SHUTTERBUGS PACK YOUR BAGS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY 101 AT MARQUIS LOS CABOS RESORT

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Years ago, when I traveled, I bought postcards as a visual memory of my trips and took not-too-great pictures with my Brownie-style camera. I came home from a trip to South America and it cost me $187 to get my film developed. I suddenly realized it would be cheaper to just buy postcards than take my own pictures.

But postcards lacked the personal experience and memories.

Then I discovered digital photography.

For the same cost as the film for one long trip, I could buy a digital camera. There were three reasons I liked this

1. I could take as many pictures as I liked at no extra cost

2. I got instant feedback as to whether the pictures were good, people were smiling, or if their eyes were shut

3. I could delete all the bad ones and pretend I was a wonderful photographer

Now, I actually like to think I am a good photography. At a few destinations, people ask me if they can use my pictures for their brochures. (Do they really like my pictures that well, or do they just think that the price is right?)

Many people tell me I have a great camera. But I know it is because with trial and error I have learned about light and how to frame shots. My camera is good, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I dream of having a real photographer at my side, explaining how to improve my skills. Now I think my dream could be a reality.

Digital Photography Getaway Offered June 1 – December 15, 2007 at $1,980

Become an expert photographer or just pretend for five inspirational days at Marquis Los Cabos Beach, Golf, Spa & Casitas Resort in Mexico's Baja Outback. The Shutterbug Getaway, available from June 1 – December 15, 2007, offers three days of digital photography classes from 3 – 5 hours each with a professional local photographer. Guests bring their own digital camera to learn the tricks of the trade so they can continue learning at home. Images are burned on a CD for guests. Photography lessons include landscape, architecture, wildlife, still art and portraits. Guests can develop an impressive portfolio with snapshots of the arid Baja desert, the turbulent Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, the unique outback wildlife, the Southwestern style architecture and the local people. Real shots of village life are taken during a side jaunt to Todos Santos where locals sustain themselves through handicrafts and tortilla-making by hand. For more information and reservations, call 1-877-238-9399 or book online at www.marquisloscabos.com.

The 5 day/ 4 night Shutterbug Getaway starts at $1,980 per person and includes accommodations in a Junior Suite or Private Pool Casita with ocean front view and balcony for dining; daily buffet breakfast at the resort's restaurant Vista Ballenas and a Marquis Los Cabos signature welcome drink upon arrival. Unlimited access to the gym and Jacuzzis; VIP airport transfers and taxes and service charges round out the package offerings. Guests can extend their stay with additional nights at $495 per night for a Junior Suite and $725 per night for a Private Pool Casita.

The 237-suite Marquis Los Cabos Resort, a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World and only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos, features dramatic water highlights, an extensive Latin American art collection and a 15,000 square foot holistic spa and fitness center. All guest rooms are suites and feature Bulgari amenities, imported Italian Frette linens, goose down comforters, internet access and hydro-massage bathtub. The beachfront property is located in the "Cabo Real” section of Los Cabos, 18 miles from the airport and only six miles from San Jose del Cabo.  Marquis Los Cabos has been named as a 2007 Gold List Resort by Condé Nast Traveler and Canto del Mar, its gourmet restaurant, has been honored with the Five Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

And if my pictures aren’t perfect, I can certainly soothe my soul in the spa.

Madelyn Miller is a food and travel writer who loves to take pictures. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.carladynews.com, www.cocktailatlas.com and www.teaAtlas.com