Camera offers unique shot at bridging cultural gaps during travel

Camera offers unique shot at bridging cultural gaps during
travel

Taking meaningful vacation photos is a snap, seminar says

By Sona Stepanian

Daily Bruin Contributor

Usually, vacation photos are simple snapshots of people waving
at a camera.

But for professional photographers Lisl Dennis and Nevada Wier,
they are a way of staying in touch with an ever-changing and
culturally diverse world.

"It is an increasingly difficult social world to travel in and
photograph in, and I think it’s very important for photographers to
first understand what they are taking a picture of and what the
point is," says Wier. "For me, it’s getting the chance to really be
involved with other cultures and people."

Wier and Dennis share their years of travel photography
experience and photographs in Visual Journey, Creativity and
Adventure in Travel Photography, a one day seminar at the Paramount
Studio Theater this Saturday.

By sharing her personal experiences, Dennis takes the audience
on an "Inward Bound" journey, examining the creative approaches to
travel photography. And Wier takes the audience "Out of Bounds" on
"adventures" and to exotic places through an extensive slide
show.

"We are trying to allow people to look at the different
possibilities for travel photography," says Wier. "It is not just a
matter of a snapshot, you have to demand more of yourself and of
the final result."

Their photographic explorations have taken Wier and Dennis all
around the world and have helped them create a memorable record of
their adventures.

"One has to use the camera as a handshake and as a way of
getting closer to people," says Dennis. "Things are becoming more
complex, so get out there and use the camera as a way to get more
involved with different cultures."

While many downplay the social impact of travel photography,
Dennis and Wier are quick to point out the significance of the
field.

"It might appear to be a superficial thing people do on their
holidays, but it has the potential to enable us to make real
connections and breakthroughs on a global basis," says Dennis.

Wier also stresses the importance of forming connections with
the outside world. "I think it’s a way of exploring the world
through your camera," she says. Then she adds with a laugh, "As
long as you don’t get too caught up in it and forget to put the
camera down sometimes."

SEMINAR: Visual Journeys is on Saturday, March 9 at the
Paramount Studio Theater. Tickets are $35.00 with student ID. Call
(310) 652-7770 for more info.Comments to
[email protected]