As part of the New Liberal Arts’ rollout, Hiram College welcomes Daniel Dodge, artist- and adventurer-in residence, for its fall 2018 three-week session.
Dan will present a Photography, Conversation, and Reflection Series where he will integrate insights, experiences, and observations he has gleaned over his 5,000 miles of trekking.
Join Dan as he leads us, over the next three weeks, in four guided discussions and lively Q&As about his experiences as a long-distance hiker, outdoor enthusiast and mindful photographer. He will also ask those in attendance to share their own personal stories and experiences.
The discussions are listed below.
So, You Want to Do a Thru-Hike?
November 29, 4:30 p.m., Kennedy Center Formal Lounge
Thru-hiking is not for the faint at heart. Join Dan as he recalls some of his experiences thru-hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. With more than 5,000 miles of wilderness trekking under his belt, or should we say “pack,” Dan is currently preparing to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail in 2019. During this conversation, Dan will share his experiences on the trail and provide tips on how to prepare for your own thru-hike experience. This lecture is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Photos that Evoke, Inspire, and Make you Pause: Practicing and Experiencing Mindful Photography
December 3, 7 p.m., East Hall Forum
What does it mean to be present with a camera? There are probably as many answers to this question as there are photographers who practice mindful photography. Hiram College’s artist- and adventurer-in residence, Dan Dodge, will share a few stories and photos of how he practices and captures being present on the many trails and journeys that keep him trekking around the world. Come hear and see pieces and parts of Dan’s version of mindful photography. Feel free to share any pieces of yours you would like others to hear or see. This lecture is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Mindful Tech on Mindful Treks
December 6, noon, Dining Hall
Capturing and sharing images from any type of natural adventure has never been easier. Without much thought, we can whip out a phone, tap the screen, and – voilà! – send a picture to friends and family around the world. The whole activity usually takes a minute or less. Capturing memories, feelings, and surprises from any one of our journeys and sharing them with others can be a powerful and transforming part of any trek. Hiram College’s artist- and adventurer-in residence, Dan Dodge, shares tidbits he has gleaned while photographing his adventures. What makes a trekking photo really work? What makes it stay with you, enhance your memories, and complement your experience? What makes it speak to others that care about you and your journey? Dan will talk about times he’s gotten it right, times he’s gotten it wrong, and times when the best thing to do was to set the camera down. He’d love for you to share some of your own memories and photos of the moments you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This event is open to faculty and staff.
Trek with Dan Dodge
December 8, 1-5 p.m., James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
Rain, snow or shine, join Dodge for a trek! Put on your hiking boots, hop in a van and enjoy an experience with an expert. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring your camera if you desire.
*Van rides to the Field Station will be available for this event. Please sign up at the Welcome Desk. Vans will depart from the Kennedy Center 20 minutes prior to event start time.
Group Lesson on Mindful Photography
December 9, 1-3 p.m., James H. Barrow Biological Field Station Main Lab
In support of capturing breathtaking images, video, and animations of the James A. Barrow Field Station, Hiram College has invested in a state-of-the-art portable imaging studio. This portable kit features professional-grade equipment, which will allow students, faculty, and staff to document, create, and explore the intersection of nature and digital media. This kit contains the following items: Sony a7 III camera and accessories (35mm full-frame, 24.2MP camera with 4K video capabilities), a set of professional lenses (16-35mm wide angle, 55mm, 90mm macro, 100-400mm zoom), MacBook Pro loaded with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software, stop motion animation software and controller, audio recording equipment (headphones and microphone), tripods for both stationary shots and time-lapse video, and a Wacom graphics tablet.
*Van rides to the Field Station will be available for this event. Please sign up at the Welcome Desk. Vans will depart from the Kennedy Center 20 minutes prior to event start time.
Group Lesson on Mindful Photography
December 11, 7 p.m., Kennedy Center (Brown Fall Room)
Join Dodge, for small group lessons on mindful photography. This event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Trekking with Intent, Presence, and Purpose
December 13, 7 p.m., James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
Mindfulness has become a defining characteristic of Hiram College’s Tech and Trek. But practicing mindful trekking is not as easy as it sounds. While there is no single way to do it right, most mindful trekkers believe that practice makes progress (not perfection). Join Hiram College’s artist- and adventurer-in residence, Dan Dodge, as he shares experiences he’s had trekking with purpose, intent, and presence. Be prepared: he might ask a few folks in the audience to share an example from their life, too. This lecture is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
*Van rides to the Field Station will be available for this event. Please sign up at the Welcome Desk. Vans will depart from the Kennedy Center 20 minutes prior to event start time.
About Daniel Dodge
Dan Dodge is a photographer, adventurer, and backcountry guide who travels extensively, including more than 5,000 miles of wilderness backpacking. He has thru-hiked the entirety of both the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, chronicling these experiences in thousands of photographs as well as social media posts and personal journals. He is currently in preparation to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail in 2019.
Dan is a resident of Alaska, and while hopelessly in love with that state, he considers himself “home” wherever Nature thrives. Whether in Alaska or elsewhere, he can usually be found out of doors with a backpack and a camera. His collection of photographs highlighting the abundant beauty of Nature spans more than 15 years. It is his personal mission to remind humanity that there are endless reasons to be in love with our incredible planet and all of the living things that inhabit it. It is Dan’s firmly held belief that beauty is everywhere.
Follow Daniel on Instagram
by College Relations
