Debbie Middleton
The "hustle and bustle" of New York City was just what we experienced on this exciting Mentor Series trek. Michelle and Erica did a wonderful job - as always - of leading us on many adventures and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that only the Mentor Series can give you.
Also joining us on this trek were the wonderful professional photographers, namely Layne Kennedy, Mark Alberhasky and Steve Simon. Their enthusiasm for photography inspires everyone to take wonderful pictures and look for unusual angles that maybe you wouldn't have thought of before. Before each new destination, we were given tips on ISO, white balance, what photo ops to look for at each location, etc., etc., etc.
We started with an initial meeting at the Carlton Hotel on Thursday where presentations were given by Layne, Mark and Steve. On Friday morning we went to Intrepid Air and Space Museum, which was a wonderful experience that afforded many photo opportunities.
After a digital review session on Friday, where pizza was served courtesy of the Mentor Series, it was on to our private Water Taxi boat tour. Amazing late afternoon views of the Statute of Liberty, Battery Park, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges were snapped away by us trekkers. On Friday evening we took in the lights and action of Times Square via the New York City Subway.
Our Saturday morning trek to Central Park was a break from the city experience - while you were still in the city! Late Saturday evening we made our way across the Brooklyn Bridge - another awesome adventure. That night a private double decker bus tour took us across the bridge to Brooklyn to photograph the lights of Manhattan - what an awesome sight!
On Sunday, our last day (boo!) we met at 5:30 a.m. (ugh!) for our very own private access to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center. An approximate 15 second elevator ride took us up 70 floors to the top of New York City. Watching the sun rise over Central Park, the Statute of Liberty, Chrysler Building and all of New York City was an experience none of us will ever forget. Being a trekker on the Mentor Series gives you access to things most people do not ever get to experience. No one is ever allowed access to Top of the Rock at sunrise - except us!
Also on Sunday we made our way to Grand Central Station via the subway. Half of us photographed in the terminal while the other half were outside with Steve Simon (who is so much fun!) on an architectural walking tour of the city, and then we switched.
The trek wrapped up Sunday night with our final slideshow presentation. Hugs and goodbyes were given until we meet again for our next Mentor Series Workshop.
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