Steve Traudt

"Photographing lets me see and feel a part of the environment, whether a soaring mountain or a tiny wildflower," says Steve Traudt. "This seeing leads to more awareness, which in turn enhances the seeing yet more. The whole process is addictive!"

Raised in Nebraska, Traudt moved to Grand Junction in 1987 where he and wife, Fay Timmerman, established Quilt Junction and Gallery 412 which they operated for 9 years. He teaches photography at 13 Photography Gallery and Western Colorado Community College, conducts photography workshops and seminars, is a certified scuba diver, a writer and a pharmacist.
In a dusty attic at the age of 10, Traudt chanced upon some old darkroom items belonging to his father. He ordered fresh paper and chemicals from the Monkey Ward catalog and a lifelong interest was soon born.

He's exhibited photographs extensively around the world, lectures locally and nationally and especially enjoys sharing his enthusiasm through teaching. Steve has been invited to lead photo trips to such exotic locales as Costa Rica and the Galapagos. His magazine articles have appeared in various publications including Nature Photographer magazine. He's a member of The North American Nature Photography Association; The National Assoc. of Photoshop Professionals and The Photographic Society of America from which he holds the honor of Associate.

Traudt calls his photographs Synergistic Visions. He explains synergism as the cooperative interaction of several elements to yield a superior result. For Traudt, photography is synergism of such elements as the brain, emotions, vision, film, lenses and the camera. Since photography is both art and craft, Traudt views this synergism as a marriage of left-brain and right-brain activities.

"In today's world, we're in such a hurry; never looking up or down, only straight ahead. I make photographs which cause the viewer to pause, even for a moment, and realize all the remarkable events in our world awaiting discovery."

Call WCA at (970) 318-0150 or email for a registration form, or Register

June 19, 2008

The GO date is the date when, if the minimum number of students has registered, we know the class will be held. If the minimum number of students has not registered by the GO date, the class will be canceled. So be sure and register early to help ensure your class will be held.

Wildflower Explosion

This one day photo workshop with acclaimed photographer Steve Traudt is especially timed for the famous wildflower explosion. This is an intense workshop, full of discovery and excitement.

Steve discovered this Gem of the Rockies on a 1975 vacation and it has mesmerized him ever since. He was the first to offer photo workshops in Ouray in the mid 1980's. At 7,800 feet, Ouray is a sanctuary of unforgettable beauty with towering cliffs rising above the tiny town. Although the silver mines are now quiet, the views are still worth a million dollars. You're invited to experience this truly special place as we prospect the breathtaking vistas with our cameras!

Workshop is limited to 10 students. This is a unique learning opportunity. Our relaxed atmosphere is conducive to fun and enjoyment. The workshop is open to anyone. You should be comfortable using your digital camera.

The day begins early with a classroom lecture and orientation. Next we car pool to a superb wildflower location for several hours of photography. We'll then return to Ouray and download our images for a review session via a digital projector.

This combination of teaching, field work, and image review offers a powerful synergism. Some subjects covered include macro, exposure control, lighting, composition and depth of field. We;ll need a couple of folks with 4x4 vehicles who can help transport the group.

Pay in full before the GO date and receive a 10% discount on the price of the class.

$ 133 non-members WCA - $121 if paid in full before GO date
$ 121 members - $110 if paid in full before GO date

We must receive your registration and a 50% deposit by the GO date in order to know if the class will make.

Supply list needed by student:
Any type of digital camera
Sufficient batteries and memory cards
Appropriate clothing and shoes
Lunch
Water
Optional: tripod, flash, light reflector and diffusion disks, macro or close-up lenses, laptop computer.

The instructor will supply a resource CD covering the material presented

Note: There will be a $5 materials fee payable to the instructor at the time of class