Springtime in Callaway Gardens


		Callaway Gardens Photography Tour Details
		Dates	Apr 5–11, 2009
		Leader	Julie Eggers
		Fee	$2,895 from Atlanta, Georgia
		Deposit	$300
		Limit	8
			Terms and Conditions

Garden photography is an exciting art form all by itself. The subject matter is familiar, abundant and ever-changing, yet it takes a practiced eye to capture the aesthetic of design, form, pattern and color of these picturesque man-made Edens.

Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians of Georgia, the 14,000-acre Callaway Gardens erupts into breathtaking bloom in the springtime. In the 1930s, the beauty of the area with its natural springs was discovered by Cason and Virginia Callaway. Over time they purchased thousands of acres of abandoned cotton fields and depleted woodlands and began to rehabilitate the native flora and transform the landscape into a glorious garden retreat. In 1952, the gardens opened to the public.

In early April, a photographic feast of brilliant spring color bursts forth to fill our lenses. Native and cultivated shrubs bloom in riotous shades of pink, white and red, native dogwoods flower in perfect creamy-white, and wildflowers adorn the many winding trails. The centerpiece of this vibrant landscape is Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl where thousands of azaleas erupt in exuberant hues. Placid Mirror Pond reflects the colorful azalea bloom, a photogenic bridge gracefully spans the water, and photo opportunities abound. Overlook Garden—originally planted by Cason and Virginia Callaway and grown to riotous profusion—is one of the most beautiful locations in the springtime. A number of short, easy walks along meandering garden and woodland trails offer a diversity of subjects.

At the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center—the world’s largest glass-enclosed tropical conservatory and the first butterfly center in the US—more than 1,000 colorful tropical butterflies of more than 50 different species fly free

among tropical plants and birds. Here in a 7,000-square-foot two-story octagonal enclosure exotic swallowtails and birdwings—and the fabulous blue morphos with their shimmering iridescent hues—fill the air. Our trip includes a specially-arranged early morning photo session prior to general admission when our tripods will be allowed in the Butterfly Center.

Journey to the exuberant springtime landscape of the Southeast and join Julie Eggers during the peak of the azalea season. Learn the techniques, useful all over the world, that allow the free range of your imagination as you capture the essence of the ephemeral garden image.

Day 1 (Apr 5)
Participants fly to Atlanta, Georgia, and transfer by group van to our hotel in Pine Mountain. We meet for dinner this evening. (D)

Days 2–6
From our convenient hotel base we have five full days to photograph throughout these spectacular gardens. We capture a variety of specialty landscapes within the extensive and multi-faceted Callaway Gardens at the predicted peak of bloom. These gardens include the floriferous Azalea Bowl, historic Overlook Garden and the Vegetable Garden (the southern setting for the PBS series, The Victory Garden). Our photography is enhanced by photogenic lakes and waterfalls—plus the color and diversity of tropical butterflies in a world-class conservatory. (BLD)

Day 7 (Apr 11)
Depart via group van to the Atlanta airport for afternoon flights. (B)



	Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.

Springtime in Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens Photography Tour Details