The 3rd Annual WNC Foto Fest will take place Sept. 7 – 9 in Montreat, NC. WNC Foto Fest is hosted and presented by North Carolina photographers Kevin Adams and Bill Lea. The event is one of the largest photography events in the Southeast and has a unique theme of information, fun and the opportunity to meet other photographers and vendors throughout the weekend.
Image by Bill Lea
Patti Hamer of Brevard, NC, will be attending WNC Foto Fest for the second time. “The speakers were a selling point for me. I view Foto Fest as a lifetime learning experience – it’s a good way to broaden my education and connect with other photographers. There will be people I know at Foto Fest and others from all over the country. Plus, Kevin and Bill make it fun.”
Western North Carolina photographer Les Saucier is a featured guest speaker. He’s an experienced nature photographer who also conducts guided tours and travel workshops throughout the country. Saucier will deliver three presentations: “Refining Your Vision”, the “Photographer’s Journey, Macro Made Easy”, and “Digital Optimization Made Easy”. Saucier’s background as a biologist and teacher with 25 years of photography experience make him a favorite of photographers across the country.
Photographer Lori Kincaid will present the “Secrets of an Appalachian Landscape Photographer”. Kincaid is a nature photographer who lives at the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Her work has appeared in magazines such as “Our State”, “WNC” and “Blue Ridge Country”, and she is a professional workshop leader. Her presentation will offer photographers an inside look at the photographic opportunities right in her back yard at Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail.
Stephanie Thomas’ presentation “Pushed to the Corner” is based on her upcoming book and documentary film. Each year WNC Foto Fest showcases a regional photographer who is making a positive contribution to the world, whether through environmental or social causes. Making a difference with her photography – Thomas took her camera and entered the world of women begging on the street in her hometown of Greensboro, NC.
Image by Kevin Adams
Both Adams and Lea will also present throughout the weekend. Their topics include “The MacGyver of Photography”, “Post Processing /Image Editing” (Adams) and “Capturing Captivating Wildlife Images” (Lea).
WNC Foto Fest welcomes all photographers. The event and presentations are geared toward “enthusiastic nature and outdoor photographers”. It is a classroom style event with attendees registered from throughout the Southeast and the country.
Based on their own photographic experiences throughout Western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the two hosts have developed an extensive list of photographic opportunities for attendees to enjoy before or after the event. The locations include the Cradle of Forestry, Craggy Gardens and Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. These and other recommendations can be found on the website at (www.wncfotofest.com).
Adams and Lea have each authored several books on photography and nature. They founded WNC Foto Fest in 2010 as an opportunity to work together to share their collective 60 years of photographing and teaching. And to bring photo enthusiasts together from around the country to enjoy learning in a fun festival environment.
To learn more about registration visit (www.wncfotofest.com).
