“These workshops are a wonderful opportunity to travel to a new locale and explore while learning a new skill.”

-Sandra Manolescu

Meet the Experts

Rich Wagner is a highly skilled digital photographer. His images hang in public corporations and private foundations from San Diego to Boston and in homes from the Americas to the Far East. He’s a master at teaching just about anyone with any kind of camera how to take better pictures. Rich will share his expertise in composition and editing, as well as pointers on selling locally to fund your vacations.

Steve Marchant is going to be our "cultural attaché" in Ecuador and guide to the Super Thinking technique we'll use in learning Spanish. Steve has lived and worked throughout the US and Europe, and is now based permanently in Ecuador. He knows the place inside-and-out and will be a reliable resource to turn to as you explore this gorgeous nation.

Hear what the last group we took to Ecuador had to say about the expedition!

Push > to listen to the recordings

Past Photo Workshop Testimonials

“I am looking forward to it. I am biased. There is no one I would rather travel the world with than Lori. If you have not had an opportunity to see the world with her, I anticipate you are in for a rare and unexpected treat. If you have you know it will be an exciting adventure which you will always cherish.”

Scott Moses

“The workshop was well done in every way and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to photographers (even hobbyist and amateurs). I will definitely be interested in taking other AWAI workshops.”

Pam Spivey

“Great experience – both in learning photography and seeing a new place in a different way.”

Cathy Metzinger

“The workshop was fun. I learned a lot… I met interesting people and I became excited about trying to make money from photography. The workshop is an excellent value and provides information that is difficult to acquire in other ways.”

Susan Hoffman

“It’s so hands-on with simple learning techniques. Great people and all instructors are so nice. I didn’t realize I would love it so much and I can’t wait until the next one!”

Pamela S.

"I am always amazed at how adept you are at making others feel valuable! Thanks so much for all that you did to make us feel welcome, as if we were with old-time friends! As I mentioned to you at the workshop, I thought everything went so smoothly, and I know when that happens, lots of work has to be done beforehand! I could hear and feel the excitement from those in attendance throughout the workshop. The expertise shared with us will make all our lives so much richer!."

Lily Torrez

"Rich came to the workshop with his own expertise and because of his journey, he had a unique understanding of our needs. He was the perfect man for the job."

Nancy Cappo

“You certainly made a good impression on this first-time attendee. You should be proud of the organization you have built in a few short years. You have a great staff and that reflects very well on them and you. The guest speakers you assemble also testify to the strength of your organization and you personally. But what contributes to that apparent ease is your, your staff's, and your speakers' ability to have fun. And you are genuinely nice people. All that put together makes learning so much easier for all of us attendees.”

Bill S.

Travel with a Successful Professional Photographer to Explore the Color-Rich Markets and Artisan Towns of Welcoming Ecuador...

Plus Learn and Absorb an Extraordinary Language-Learning Technique -- and Master Spanish in a Week

Over Seven Colorful, Adventure-Filled Days:

• Learn from professional photographers the techniques they use to shoot pictures that sell for $200 - $500 – and even more…
• Get HANDS-ON PRACTICE applying your new skills – while you explore one of Latin America’s most colorful, friendly, and welcoming countries…
• Photograph the people of Ecuador’s hidden villages with PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Rich Wagner at your heel...
• Learn how to take AMAZING, MAGAZINE-QUALITY PHOTOS as you wander through the patchwork of color-filled villages that cling to Ecuador's green hills…
• Find out the little-known techniques photographers use to TAKE PHOTOS THAT SELL while you travel…
• PLUS -- AT THE SAME TIME -- Experience Dr. Georgi Lozanov’s breakthrough SUPER THINKING technique and learn to speak Spanish in only a few days, by using Baroque music as a bridge to a more natural, powerful way of thinking…
• Fill your suitcase with LOCAL ARTS AND CRAFTS that you can take back home to sell to your friends and family – for a handsome profit.
• EXPLORE EXCUADOR in a way you never would as a typical tourist…

If you're intrigued by the prestige of seeing your photos in magazines… if you long for a career or sideline that lets you travel whenever you like and wherever you please…

And if you're ready to enjoy a truly unique and insider's travel experience this summer… then this is, hands down, the best place to begin your adventure.

Join us in Ecuador August 30 – Septebmer 6 and immerse yourself in not only the pursuit of jaw-dropping photos you can sell… but in learning Spanish, too. This proven, Super Thinking System teaches your mind to remember and process in a whole new way.

In seven days, you'll be having conversations with the locals in Spanish. No kidding. And it'll relaxing, stress-free, and fun.

Meet Us in Quito and Explore Ecuador
in the Company of Like-Minded Friends

Ecuador is one of those places where you don't need to speak the language to come home saying, "Those people have to be the nicest in the world."

And visually, Ecuador is just as compelling. The landscapes are jaw-droppingly gorgeous -- white clouds settle in thick on the tops of green, vertical peaks. A patchwork quilt of cultivated plots in a thousand shades of green drapes the countryside.

As an attendee in this workshop, you'll see it all – beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, bustling markets… and you’ll do it all in the company of like-minded people sharing a similar goal – to experience this great country before the wheels of "progress" take over.

This workshop will be unlike any kind of tour you’ve ever taken.

We'll meet you at the airport in Quito and we’ll begin our adventure together from there.

Don't have any photography experience? No problem.

Don't know any Spanish? No worries. You don't have to know a lick of Spanish to take the class we've arranged. And you will be amazed by the results that this class produces.

In all honesty, you’ll never have a chance to experience Ecuador like this again.

There’s no other photo workshop out there that will offer you this... the opportunity to learn Spanish in six days while you explore the Ecuadorian countryside, photographing traditional markets and villages while you practice your new Spanish skills along the way.

"SUPER THINKING" is a breakthrough Bulgarian learning technique that pairs the musical tempo found in certain Baroque music with memorization -- plus a formula that will automatically “convert” thousands of English words to Spanish. It’s relaxing, stress-free learning that encourages clear thinking, improved health, and limitless creativity.

The UNESCO did a study of Dr. Lozanov’s “Super Thinking” in the late 1970’s. They found it effective and advised that it be used the world over. Now you’ll have the rare opportunity to try it for yourself.

With this system, you will discover how to think and learn more powerfully in just a week. And it won't just be for Spanish. In fact, you'll gain seven easy, intuitive techniques that you can continue to use throughout your life to gain any type of skill -- from using computers to athletics to conversational languages and even photography -- in much less time than with traditional learning techniques.

You’ll be in the classroom every day as well as out and about in the markets, visiting the villages and enjoying the hot springs, too. You’ll have fun with each Spanish lesson -- customized to an event to enjoy that day… plus you'll take your camera along to work on your photography at the same time. You get to put what you have learned into immediate action!

With “Super Thinking”, your whole body and mind will be stimulated to work at its best... in harmony. And you may find you’re doing things you never thought possible -- like speaking Spanish in just days and taking photographs so stunning, you'll be amazed.

Plus, each day will begin with a photo review session. You’re invited to select your best photos from the previous day’s shooting and have them reviewed. These sessions are invaluable in helping you improve your technique while you’re out and about each day.

And as a special treat you’ll get to experience a spa treatment at the jaw-droppingly elegant, La Mirage Hosteria. This beautiful hotel is set in luxuriant gardens full of tropical flowers and wildlife and you’re invited to spend a half day relaxing at the elegant covered pool and spa area.

Balance is an important part of this workshop. When your body is in balance and relaxed, you learn more. So you’ll spend an entire half day here, relaxing and putting your body in balance.

La Mirage Spa offers 11 different types of massages and treatments, including some with local flavor, like the Shaman Purification Treatment, or the Amazonian Bamboo Massage (who knew rolling sticks of bamboo across your back and feet could feel so good) plus other well-know treatments. Whatever you choose, the treat is on us… just suspend your cares and soak up the tranquility while you luxuriate in this elegant Ecuadorian one-of-a-kind spa.

Activity Level
High activity. A good portion of this workshop will be spent out-and-about on foot visiting local craft markets and villages as well as some of the natural attractions of the region, like Crater Lake. You should pack some comfortable walking shoes for these excursions.

Ecuador is at a high altitude, some people may experience altitude sickness. If you have a heart condition, you should consult with your doctor before you travel to find out about how best to adjust to the altitude when you arrive.

Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites. This workshop is for people of all skill levels and experience and the photography and language concepts discussed are doable by anyone.

Dates
August 30 - September 6, 2008

Ecuador Photography & Spanish
Immersion Expedition
Cotacachi, Ecuador
August 30 - September 6, 2008

Where: We’ll be staying in Cotacachi, a small, picturesque village about two hours north of Quito.

Your Registration Fee Includes:

• Transfers from the airport in Quito on August 30th to your hotel
• Your hotel room in Quito on August 30th
• Transportation to and from Cotacachi
• Photo instruction with professional photographer, Rich Wagner
• Six days of SuperThinking+Spanish course.
• Seven nights hotel accommodations with a delicious and healthy daily breakfast using only the freshest local produce.
• Daily coffee breaks with freshly baked delights from the kitchen at El Meson.
• Hands-on practice taking photos and using your newly-acquired Spanish skills to speak with and photograph the people living in Cotacachi and surrounding villages.
• A soothing soak in the healing thermal springs of Chachimbiro.
• A luxurious spa treatment, of your choice, at La Mirage Hosteria
• A trip to South America’s largest indigenous market in Otavalo.
• Visiting the leather market in Cotacachi and the village of the weavers plus other markets where you’ll see lots of beautiful artisan crafts.
• A welcome drink on your arrival into El Meson
• A complimentary farewell dinner on the last night at a 5-star Relais & Chateaux hotel.
• Transportation to and from all excursions.
• Professional instruction and assistance throughout the entire program from Rich and Steve.

Note: Schedule, speakers, and locations are subject to change.

Your Registration Does NOT Include:

• Airfare to and from Ecuador
• Transfers from your hotel in Quito to the airport for your flight home on September 7th (taxis are plentiful, though, and it’s only a $5-$10 ride).
• Meals not listed on this flyer
• Equipment – you must bring your own camera and accessories (e.g., memory cards, tripod, etc.)

To register now please click below or call Terry Frank toll-free at (866) 415-1425 or (202) 370-6459 Eastern Time. You may also email her at: terry@thephotographerslife.com

Cancellation Policy: The Ecuador Photography & Spanish Immersion Expedition is non-refundable. If, however, you are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be happy to apply your payment toward a future workshop. If you cancel due to medical reasons that are covered by your purchased travel-insurance policy, we will advise the insurance company that your travel and conference fees are non-refundable.

This workshop is for digital cameras only. You're welcome to shoot in film if you like, but due to time and space we will only focus on the digital medium of photography and the publications that buy digital photographs. Point-and-shoot digital cameras are welcomed (and encouraged for first-time snappers).

Listen to what these travelers had to say about our last photography expedition in Ecuador this past April…

Push > to listen to the recordings