Media Release

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For immediate release
August 1 , 2006

Top National Geographic photographers to lead Banff Centre adventure photography workshop

Bill Hatcher and Gordon Wiltsie, two of National Geographic’s  top adventure and wilderness photographers, will return to The Banff Centre September 22 to 25 to lead the third annual Banff Adventure Photography Workshop.

Designed for photographers who are ready to take their images to the next level, the workshop includes one-on-one consultations, portfolio critique, and field work in the Bow Valley.

A winner of the 1997 and 2004 Banff Mountain Photography Competitions, Montana-based mountaineer and adventurer Gordon Wiltsie is a creative and prolific expedition photographer. His work appears regularly in international publications including National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, Outside, Geo, American Photographer, Life, and most leading adventure and skiing magazines.

Colorado-based climber and world traveller Bill Hatcher has a multitude of credits in National Geographic and Outside, and has shot for clients including North Face, Reebok, Polo/Ralph Lauren, and Patagonia.

Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre continues its learning programs this fall with the expanded Banff Adventure Filmmakers’ Seminar, November 2 to 8, and the second annual Mountain Writing Program residency, October 27 to November 18.

Adventure Filmmakers’ Seminar 2006

This five-day seminar will be led by Richard Else, regarded as one of Europe’s most experienced remote location filmmakers, and Keith Partridge, who has been involved in more than 50 climbing and adventure films and won over 15 international awards and two British Academy Awards. The seminar will include intense and interactive sessions with seminar leaders, attendance at the festival weekend, and crucial time for individual hands-on project development.

Mountain Writing Program 2006

In this unique three-week residency, six established writers will develop their own writing projects on  topics in the area of mountain culture, mountain environment, mountain life, adventure, climbing, and/or mountain history. Within the spectacular environs of Banff National Park, the residency offers participants the time, privacy, and editorial resources to focus on their work. Participants will interact with other mountain writers and editors in group discussions and individual consultations, as well as with invited guest speakers and artists from other fields.

For more information on these learning opportunities log on to: www.banffmountainfestivals.ca. or call 403-762-6369.