If you said, “Big Bend” as the answer to what is the biggest state park in the big state of Texas, you’re right on the money, pardner. And if you’re a newbie or consider yourself an “intermediate” digital photographer and want to learn more, now’s the time to register for a digital photography course at Big Bend–take a shot at one of two offered in May.
When we say, “biggest state park,” we say it with good reason. There’s over 300,000 acres of land encompassed in this park. Much of it lies in the Chihuahuan Desert. Don’t think of endless sands and cactus. Twenty-three miles of the Rio Grande river roll along the border of the park, so a bit of paddling can be had. Or saddle up to check out some of the seemingly endless miles available for horse riding, mountain biking, or just plain two-foot hiking.
But the photo workshop, led by the chief photographer of 
Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, Earl Nottingham, and backed by hotshot photogs from Canon cameras. Says Nottingham of the workshop:
“The camera is the perfect tool to gain a true appreciation of the Big Bend Country,” Nottingham said. “It forces you to sit on a mountaintop while waiting for magic light and to savor the sights, sounds and fragrances of the Chihuahuan Desert.”
The course operates on either one of two sessions: May 17-20 and May 21-24, and will set you back $450 per person. That includes park entry fees, lodging, meals and assistance of park rangers. Lodging is at the Sauceda Lodge, featuring dormitory-style accommodations with separate wings for men and women, and a dining room where meals are served. Dormitory accommodations? Wow! Maybe you can cut a deal to stay in your own RV and join up for the eats and class sessions.
Find out more by ringing up the Big Bend Ranch State Park at (432) 358-4444.photos: Mud bake, sean_mcgee on flickr.com; horseback rider, Chase Fountain, Texas Parks and Wildlife
