Solar Eclipse and Texas Wildflowers Regional Event
Event Overview
Join Jennifer Leigh Warner and David Cook for a once-in-a-lifetime regional event in Central Texas photographing the full solar eclipse, Texas spring wildflowers and more.
A full solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, and one of the best places to watch the eclipse is in the Central Texas Hill Country. In preparation for the solar eclipse, we will walk you through some basic settings on how to photograph this unique event.
The first week of April also happens to correspond to peak wildflower season in the Texas Hill Country. Colors burst from the roadside and trailside as Texas Bluebonnets, Paintbrush, Pink Ladies and scores of other species of wildflowers put on their annual Spring show each year. And with flowers, come pollinators. From butterflies to bees, there will be no shortage of macro photography opportunities as well.
Cost:
Early Bird Rate: $710 NANPA Members/$910 Non-members by February 1, 2024
After February 1, 2024: $910 NANPA Members/$1110 Non-members
Last Date to Register: March 1, 2024
Maximum number of attendees: 14
Travel and lodging
Hampton Inn & Suites
700 Central Park Drive
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Telephone: (512) 866-9200
NANPA is holding a block of (16) King bed and (3) Double Queen bedrooms for event participants for the rate of $135 per night + tax.
To book a room at this discounted rate, use this reservation link and the room block code NAN.
NANPA Room Booking Link – Hampton Inn & Suites Cedar Park North Austin
The last date to book a room in the NANPA room block is March 1, 2024.
NEAREST AIRPORT:
AUS Austin International Airport
Transportation to and from the hotel and during the event is not included and is the attendees’ responsibility.
Car Rental: A regular rental car will be fine; we will not be driving on roads that require extra clearance or 4×4
Event Transportation
Transportation to and from the hotel and during the event is not included and is the attendees’ responsibility.
RIDE SHARING: We will be starting each day from the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton at Cedar Park. Ridesharing is encouraged to reduce the size of our vehicle presence and improve the traveling/following experience. You are welcome to either drive or ride with someone. This is also a great way to meet people and make new friends during the event!
Note that NANPA does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.
Meals:
All meals except Tuesday’s Group Lunch are on your own. The location of the Tuesday Group Lunch, which is included in the event registration fee, will be shared at the Meet and Greet. Attendees are encouraged to eat together with their group as part of the overall experience.
What to expect
Photography Locations:
Some of the locations that we will most likely photograph include:
Solar Eclipse (Texas Hill Country) – One of the highlights of this event is the full solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. The Texas Hill Country will have one the longest totality duration–over 4 minutes–in the continental United States. We’ll choose a location that offers great opportunities for the eclipse itself and its effect on the landscape.
Wildflowers (Travis, Williamson, Burnet Counties) – Spring through Central Texas brings a myriad of wildflowers along roadsides, and in many parks and preserves including Inks Late State Park, Turkey Bend Recreational Area, Brushy Creek Greenbelt, Old Settlers Parks and many others. While the Texas Bluebonnet, the State Flower of Texas, is the highlight, numerous vibrant species dot the landscape including Indian Paintbrush, Antelope Horn (native milkweed), Blanketflower, Pink Evening Primrose, and many others. These wildflowers bring pollinators so there will also be numerous opportunities for macro photography as well as wildflowers in the landscape.
The Solar Eclipse and wildflowers are the key topics of this regional event, but other opportunities are also available.
Caves and Grottos – The limestone and karst topography of Central Texas mean the area is rich in caves and grottos. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Inner Space Caverns, Westcave Preserve are three caves that are within an hour of the Austin area. While we have not yet confirmed a special photography tour of one of these caves, we are actively pursuing a special cave tour for the morning of the last day.
Birding Opportunities – April is the beginning of Spring Migration in Central Texas and numerous species will be coming through. The endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler returns in mid-March and a Travis Audubon preserve is a short distance away.
Your leaders will have visited the areas prior to the event and the field trip locations will be based on what’s most photogenic at the time, weather conditions, etc. These will be announced on Tuesday evening during the Registration/Orientation.
HEALTH AND FITNESS:
A moderate fitness level is required. Walks at parks and preserves may be up to 3 miles.
WEATHER & CLOTHING:
Layers are important in Texas this time of year. The average temps are between 60 – 80 degrees. A light rain jacket is also a good idea.
Closed toed walking shoes are recommended.
CAMERA GEAR:
The focus for this regional event is wildflowers, so having either a macro lens or a standard wide angle is a good idea. Typically, a 24-70mm will work as well. For the eclipse you will need a solar filter on your camera so as to not damage your camera.
A sturdy tripod will be useful for landscapes as well as the eclipse.
OTHER RECOMMENDED GEAR:
A rain jacket for your camera is a good idea. It can rain this time of year in Texas.
GENERAL:
We will be based in Cedar Park, TX during this regional event.
Please keep in mind that this NANPA Regional Event is designed to be a photo tour, not workshop. That said, don’t be shy about asking Jennifer and David for help if you need it. This tour is open for 14 participants to give each plenty of time with the leaders and to retain flexibility based on weather and the best opportunities.
This event is designed for all levels of photographers – amateur, intermediate, advanced, and professional – interested in improving their photography skills or looking for location guidance to capture images of this magical park. If you are new to photography, Jennifer and David will be available to answer questions, teach new techniques and help you improve your photographic skills. If you already have plenty of photography experience, Jennifer and David will ensure that you’re in the best locations at the best times for those perfect shots. Other participants are also great about sharing techniques, tips, and ideas. Please know your camera before you arrive and bring your manual just in case, we need to look up something.