I am back from Grandfather Mountain's Nature Photography Weekend. I
actually got back into town late Sunday night. I subscribed at that
point - oh, did I forget to subscribe directly to the list ? :-) - so
as to not miss out on reports from others returning from the NPW. I
actually did not want to be slandered and not know about it :-)
Too busy catching up on everything to post an in-depth report, but here
is a short telling of the list people there:
William 'Wheatfield Willie' Robb was this year's version of the gentle
giant. He is also a 'bad' person for letting me try out his 67 45mm lens.
Dave Brooks - how he put up with Frank for such a long trip... :-)
Another friendly person who fit right into the mix. I would have
enjoyed another day or two talking about his horse shooting and travels
around Canada. He is also another 'bad' person, he let me use his 67
200mm lens.
Frank Theriault - there is plenty of evidence of his having learned how
to 'chimp'. I did notice a little bit of confusion when the chimping
did not work on his LX. You should be seeing some of his shots shortly...
Ann Sanfedele - always entertaining, always lovely, and boy can she
cook! I always enjoy my time around her. See you in NYC!
Bill & Phyllis Owens - unbelievably gracious having to put up with our
motley crew. PDML Central is legendary. Can I be adopted?
Doug Brewer - as the list god I will say no more :-) He is the brother
I never wanted ;-P
Mark Roberts - just as punny in person, and yes his photography is that
good! Chosen as the 'Mad Man of the Mountain'. He does not require a
sherpa.
Tom Reese and Susan H.- the quiet bystanders that are a joy to be
around. Tom made up for only getting honorable mention last year by
getting another one again and a first place!
Susan, not to be outdone -though a Canon shooter, she is part of the
family via PDML Central and GFMtn - also got an honorable mention!!!!
Bob and Lynn Sullivan - a friendly couple that you feel you have known
your whole life. Not only can they take a ribbing, they can dish it
out. Glad they took on the drive from Illinois, again.
Ken & French Waller (and brother-in-law, Bob) - hope we were not too
much for you guys. Another family member that we cannot praise enough.
Just not enough time spent with them for my part :-(
Oh yeah, Ken won an honorable mention - I think - apologies if I got
that one wrong...
Chris & Penny Braswell - lurker extraordinaire. An excellent
photographer that not only took Best In Show, but I believe a first and
a third place???
And boy, does he know us all :-) Amazing how he keeps up with the
list. Also had a chance to meet his lovely wife.
Nico R. - another lurker. Another joy to be around. Have I only known
you for three years? You could never tell. The type of person who
would give you the shirt off his back.
Norm Baugher - my goodness, we are can be dangerous wherever we are :-)
Almost as much character as his brassed 6x7 :-) See you in Brazil, or
Texas, or California...
Don Nelson - 'southern gentleman' personified. Saving the best for
last. He was the one who informed me of this event three years ago. A
great friend, and one who is great at making everyone feel at home - in
spite of his being so busy coordinating the event. He is a special
person and there are not enough praise to heap upon him. And he will
deny every bit of it too!
My apologies if there is anyone I have forgotten. It is early and I
really should be getting back to work.
Pictures to follow at some point,
C�sar
Panama City, Florida
