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Beautiful Earth
the newsletter of Eric Zamora
Hi [FIRSTNAME],
Through a small window the tarmac rolls under wing, while above and beyond, a blue dome lightly kisses the horizon. Our bags are packed and we're ready for takeoff!
I love the feeling of takeoff. It's not just the vibrating power in every muscle fiber, but also the feeling of being on the doorstep of travel. I want to go somewhere fast, to get from here to there as quickly as possible to accomplish a goal, a task.
Metaphorically speaking, for the last 12 months my life has been very much about preparation for takeoff. This newsletter is the symbol of my flight into destiny, of hard work paid off. And by receiving this newsletter, you are journeying with me.
First, a recap of a few major events during the past year:
- Life on the Edge – My conservation photography project, Life on the Edge: The Story of Florida's Nature Coast, is going full steam ahead, with plenty of room to grow. This slice of Florida paradise, the Nature Coast, faces a future of potentially devastating change. I am working with SouthWings and the Gulf Restoration Network to create the Nature Coast Coalition, a partnership between 25 organizations working for the greater good of the Nature Coast. We are working very hard to ensure the Nature Coast balances development with sustainability. I canoed the 100-mile Big Bend Saltwater Paddle Trail in January. I had two speaking engagements in 2009 with three more planned for 2010, and a Life on the Edge exhibit on Earth Day 2010 at the Florida Museum of Natural History. I have applications submitted to further the project. They are for fiscal sponsorship through the Legacy Institute for Nature and Culture, the Philip Hyde Grant, and an Art for Conservation partnership. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
- Web site – If you haven't seen already, I launched a completely remodeled www.ericzamora.com in December 2008. It offers MUCH more than my previous Web site, including a built-in blog, a store, and slide show galleries. Also new ... this newsletter! Beautiful Earth allows me to keep you updated about my photographic adventuring and most poignant happenings.
- 2010 Florida Forever Conservation Photography Calendar – With me at the helm, LINC just finished production of next year's 2010 Florida Forever Conservation Photography Calendar. I served as photographer, photography editor, writer, copy editor, fundraiser, and all around project manager. The calendar is being printed. I will send an official notice about its release soon.
- NANPA – The North American Nature Photography Association hosted its 15th annual summit in Albuquerque, NM in February. It was my first year serving on the NANPA Summit College Photography Scholarship committee. We brought 12 amazing students to Albuquerque for a week of photographic mentoring. The committee is hard at work for next year's summit in Reno, NV. If you know a college student who is also a photographer please tell them about this scholarship opportunity. Click here for more information.
- ILCP – In spring of 2009, the International League of Conservation Photographers accepted my application for membership. I became an official member of the ILCP as an "emerging member." This is a monumental recognition.
- Digital Asset Management: I spent a week in January in Seattle putting some finishing touches on my Adobe Lightroom training. If you've ever worked in "digital asset management" you know how vital software training can be. I spent one year learning Lightroom and the last seven months completely revamping my photography database. (I tossed 25,000 images into the trash!!) I retooled everything from organizational structure to keywording and output workflow. I've also worked with Next Steps Collective to develop a business brand that will carry me through the exciting years ahead. The core of my business is solidifying.
With my foundation built, now it is time to go photograph. Now it is time for the North Cascades.
For the last five weeks I've trained very hard to prepare myself for the rigors of the biggest photographic challenge of my life ... hiking solo for 100 miles and 14 days through Washington's precipitous North Cascades National Park.
A solo trip in the Cascades IS takeoff. From there on, I will be airborne, flying the currents of adventure, sharing the beauty and blood to behold along the way.
I appreciate the support of all of my friends and family, business partners and colleagues. Thank you for sticking with me all these years as I have honed my vision of the world to what you see today.
All my best,
Eric
www.ericzamora.com
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