Creative opportunities come in many shapes and forms, not just in art. For me, one of the most satisfying of those is teaching. My workshops are as much about exploring the creative process and developing a personal vision as they are about photography. I especially enjoy the five-day intensive format—workshops in which you have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into a subject. There is something very magical about this format that you just can't experience in a one-day or weekend workshop (though they, too, have their place). With a weeklong workshop, you have time to learn, practice and get feedback on new skills; to develop your eye and explore your personal vision; to bond with and learn from classmates; and to take your work to the next level.
I have set the dates for my winter/spring workshops and hope to announce my summer/fall workshops soon. Here's what's on tap so far:
NATURE REVEALED: Photographing Plants and Nature in the Studio
Gainesville, Georgia
January 28 - February 2
Why put your camera away just because it's cold outside? You can photograph flowers, seedpods, shells and other items collected from nature year round in the studio. In this workshop we’ll explore easy ways to setup a small studio in your home; working with natural light, continuous studio lights and other creative lighting techniques; locating and using backdrops and props; arranging still life settings and more. We'll also discuss collecting and preserving materials throughout the year to photograph later in the studio. This is a small workshop for no more than six students, held in my own studio, with access to my props, materials and equipment. In addition to my own botanical and nature collections, we'll bring in fresh flowers to photograph. In addition to group instructions, there will be plenty of time for one-on-one support and daily image reviews. There is a logical progression to the introduction of studio and still life photography skills, but creativity, personal expression and work on a personal project are encouraged. Come prepared to play!
THE INTIMATE LANDSCAPE: Amelia and the Southern Sea Islands
Fernandina Beach, Florida
March 18-24
Explore your personal creative vision amidst quiet beaches, expansive marshes, shady maritime forests with windswept oaks, a charming Victorian town and unique historic sites such as Fort Clinch and Kingsley Plantation. Discover new ways to connect more intimately with the landscape and capture a sense of place. Amelia Island, our base for the week, is the northernmost barrier island among Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Along with Big Talbot, Little Talbot and Fort George Islands, it forms the southernmost of the Sea Islands that run from the Santee River in South Carolina to the St. John’s River near Jacksonville. We'll shoot each morning and late afternoon/evening, with image reviews and classroom discussions mid-day. [Note: Only a couple of spaces remain in this workshop. All rooms must be booked at the Amelia Seaside Inn before January 15. If you are interested, sign up now!]
THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE: Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM
April 15-21
Tap your creative potential and explore your personal vision in Santa Fe—the country’s most unique city—and the surrounding high desert of New Mexico. Experience the richness of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo culture; explore the ruins of historic Puebloan communities that date back to 100-1600 AD; discover the magical light in slot canyons formed by wind and water; and delight in the colorful hillsides and adobe structures that drew O’Keeffe and other artists to the high country. With Santa Fe as our base, you’ll have ample opportunity to roam the streets of America’s oldest capital city. Home to hundreds of art galleries, inspiration abounds. We’ll visit photography galleries, feast on southwestern cuisine, and photograph both iconic and lesser-known natural and historic sites. [Note: This workshop is full. I am exploring the possibility of adding a September workshop in Santa Fe, so please drop me a line if you are interested.]
I would love to see you at a workshop in 2018. And if you know someone else who might be interested, I hope you will share this email with them. Thank you for your continued support and interest.
What others are saying about the workshops:
"Thanks again for all your efforts last week. You have an uncanny skill to tune into individuals very quickly and to offer insightful comments and observations. Of course, your teaching skills and approach are fabulous. We were all amazed at your boundless energy and enthusiasm as well as your personal attention to everyone and details, large and small." - Janet Bly
"Thank you for another fabulous workshop. Your workshops and teaching make me a better photographer and artist. The combination of technical information combined with a focus on the creative process elevates my skills and approach to photography. I returned home with a revitalized sense of seeing. I am seeing images I did not see before, and I have a heightened confidence to photograph in the studio. Moreover, I felt freedom and inspiration within the environment that you created for our workshop group. We thrived under your direction! Thank you so much!" - Ruth McCully
"The workshop was without a doubt one of the best things I've ever done for myself. This opened up a whole new level of thought and ideas with me which is exactly what I was hoping for. Your direction and teaching skills were just great. What I liked most was how chill you are with everyone and how your patience never waned." - Lori Carroll