The primary goal of the workshop is to promote the learning and sharing of knowledge through the lens of the camera. Students from a wide variety of academic and personal backgrounds can and do apply individual interests to the subject matter we encounter, with generally stellar results. Instruction is individually tailored to address aspects of photographic fundamentals, workflow, and portfolio development. No prior knowledge or experience in photography is necessary, but a single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera - and most importantly a sense of adventure - are mandatory!

Applying and registering
Applications are handled by the office of La Suerte and Ometepe Biological Teaching Stations in Miami (http://www.lasuerte.org/) and must be complete on or before May 15th, 2008. Workshop-specific inquiries or questions should be directed to jstephen@hawaii.edu.

No more than eight students will be admitted, with early applicants favored. Space guaranteed only upon receipt of payment in full. A participation fee of $1,850 covers workshop fees, lodging, food, and all transportation within Central America. To participate, students should arrange to be in Managua, Nicaragua by July 27th. The workshop will conclude in San Jose, Costa Rica on the morning of August 10th.

Where we will stay
Ometepe Biological Teaching Station, La Suerte Biological Teaching Station, Tortuguero National Park, San Jose.

Looking forward
The workshop has been developed through partnership with unique locations and organizations. It supports education and conservation efforts in both Nicaragua and Costa Rica, believing learning to be a key factor toward environental and cultural sustainability, and the photograph an indispensable ally in that process.

Remember...
This workshop is designed with active and curious students in mind. Challenges will present themselves in the form of long hot days, thriving insect life, unfamiliar food, and the unexpected. Prospective applicants should be willing and prepared for two weeks of sometimes hard, but overall highly rewarding, experiences. For those simply seeking a vacation, you're much better off checking with a tour agent - or perhaps installing yourself on a cruise ship!

DV production position
Do you have a background and work experience in digital video production, along with interests in Central America? The workshop will consider inviting an individual to join the 2008 expedition as a staff member if they are willing to provide video production capabilities for the project. Qualifications: Education and/or professional work experience in digital video capture and non-linear editing. Own equipment, expertise in shooting outdoors and on location. Team-oriented and physically active. Compensation: Lodging, transportation, and food in Costa Rica and Nicaragua for the duration of the workshop; limited opportunity to work on personal projects. To apply, send an email to jstephen@hawaii.edu fully stating your qualifications and providing links to viewable multimedia.