2012 GSCCC Convention

Optional Tours/Photo Shoots

New Lake Martin Swamp Tour - 7:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 22, 2012 Seating Available

New Lake Martin Swamp Tour: This Lake Martin Swamp Tour has been added because the original tour sold out very early in the convention registration process. The description of this tour is identical to that of the original Lake Martin Swamp Tour described below.

You will have plenty of time to return to the hotel to checkout before the noon deadline.

Lake Martin Swamp Tour - 7:30 a.m.
Friday, April 20, 2012 Seating Now Available

Lake Martin Swamp Tour: Led by nature and landscape photographer Joe Pons. Designed specifically for photographers, not general tourists, this two hour boat tour of Lake Martin with Butch Guchereau and his son will offer a rare, close-up opportunity to document this well-known rookery within the Cypress Island Preserve.

Distance from Hotel: About 45 minutes
Departure Time from Dock: 7:30 a.m.
Tour Capacity: Maximum of 16 (8 per boat to allow for comfortable picture taking) on a “first come, first served” basis
Minimum for Tour: 8 (Should this number not be met, all deposits will be fully refundable.)
Cost before March 15th: $25 *Necessary for boat reservations
Cost after March 15th: $30 *Should available seating remain
Conference Schedule: Returning in time for opening session

The early morning visit to the bird watchers’ paradise with these two experienced guides will render an “inside” view of this home to alligators, turtles, and, of course, the shutterbug’s favorites – egrets, spoonbills, owls, anhingas, and herons.

Evening at the Shadows - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 20, 2012

Evening at the Shadows: Only three and a half miles from the Ramada Conference Center lies the historic jewel of New Iberia, the Shadows on the Teche. After a right turn from the convention site (away from Highway 90 and toward the city center), a straight route on Highway 14 leads to Main Street (a dead end), where upon turning left, one will immediately see the Visitors’ Center on the left and the 1834 manor house on the right.

There on the banks of the Bayou Teche, this beacon of local hospitality welcomes the conference attendee to a weekend highlight – an evening that will showcase the home’s history, the Southern culture, and the area’s most-published documentary photographer. In the midst of the oak-laden grounds, each guest will appreciate the long legacy of photography that this National Trust property has enjoyed.

The Evening at the Shadows blends ingredients guaranteed to create a memorable experience:

Admission to the grounds of this beautiful landmark
An exhibit with images that attest to the property’s longtime photographic commitment
Brief historical overview of the home’s endurance
Short dramatization by past “residents”
Camera-ready models from a Civil War Re-enactment group and the community’s little theater
A dinner of local delights – boudin, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, fried catfish, and more!
Foot-tapping music with a Cajun flair
The final highlight, a feature presentation by Philip Gould, whose depiction of the Bayou State is sure to complement his entertaining style

This three to four hour event, beginning at 4:30 p.m., promises – with its sights, sounds, and tastes – to give you a good time and your camera a healthy workout!

Avery Island Tour - 7:30 a.m.
Saturday April 21, 2012

Avery Island Tour: Led by nature and landscape photographer David Akoubian. About a 20 minute drive from the Ramada Inn New Iberia to Avery Island Jungle Gardens. Arrive at the toll bridge about 7:30 AM. Normally, Avery Island visitors cannot enter until 9 AM; however, special arrangements have been made for GSCCC Conference participants to enter early.

Jungle Gardens is the home to many pairs of nesting birds, alligators, turtles and other swamp life.
Tickets must be purchased for this activity by noon Friday, April 20th to gain early admittance to the island.
This activity includes both walking and driving (distances minimal on improved trails, some areas accessible for the handicapped). A map is provided
Cost $8.50 per person w/o vehicle and $9.50 per person w/ vehicle.
Ticket Cutoff: NOON April 20th.

This is necessary in order to obtain the necessary tickets and permits. You will be able to return to the hotel in time for the morning session.

GSCCC Awards Banquet - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday April 21, 2012

GSCCC Awards Banquet: Join us at the GSCCC Awards Banquet as GSCCC honors its 2011 award winners. Guests will dine on prime rib, shrimp fettuccini, chicken with cream sauce, and all the fixings.

Special entertainment will be provided!
Awards will be presented.
Door prizes, including a Tamron lens will be given away at the banquet. You must be present to win.

Optional Post Conference Tour
Cajun Jack's Swamp Tour - 7:30 a.m.
Sunday April 22, 2012 Sold Out

Cajun Jack’s Swamp Tour: About 1 hour drive to meet Cajun Jack. We will leave the dock at 7:30 AM for a 2 1/2 hour Atchafalaya Basin tour. This is not a general tourist tour but one specifically designed for photographers! Among the expected wildlife to be viewed are several pairs of nesting Bald Eagles.

For comfortable photography, only a maximum of 20 can be accommodated.
Sign-up is first come, first served. There is a minimum of 15.
In the event this tour does not meet the 15 minimum, all deposits for it are fully refundable.
Cost $35.00 person. Cutoff Date March 15. This is necessary in order to reserve Cajun Jack and his boat.
Assuming the tour makes up by March 15, any available seats, AFTER MARCH 15 WILL COST $40.00.

You will be able to return to the hotel in time for noon checkout.