The AWAI Travel Photography Workshop, Seville (Day 4)

 The workshop participants

Back Row from the left:Jerry, Lynnia, Lee, Jackie (our organizer and administrator), me and Efrain (our guru)

Front row from the left: Simon, Sue and Brent.

Our last day at the AWAI Travel Photography workshop began with a class session on Selling to Magazines. The idea being that we could develope our art well enough to sell our travel images to the print media. Efrain has been published many times, and showed examples of his published work. Although this was meant to be encouraging, after seeing his lovely photographs, one can't help wondering if it really is possible to be that good. Still, as I keep telling myself, I could have another 30 or 40 years ahead of me to practice, so why not give it a shot, I should at least try!

The Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares

(Museum of Folk Art and Costumes)

in the María Luisa Gardens

A ceramic pottery decoration in the park

For this day's shoot, we went to the Parque de María Luisa Gardens. The great thing about the Doña María Hotel, where we stayed, is that it is within walking distance of many of Seville's famous landmarks, so we had no problem in getting around. The park used to be part of the private gardens of the Palacio de San Telmo, where the Infanta, María Luisa Fernanda de Orleans, Duchess of Montpensier, lived. In 1893, she donated the land to the city of Seville, and it was used as the site of the Iberoamerican Exhibition of 1929.

 

This unique ceramic frog fountain is one of the features of the park.

The park covers a very large area, so they have 

these pedal-power carts for rent

The Jacaranda-lined avenues of Seville reminded me of Harare.

On our return to the hotel, we had our last photo review with Efrain, before going to pack, and get ready for the evening's entertainment. This was our farewell dinner in Tablao el Arenal. This is a restaurant with a Andalusian Flamenco show. We were entertained in true Sevillian style by a troup of true gypsy flamenco musicians, singers and dancers. Unfortunately they do not allow photographs, but it was a fun way to end our far-too-short a stay in Seville. We did, however, all come away with a whole new perspective on the business of travel photography, and a determination to practise hard to improve. I found the whole workshop so stimulating and informative that I have signed up to go on another one to Venice in September. Not that I really need an excuse to go Venice. Watch this space!

Efrain encouraged me to be more adventurous in my photography.

This is my last shot of the Giralda Tower, showing the Weather-vane on top.

Seeing the horses and carriages reminded me 

of the Princes Islands, Istanbul