Photographers: Discover the Dramatic and Enchanting Environment of Kosrae

(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 27, 2009 ) KOSRAE, MicronesiaÂ—Photographers in search of the perfect location for their next "shooting vacation" need only look toward the vibrant South Pacific island of Kosrae. The island offers a creative challenge to all visual artists Â— whether the photographerÂ’s preferred style leans toward a more photo-journalistic portrait of the Kosraean people and culture; or focuses on the remarkable variety of terrain and geological points of interest via landscape photography; or if the focal point delves deep into the crystal clear coastal waters to capture the colorful marine life with specialty underwater equipment Â– the islandÂ’s 42 square miles and surrounding coastline ensures photographers will return with great images.

For those who use photography to develop a narrative, the people and culture of Kosrae are a unique photo opportunity. Kosrae is an island where many of the residents live in much the same way as their ancestors did Â— which means the islandÂ’s culture is very different from what is experienced in the Western world. The people of Kosrae are very much in touch with their surroundings, as they work with their hands to weave fibers gathered from local trees, carve canoes for both daily use and ceremonial racing; and even raise buildings in the traditional style, such as those on the grounds of Kosrae Village Ecolodge. Kosrae has a tight-knit community that continues to celebrate holidays as a social event, and are happy to share their culture with visitors.

The islandÂ’s long history means that landscape photographers can choose backdrops containing historical artifacts and remnants of the past Â— in addition to the lush jungle, beach and rainforest settings. The island offers a variety of terrain in a relatively small area Â— capture a sunset or sunrise over the ocean, express the solitude of an empty beach, discover the intensity of color hidden within the rainforest jungles, uncover the magic of ancient and not-so-ancient (WWII) ruins, and fill your frame with the rising mountains that give the "Island of the Sleeping Lady" her name Â— all in the same day.

The spectacular sights are not limited to the surface. Due in part to the efforts of Kosrae Village Ecolodge's owners and staff, Kosrae maintains a pristine reef and crystal clear waters. Underwater photographers are welcome to take part in the annual coral monitoring program, or visit any time to experience the colorful world that exists beneath the surface: the abundance of marine life and pristine hard corals make this a prime destination.

No matter what is on the storyboard, Kosrae Village Ecolodge and Dive Resort is a great home base for photographers and their families. Guests stay in a traditional cottage ("lohm") which is furnished with modern amenities including a a table and chairs Â— perfect for arranging slides or notes. Packages of six days and seven nights can be tailored to include on-island or diving activities, and most start for under $1000 per person. For complete details on packages, visit www.kosraevillage.com/packages.shtml. Nightly rates (which include a full breakfast) are also available and start at $149 per cottage (based on double occupancy).

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About Kosrae Village Ecolodge and Dive Resort
Kosrae Village is the first and only ecolodge and dive resort on the island, and was eco-friendly before it was the Â“inÂ” thing. The resort was named a Top 50 Eco-Lodge and a World's Best Eco-Outfitter of 2009 by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, awarded Islands Magazine's Global Sustainable Tourism Award in December 2007 and was awarded the 2006 Project Aware Environmental Achievement Award. For more information or to book a stay at the resort, contact Kosrae Village at +691 370.3483, via e-mail at info@kosraevillage.com or visit www.kosraevillage.com

Kosrae Village Ecolodge & Dive Resort
Nancy Goodwin
630-729-6880
ngoodwin@atmstravelnews.com