By Shutterbug Staff

July 5, 2007 — From the beaches of the eastern seaboard to the Great Plains, and from the wetlands of the south, to the towering sequoias of the west, America and its pristine parks have always been hailed as top destination sites for photography enthusiasts and their families. Canon U.S.A., Inc. and the American Park Network continue to help define the relationship between photography and the great outdoors with the introduction of a free photography workshop program on select dates throughout the summer in Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks. These programs will be artfully hosted and instructed by a select few of the world renowned Canon Explorer of Light photographers including Adam Jones and Lewis Kemper, along with other Canon-selected photographers such as Rob and Ann Simpson. What’s more, the Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest returns this year to offer photographers the chance to display their work and win prizes in the categories of landscape and wildlife photography in the parks.

From June 1st to September 29th, photographic enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their favorite photographs from an American park to the Canon Digital Learning Center. Winning photographs in the categories of landscape and wildlife will win a trip to the participating parks of their choice, along with a full suite of Canon photographic equipment. By logging onto the Canon Digital Learning Center at www.usa.canon.com/dlc, potential winners will not only have the opportunity to submit their photos, but can also peruse the Web site to explore the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike.

With the help of the Canon Explorer of Light program, park visitors will have the opportunity to participate in free daily guided visual photographic journeys. Additionally, Canon will loan participants top-tier digital camera equipment to capture those awe-inspiring sights at no additional cost. Aspiring photographers will learn the tips and tricks to taking great outdoor photos and experience hands-on training using some of the same equipment that professional photographers use. Evening programs are also offered, providing visitors the rare opportunity to spend time with the Explorers of Light, view stunning imagery, ask questions, and receive prints and a CD of their own photos.

Schedule of Seminars

Yosemite National Park: June 15-29, 2007
Workshops: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. except Tuesdays
Location: Ansel Adams Gallery
Evening program: 8:30 p.m. except Tuesdays
Location: Curry Village Amphitheatre

Grand Canyon National Park: July 9 - 29, 2007
Workshops: 9 a.m. and 2p.m. except Tuesdays
Location: Flagpole at the rim side of the El Tovar Hotel
Evening program: 6 p.m., except Tuesdays and on Friday, July 20, 2007
Location: Shrine of Ages auditorium (Parking lot A, next to Park Headquarters)

Yellowstone National Park: August 6 - 12, 2007
Workshops: Daily, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., except Tuesdays
Location: Old Faithful Inn
Evening program: 6 p.m., except Tuesdays
Location: Old Faithful Snow Lodge