Award-Winning Photographers Donate Images to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) for Celebration of Earth Day

Award-Winning Photographers Donate Images to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) for Celebration of Earth Day

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 18, 2006

This year Washington area residents can kick off Earth Day at an evening gala featuring leading ecotourism companies and experts from around the world. However, in addition to 50 vacation packages to some of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations, noted photographers are joining force by offering “images of excellence.”

“We’re marking Earth Day by offering fabulous eco-holidays with some of the world’s best companies. Tourism is one of the world’s biggest industries, and when it’s done badly, it causes major environmental and social damage. The companies donating trips operate in ways that respect the environment and local communities, while providing their guests with outstanding holiday experiences,” says Martha Honey, TIES Executive Director.

“And TIES also has award-winning photography images for those who are looking to bring a bit of paradise into their home,” says Karin Leperi, Photography Event Coordinator for TIES. “These photographs celebrate the beauty of nature, wildlife, and the land, representing some of the finest images available on the market today.”

Professional photographers who are donating their talents to TIES celebration of Earth Day include: Albert Valentino of New Jersey, Darren Stratemeier from California, Edward Heaton in Pennsylvania, and Karin Leperi from Maryland.

Wildlife photographer Albert Valentino, a recent first place Nikonian winner, offers three stellar images of an American icon – the eagle – from a recent photo shoot in the wilds of Alaska. He strives to capture the personality and soul of wildlife, often through the eyes. To preview Valentino’s three matted 11×14 prints, available as a tabletop auction, click on the following:

http://www.pbase.com/alvalentino/image/57895753


http://www.pbase.com/alvalentino/image/58529725


http://www.pbase.com/alvalentino/image/57655407

An accomplished landscape photographer, Darren Stratemeier showcases a stunning glass-framed and matted 12×18” print of a lone Cyprus taken on a recent photo tour of the Italian countryside. Evocative of the quintessential Tuscan agriscape, the print captures an ethereal quality of mood and light available only in the bluish light of pre-dawn. A limited production photographer, Stratemeier’s images are difficult to find on the market.

Ed Heaton, a landscape and travel photographer, currently has several of his images on special exhibition at Longwood Gardens. He takes us to Babcock State Park in West Virginia for his award-winning image titled, “Reflections at Glade Creek Grist Mill.” This is a double-matted 16×20. For a preview of this auction image, go to:

http://www.edheaton.com/-/edheaton/gallery.asp?cat=28492&pID=1&row=15

Karin Leperi combines travel photography with her love of nature, people, and the land. As a regular broadcast contributor to Talking Travel Radio Network and an agritourism consultant to TIES, she seeks to educate the public on agritravel and its connections with the bounties of both land and sea. Leperi has two glass-framed and matted photographs available at the TIES gala. To read about her recent article, “An Agriscape Experience,” check out: http://www.ttrn.com/dwvkarinleperituscany.htm

The live event, Celebration of Ecotourism and Eco-Holiday Auction, takes place from 5 to 11PM on Friday April 21, 2006 at the Carnegie Institution in Washington DC.

Tickets are $ 60 in advance and $ 75 at the door. For more details see: http://www.ecotourism.org or email events@ecotourism.org.

Previous year attendees included diplomats/ International development agency officials, philanthropic organizations, NGOs, academics, and others from the world of ecotourism and the tourism industry.

The International Ecotourism Society promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people through: creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry; educating tourists and tourism professionals; and influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

Proceeds from your auction event will go to support The International Ecotourism Society in our mission to promote responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

About TIES:

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington DC with members in over 90 countries. It is the largest and oldest organization in the world dedicated to promoting tourism that protects and benefits both the environment and local communities.

Contact:

The International Ecotourism Society

1333 H Street, NW. Suite 300, East Tower

Washington, DC 20005

Telephone: 202-347-9203

Fax: 202-387-7915

http://www.ecotourism.org

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