Photographer Ruth Hoyt to be showcased at 2010 Natural History series

WESLACO — Feb. 27 will mark the eighth week of the 2010 Natural History Speaker Series held at the Valley Nature Center located on 301 S. Border St. in Weslaco.

The Valley Nature Center has collaborated with the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce to create this series; and this week will showcase nature photography by bringing in one of the best in the field — nature photographer Ruth Hoyt.
This will be Hoyt’s second year with the series. VNC Education Director Susan Hoehne said the center’s annual event runs for 12 Saturdays, starting the second week of January and ending in March. Every year the topics change to accommodate locals and regulars at the center.

Hoyt’s photos have been used by National Geographic, Texas Monthly and Rio Grande Valley Nature. Many of her works are exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute, Missouri Botanical Garden and in Powder Valley Nature Center.
Martin Hagne, Executive Director of the Valley Nature Center said this will be a good experience for novice photographers.

“I think anyone who is interested in nature and photography would definitely gain a lot of information and good tricks,” Hagne said.

The series will offer budding photographers valuable information, including choosing good spots to shoot, where to find these areas and how to capture the scenes found there. Those who like a more in-depth experience can meet on Sunday when Hoyt will share her knowledge on the subject.

“With today’s technology anyone can go out and go for it,” Hoehne said. “The nice thing about the class is she teaches you techniques and how to get the best out of the camera you own.”

Hoyt will hold a presentation on Feb.27, and for those that would like a more in depth experience she will also be teaching a Nature Photography Class on Feb. 28. The workshop will be from 7-11 a.m. and costs $75 per person.