finalists and we need your help picking the winners. Thanks for voting!

Voting is currently closed and we’ll be in contact with our winner soon!

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On a Mentor series location lighting workshop, Mike Kerouac walked through the ghost town of Nelson, Nevada, population 37, engrossed in its weathered wood, tumbleweeds, and early 20th-century signage. The town’s well-preserved barns, shops, and antique mining structures all appealed to this tech exec from suburban Boston. Great backgrounds were everywhere.

A rusty bike balanced on a stand in a weather-beaten and prop-filled barn caught his eye. He set up his strobes and softboxes, then made a few tests. But something was missing: Someone should be on the bike, he thought.

Kerouac and his son Chris are veterans of three Mentor Series trips, including the lighting excursion to Nelson. Apart from studio location lighting, a take-away from Nelson for Kerouac was “that the Golden Hour is real. Images taken around sunrise and sunset really do have much greater appeal than images taken midday. With most city- and landscapes, side lighting creates more depth in an image than front- or back-lighting can,” says the photographer.

But that wasn’t his biggest lesson. While working with the group, he realized that photography could be a great team sport. “We all worked together during the shoots. One of us steadied the light stand, while another one held and aimed the back- or fill-light, and a third person took pictures. The process worked well all day long,” he says.

The photo here illustrates that team spirit. When Kerouac mentioned that the bicycle scene needed a figure in it, co-participant Wayne March set down his camera and jumped on the bike, grinning from ear to ear.

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If you like photography and want to see the Grand Tetons, go with the Mentor Series! We had a wonderful 4 days shooting sunrises, sunsets, mountains, wildlife, and rodeos. We met at the Jackson Lake Lodge, which has a fantastic view of the Tetons, so we started shooting right from the hotel. For 3 mornings in a row, we were up at 4 AM to hit sunrise at different places, including the Thomas A. Moulton Barn, Schwabacher’s Landing and Oxbow Bend – all iconic Teton shots. The mentors had wonderful tips on shooting in low light, how to get the full reflection of the mountains, and how to get a unique perspective as well as the classic mountain shot.

One afternoon we shot at Heart 6 Guest Ranch. Four photogenic cowboys and cowgirls rode their horses through a stream for us, sending spray everywhere and giving us photos straight out of Ponderosa. Then they did their evening roundup of 80 horses that pounded down the trail and into the corral while we crouched nearby getting action shots of what looks like a stampede. Another evening we went to the Jackson Hole Rodeo and shot bull riders, steer roping, barrel racing, and cute kids trying to stay on the backs of sheep. No one wanted to leave – even though we were getting up at 4 AM again the next day. I think we all learned a lot about ISO and shutter speed that night, along with moving away from the fence when a bull is coming straight at you.

Michelle, Vanessa, and Donnie did a wonderful job of keeping us on task and where we needed to be, as well as fed and watered. Bob, Layne, and Michael were attentive and insightful mentors, not to mention funny and easy-going. They answered simple (mine) and more complicated (my husband’s) questions with grace and patience. We would wholeheartedly recommend treks with any of them.

Ann and Alex Sneiders

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ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: (1) one domestic photo workshop for one person in 2015 which includes the workshop fee, airfare and lodging (approx. value $2550) and (1) one Nikon prize.

All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply; void where prohibited. PRIZES MAY BE SUBJECT TO TAX; ALL APPLICABLE TAXES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNER.

ELIGIBILITY: The Contest is open only to individuals, eighteen (18) years or older at time of entry, who are legal residents of the United States and Canada. Employees of Bonnier Corporation and its parent companies, subsidiaries or agents, their immediate families (defined as parents, children, siblings, spouse and grandparents), and those domiciled with any of the foregoing are not eligible.

ENTRY: All entrants must submit a photo of a travel destination and post it to their public Instagram or Twitter account using the hashtag #mentorseries. All information provided by entrant must be complete, true and correct. Submissions to the Contest must be posted between May 1, 2015 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and July 1, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. ET in order to be eligible; entries received after that date will be deemed ineligible to win. All submitted entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned; Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, inaccurate, incomplete, damaged, illegible, or misdirected entries. Each entry must be submitted on an individual basis (i.e., no team, joint, or corporate entries) and all components of the entry must be the original creation of the submitting participant. Only non-commercial work may be submitted. Entries may not contain profanity, nudity, pornographic images, violent images, anti-competition messages, illegal material, or material that violates the rights of third parties. Entries may not include confidential information, trade secrets, trademarks or copyrighted material belonging to any person or entity other than the entrant absent a suitable license or permission agreement, proof of which is required. Entries containing any forbidden matter or material otherwise deemed by Sponsor to be inappropriate will be disqualified. Online entries will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. One entry per person; multiple entries will be disqualified. By entering, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules, and that the decision of Sponsor as to the winner(s) is final and binding in all respects.

JUDGING: A team from Popular Photography will select the top images and a gallery will be created allowing people to vote on their favorite photo. Mechanically reproduced or potentially fraudulent votes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, will be discarded and may result in the disqualification of the entry. In the event of a tie, Popular Photography editors will select the winning entry based equally upon the criteria of originality, skill, and relevance. Potential winner selection will be completed by July 10, 2015, and potential winners will be notified by email on or before July 13, 2015. Sponsor reserves the right not to select any winning submissions based upon the quantity or content of submissions. Potential winners may be required to sign and return a sworn Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability and Publicity Release. If required documentation is not returned within seven (7) business days of notification, or if notification is returned as undeliverable, any prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected.

PRIZE AWARDS: Prizes will be awarded within sixty (60) days after winner verification. No prize substitution or transfer is permitted, except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value, including cash, for any reason. Sponsor is required by law to report prize values to taxing authorities; all taxes and any other incidental expenses on prizes are the sole responsibility of each winner.

GENERAL RULES & LIMITATIONS: By entering, you represent that: (i) your entry is your own original work; and (ii) you own or have the rights to convey any and all right and title in any material submitted as part of your entry into the Contest. By entering, you grant to Sponsor a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to edit, publish, promote, republish at any time in the future and otherwise use your submission, along with your name and likeness, in any and all media for any purpose, without further permission, notice or compensation (except where prohibited by law). By participating in the Contest, you agree to release Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, directors, officers, and agents from any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages or losses to persons and property which may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership, possession, use, or misuse of any prize. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures, or other errors or problems which may occur in connection with the Contest, whether computer, network, technical, mechanical, typographical, printing, human or otherwise, including, without limitation, errors or problems which may occur in connection with the administration of the Contest, the processing or judging of entries, the announcement of the prizes, in any Contest-related materials, or that may limit prize fulfillment or a participant’s ability to enter the Contest. Sponsor reserves the right to amend these official rules and to disqualify permanently from the Contest any person it believes has intentionally violated these official rules.

PRIVACY: By entering, you agree that the information you provide may be sent to promotional partners of the Sponsor. You may be contacted by the Sponsor and/or promotional partners with future promotional offers. Information provided by you to participate in this Contest is subject to the privacy policies of the Sponsor.

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Winning Image

Ed Stone

When Nikon Mentor Series offered a chance to improve my skills and reach out of my comfort zone to create better photography, I never expected the personal challenges this trip afforded. We learned that a higher ISO is the only way to capture moving subjects such as Toucans and parrots while visiting a rain forest. We learned that getting closer was the best way to tell a story about the production of coffee. We found out that our drivers skills came into play each day we drove the dusty gravel roads over mountain tops and curves. We found out that the best way to motivate a trail horse was to say Vamanos Mailibuuuuuuu! Our guide,’ Jorge Avila , provided the cultural background of Costa Rica as a country committed to ecological preservation, education, tourism and fair trade.

This trip was not just about photography but also introduced us to the variety of local foods, the beauty of the secluded hotel properties and the warmth of the natural spring spas, after a long day of hiking. The highlight of the trip for me, however was the zipline option. Being deathly afraid of heights, I planned to opt out of the opportunity. However, our group was so supportive of each other, that we carried forward to the challenge.Maybe we didn’t read about this activity in the fine print of the itinerary, because we were initially reluctant to skim across the valleys of the Monteverde rain forest while holding on to a single handle and traveling at over 30 miles an hour. We had 8 zip lines and after surviving the first, we actually replaced the fearful silence with high fives, laughter and selfies.

So to summarize, when you travel with the Nikon Mentor Series you will be immersed in the travel location with many activities to foster a creative approach to photography, life and friendship. Lisa Griffis

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Travel photography can become an addiction. Even seeing a great photo from a far-flung place is often enough to make you want to grab your camera and head out into the world. When we held our Mentor Series Travel Photo Contest, we were inundated with images that made us do just that. But, in the end, our users chose Stephen Ippolito‘s awesome tree photo as the winner.

Congratulations to Stephen and thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Here are two of the runners up.

2nd Place from user sam3allen

3rd place from user ravikanth

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“Bermuda is one of the smallest countries in the world but probably one of the most photographed by area,” says photographer and lifelong resident Gavin Howarth. “Beauty is all around.” Start your tour by hopping a local bus (no rental cars in Bermuda) and take the #7 that travels along South Road on the South Shore, home to pink-sand beaches. “Get off at Warwick Long Bay and walk along the various coves to Horseshoe Bay, our most famous beach,” Howarth says. “You will pass by small, sheltered Jobson’s Cove. The next few beaches, Stonehole Bay Beach and Chaplin Bay Beach, are often overlooked and both have beautiful, natural rock formations jutting out into the ocean.” Pathways connect all of the beaches.

Another of Howarth’s favorite stops? Devonshire Bay in Devonshire Parish. “It reminds me a lot of the Bermuda from the past—a very quiet neighborhood with a small park and lots of character,” he says. “The park is on a peninsula that allows you to look for miles in either direction along the coast.” It’s also home to a small active fishing fleet.

St. George, formerly the capital of the island, is a real treat for architectural shooters and history buffs. Howarth suggests starting at King’s Square, where you can visit the historic Town Hall and stroll to nearby Ordinance Island. “Heading along the main street, Water Street, you quickly appreciate the beauty of this small town, now a World Heritage site,” he says. Turning up Duke of York Street will lead you to the pretty St. Peter’s Church—a Bermuda icon and the oldest Anglican church in continuous use outside the British Isles.

Then you can walk to Cooper’s Island, once part of a U.S. military base. “It’s a protected sanctuary and often you’ll be the only one there.”

Beyond the Beach Only 21 miles long and less than 2 miles across at its widest, Bermuda has many pretty places and fun things to do. Here are a handful of options.

•Bermuda Railway Trail National Park Runs 18 miles from end to end. Hike or bike this the path where trains used to run from 1931 to 1948. The footing is a bit rough in places and the trail not unbroken (you’ll cross some busy roads), but you’ll find views of Bermuda that tourists rarely see. The trail is divided into nine 1- to 4-mile sections. Pick up a trail map at the Visitors’ Service Bureau in either Hamilton or St. George.

•Crystal and Fantasy Caves Wilkinson Avenue in Hamilton Parish; bus #1, 3, 10, or 11 Two of Bermuda’s most spectacular and accessible limestone caves. Walk a boardwalk over a 55-foot deep crystal-clear lake. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., guided tours run every 20 minutes (last tour at 4:30 p.m.). Phone: (441) 293-0640

•Hartley’s Undersea Walk Heritage Wharf, in Dockyard These helmet dives are held in 8–10 feet of water less than 2 miles from shore. Trips last 3–4 hours with 30–40 minutes submerged. Bring a waterproof camera or housing, and a towel; wetsuits are provided. Boats depart at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Phone: (866) 836-3989

•Heydon Trust Bermuda Park and Chapel 16 Heydon Drive, off Somerset Road, Sandys; bus #7 or 8 Bermuda has many lovely churches, but this is the smallest and one of the oldest, from the early 1600s. The chapel (and other historic buildings) is set on 43 acres of gardens and orchards with views of Heydon’s Bay. The chapel is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; grounds, dawn to dusk. Phone: (441) 234-1831

•Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Bus #7 or 8 from Hamilton This 117-foot tower (the light perches 362 feet above the sea) was first lit in 1846; ships can see its beam from 40 miles away. Climb the 185 steps to an open-air platform with panoramic views. Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: (441) 238-8069

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As a first time attendee of the Mentor Series to the New Orleans Speedlight Workshop, What did I expect? Well, a workshop conducted by experienced mentors and a group of interested amateur photographer. What did I get? MUCH more! I had a wonderful experience with Mentors eager to help me learn, with great patience and a great group of skilled interested partners in learning.

We began with a review of flash principles and a trip to Jackson Square to test out those principles. No question on the flashes or cameras was too small or too repetitious. We were able to make test photos of the models that met us in the Square. We got in progress critique and suggestions during the shoot and attendees could help each other with ideas and suggestions. Our models posed with various instruments harkening the New Orleans Jazz roots.

That evening we took a photo stroll of Bourbon Street making photos of random tourists and locals using our new flash principles. Time with the fire breather street performer provided some awesome travel photos of local color.

Saturday we headed for Metairie Cemetery and were able to make a number of Madi Gras masque photos of our new models. The contrast of the lovely young ladies and bright color masques set against the drab architecture of the mausoleums made for spectacular, mysterious photos. After a lunch break we headed to Laura Plantation to make some “Gone with the Wind” southern belle layouts with the big house as our background. Our models were in period hoop skirt costumes and bright colors with wonderful afternoon sunlight that complimented our flash lighting and resulted in wonderful “period” scenes.

A stop at Oak Alley allowed some wonderful shots of the iconic Oak trees that form a long canopy approach to the main house. We concluded with dinner on our own at various wonderful New Orleans eateries.

Sunday morning was a trip back to Jackson Square to do our own photo shoots in teams. We were to set up the shots, take them, and produce some photos within our group experience. Without leading us, the Mentors assisted with any questions or thoughts we had, but allowed us to create our own artwork. We were fortunate to have very foggy conditions in Jackson Square. This led to amazing photos of our models and wonderful “scenery” shots of the square. Just another wonderful piece of planning and coordination on the part of Michelle and Vanessa!

We ended the morning by viewing a final slideshow of various shots from each attendee. What spectacular images we generated! Shots worthy of the portfolio of many famous photographers!

What did I get? A wonderful team experience with likeminded attendees, a great learning experience let by patient engaged mentors and a fast paced, busy schedule let by our coordinators. Will I go again? When can I get the next plane????

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At 5:15 AM on a chilly spring morning, Mentor Series participant and Bloomington, Indiana, resident Scott Kooken moved quickly so as not to lose the light. He was working Schwabacher Landing in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, in search of the perfect composition for this idyllic sunrise. “Thanks to the experience and foresight of the mentors, we arrived before the usual predawn rush of photographers,” he remembers.

After bagging some “beautifully pink” shots of the morning mountains, he began searching for a beaver lodge to add foreground interest. “It was an amazingly calm morning and the perfect reflections of the pine trees here caught my eye,” he says. The beaver lodge could wait. Skills Kooken and wife Cathy have learned across their Mentor Series treks?

Start by practicing travel photography long before you leave. He had a leg up for this sunrise, for example, by finding the perfect combination of ISO and white balance for similar scenes at home. “Don’t be struggling with camera settings when ‘The Shot’ presents itself,” he advises. When possible, hire a local guide. “We used Navajo guides on a Monument Valley trek. Not only did they take us to prime photo spots, but they gave us an unexpected and fascinating look into their life and history, too,” says the photographer.

While the Schwabacher Landing moment was a high point of his trip last June to the Tetons, this wasn’t the only satisfying picture he bagged. “The Heart 6 dude ranch gave a multitude of photo opportunities—from horses running in the water to the ranch hands driving 80 mules and horses past the camera positions of us 30 photographers,” he recalls.

The Jackson Hole Rodeo also proved exhilarating. “We were given amazing access to the arena, and then the mentors challenged us to a fun project: incorporating motion in our photos,” he recalls. “We all got back on the buses with smiles, full memory cards, and a lot of cow poo under our shoes.”

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