Y explore Yosemite Adventures Announces Agreement with National Geographic Photographer Phil Schermeister

Sonora, CA, January 11, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Y explore Yosemite Adventures (http://yexplore.com), a leading tour provider in Yosemite National Park, has entered into a partnership that is certain to enhance outdoors experiences for their clients. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister has agreed to direct “Yosemite Explorer Master Photography Sessions” for Y explore. The company will feature these workshops as an opportunity to go “on assignment” in Yosemite and develop compositional skills with an authority on nature photography. Schermeister will serve as the lead guide for each tour that he will design with an emphasis on seasonal park highlights throughout the year.

Phil Schermeister’s interest in nature photography was kindled when he started working for the National Geographic Society on an assignment twenty years ago. In the time since that first project, he has traveled to all fifty states and several countries for various National Geographic Society publications. He has also completed several single-photographer books for the National Geographic including “America’s Western Edge” and “America’s National Parks”. Closer to home, his coverage of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains was featured in a National Geographic book entitled “The Range of Light: California’s Sierra Nevada”. He continues to work for the Geographic, and his work was included in a 2005 Yosemite article titled: "Beyond the Valley of Wonders". Y explore CEO and Founder, John P. DeGrazio states “Phil has produced so many incredible images that tell stories about Yosemite. He now plans to share his knowledge and those stories with our clients.” DeGrazio continues, “Schermeister’s Master Sessions will present an opportunity to see Yosemite through the eyes of a true expert, and it is exciting to think about providing that type of service to the public.”

Schermeister headlines a talented faculty of professional photographers who lead workshops for Y explore Yosemite Adventures. The group includes Christine White Loberg and James McGrew who are also employed by the park service as interpretive park rangers. They are joined by legendary climbing photographer, Chris Falkenstein, and Evan Russel, a rising talent with an astute eye and a highly effective teaching style. “We strive to be recognized as a premier Yosemite guiding service,” DeGrazio reflects. “And adding a photographer of Phil’s stature moves us closer to that goal.” Schermeister adds “I like what Y explore is doing, and I think I can be an asset for this company. I enjoy getting out there and teaching people.” He plans to immediately begin designing programs that will appeal to photographers of all experience levels.

Founded in 2006, Y explore Yosemite Adventures offers professionally guided hiking tours and photography workshops in Yosemite National Park. They encourage park visitors to connect with Yosemite through outdoor experiences that offer unique photographic opportunities and lasting memories.

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