Education professor debuts 2nd season of Georgia travel show on GPB
Story developed by University Communications.
H is father gave him his first camera at age 12.
Now Dr. Chris Greer, professor of Instructional Technology at Georgia College & State University, uses that passion to educate people worldwide about photography and travel.
His first TV outdoor-adventure show, “View Finders,” aired last spring on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). It was so popular, he was invited back for a second season.
“I love to educate the general public about history, ecology and the natural beauty of Georgia,” Greer said. “A TV show like this provides me with incredible reach across the entire state and beyond. It’s very gratifying to have that kind of impact when it comes to topics like conservation and preservation of natural resources.”
Greer has been at Georgia College 17 years. He teaches a wide range of technology integration courses to undergraduates and graduate education students. Until recently, he hadn’t thought of developing a television show. The idea occurred after the publication of Greer’s image-rich books on Photography: “Georgia Discovered: Exploring the Best of the Peach State” and “Naturally Georgia: From the Mountains to the Coast.”
These books and the GPB show interest people who don’t always have time to travel to faraway places. But they also give people options for nearby attractions—places they may not have thought to visit.
“The appeal of this show is it highlights beautiful locations that anybody in Georgia can visit on any given weekend. We try to showcase the natural beauty that can be found all over this state,” Greer said.
Last spring’s shows were his first dive into television. The second season of “View Finders” began April 1st. It features 10 episodes—five airing this spring and another five in the fall. Every episode showcases a variety of music from Georgia musicians, as well. The series runs Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings for about 30 minutes.
“View Finders” can also be streamed at gpb.org or via the GPB app on a smart TV.
Episodes record a variety of places in Georgia and just beyond. Greer’s aim and undimming hope is always to capture gorgeous scenes and silhouettes in his camera’s viewfinder and on video.
Ever seeking, he goes on lengthy hikes and camps deep in the woods to capture pure moments.
This season’s GPB shows are filled with dramatic imagery like a floating sand dollar against a fiery-orange sunset; driftwood piercing through the sand against a pink-clouded sky; a well-
strewn path through tree-draped Spanish moss; and a waterfall spilling over rocks and autumn leaves.
“The show offers a little something for everybody,” Greer said. “The audience will appreciate how beautiful the state of Georgia is and hopefully have a vested interest in preserving that beauty for generations to come.”