First, an explanation of what MARS is. Run by a group of dedicated volunteer members, MARS is a nonprofit organization. The school is a nationally accredited learning institution that offers hands-on, career-focused educational programs in photography. Our primary goal is to provide students with a rewarding experience in education, camaraderie and fun. Each year, in early Spring, a faculty of outstanding photographic instructors are invited to share their knowledge and experience with the students. MARS strives to provide the best programming and instruction through internationally recognized industry leaders.

The idyllic setting for our school is the Grand Hotel, in the historic city of Cape May, New Jersey. The oldest shore resort in New Jersey, Cape May has been a tourist destination since the 1760s. But it is not your typical beach resort. There are more than 600 restored Victorian homes on display. Walk the Promenade or stroll the three-block pedestrian mall. The school takes full advantage of the impressive charm in this land of posh bed and breakfasts and its famed Cape May "diamonds." MARS has developed a great relationship with the hotel and other locales, and most classes have on-location sessions at the exquisite Bed and Breakfast Inns, gorgeous churches, and quaint streets. The weather in the early spring is just beautiful, and the tulip blossoms add to the experience. Plus, because Cape May is located on the peninsula at the southern-most tip of New Jersey, you are afforded the rare opportunity to photograph both sunrise and sunset over the water.

As an "all-inclusive" school, we take care of everything for you. All students and instructors stay in comfort at the full-service, newly remodeled Grand Hotel. Located directly across from the beach, the hotel is your home base for the week. Here, the atmosphere promotes making new friends and networking with others who share your passion for photography. Our students range in age from 18 to 80 and come from all over the country. We’ve even had students from Mexico and Canada. Each brings their interests and backgrounds to create a diversity and creativity that can only be described as electric. All classes are held in the hotel as well. Our school and class sizes continue to remain small, so you are assured an intimate experience. At the end of the week, we’re all like family. Your meals at MARS are beyond compare, both in quantity and quality. During the week, we offer both buffet and sit-down dinners. A wide variety of entrees are served at each meal, satisfying your particular tastes and requirements, including vegetarian. The Penthouse dining room overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the panoramic view while you share the day with your classmates, new friends and business contacts.

The all-inclusive fee of $1150 covers just about everything:

• Class study with the instructor of your choice*
• Hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
• All scheduled meals (including all lunches and most dinners)
• Presentation Banquet
• Special school-wide sessions (including sunrise and sunset)
• Trade show and premium vendor exposure
• Late night presentations by instructors
• All scheduled parties and mixers
• Coffee breaks
• Group photo on the beach
• Certificate of achievement
• Daily newsletter
• And all the fun you can handle!

* Classes fill very quickly, so don’t delay in getting your first choice.

View our exciting courses and instructors for 2009!