Every day, people come to Sky Meadows State Park and marvel at the gorgeous vistas of the Crooked Run Valley, watch Red-headed Woodpeckers and Eastern Bluebirds flit about, and discover wildflowers in bloom around every bend of the trails. They take out their cameras and try to capture the beauty of this place. Some are successful, creating an image that recalls that moment that moved them. But often, pictures don’t live up to reality. I know that mine rarely do. Most of the time, I blame my camera for failing to produce an image that lives up to my memory. But the truth of the matter is that, while I can spot an artistic shot, I don’t really know how to get the camera to grab it.
That’s where someone like Matt Asai comes in handy. Matt has been an avid photographer for over 35 years. He knows how cameras work. He knows how to compose a beautiful picture. And, best of all, he knows how to share his knowledge and his love of his craft with others. Matt has done workshops at several of Virginia’s State Parks, including here at Sky Meadows. And he’s back again this year to help educate amateur shutterbugs in the art of nature photography.
Matt Asai with workshop attendee (Sky Meadows, October 9, 2010)
Matt has a wealth of knowledge on which to draw. As a successful professional photographer, he has shot weddings, landscapes, and numerous events. To hone his skills, he attended the online at his website.
Matt will be offering two class sessions at Sky Meadows State Park on Saturday, May 21. The first will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Each session will cover the same material, so you only need to attend one. The classes are free and open to the public; regular parking fees are required. Bring your camera and your notebook. Also, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; you can’t photograph nature from inside!
Photo by Jeff Helm – taken at Matt Asai class 10/9/10
For more information about this, or any other Sky Meadows program, you can call the park at 540-592-3556 or visit our on-line events page.