Categories
Blog Workshops

Seeing Beauty Where You Are

My friend Tuan Pham will be presenting some new material at the National Arboretum in March.
 
Generally, people breathe without knowing that they are breathing. An unconscious act that keeps us alive. Many see in a similar fashion -mindlessly- without recognizing they are seeing. Over time inattentive blindness sets in; the joy of seeing goes out the window. Seeing happens without thought; a rose is a rose is a rose.
 
Mindful seeing wakes up the sensory organs. It reengages that sense of innocence, creating opportunities for endless transformative changes. Changes to the way we create art… and live life.
 
Tuan’s latest presentation is a synthesis of teachings on “insightful observation.” Drawing from works by masters in art, science and mysticism. Tuan combines this with his personal experiences in nature photography and mindfulness practice. He illustrates a common-sense approach to creating space for beauty to appear. To allow the child-artist within to come out and play.
 
This will help you to differentiate the four levels of seeing, or “Four Eyes.”
  • Eye-1 sees the familiar forms and labels, the things that everyone sees
  • Eye-2 takes time to look past appearances for subtleties, interdependence, inner connection, and the “what else?”
  • Eye-3 roams in and out of consciousness, between inner and outer landscapes, for different perspectives. Looks beyond the status quo
  • Eye-4 sees with complete presence, openness, and receptivity through the lens of “emptiness.”
Tuan has chosen photographs for the presentation that he took locally. He demonstrates that one need not travel long distances, climb tall mountains, or wake up before dawn to find beauty. There is beauty where ever you are.
 
Join Tuan at the US National Arboretum on Saturday, 31 March from 1:30 to 3:30pm. The cost is a mere $25, and you must register in advance.
 
His presentations are deep, beyond the technical, where the artist inside you lies.
Categories
News Reference Workshops

The Beauty of Things

My good friend Tuan Pham will be conducting a workshop and presentation at the National Arboretum in Washington DC in early 2014.   His presentation, “Beauty of Things Insubstantial, Insignificant and Untouchable” represents his Buddhist approach to photography and life in general.  His workshop is called “In Search of Artistic Personality” and will meet five consecutive Saturdays.

Beauty of Things by Tuan PhamBeauty of Things Insubstantial, Insignificant and Untouchable

Tuan’s Buddhist background has helped him develop a contemplative approach toward photography, mixing meditation and Wise Attention to see the beauty in things that others are willing to walk past.  This approach makes Tuan’s photography simple and compelling.  Tuan will share his methods for training your eyes and cultivating your mind to perceive your surroundings in an unbiased way; freeing you to create memorable images with a much deeper meaning.  Tuan is a life-long practitioner of mindful meditation and applies those principles to his photography.  The National Arboretum is one of Tuan’s favorite sites for nature photography, please join him for this unique opportunity to learn from one of our areas most accomplished amateur photographers.

Date:

8 February, 2014

Time:

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location:

United States National Arboretum

3501 New York Avenue, NE; Washington, D. C. 20002-1958

Tel: 202-245-2726    Fax: 202-245-4575

In Search of Artistic Personality

The workshop that Tuan will be leading will meet at the arboretum during the spring.  As of today, the workshop is still unscheduled.  Stay tuned for additional information.

Tuan’s teaching style is such that anyone with a camera, be it a DSLR, Point and Shoot or camera phone will be able to take advantage of his workshop.

Categories
News Workshops

Self-Publishing Artist Books w/ Lauren Henkin

Photoworks is hosting an innovative and artistic workshop with Master Photographer Lauren Henkin on Saturday, September 21 — from 10 AM – 4 PM.  The workshop is titled SELF-PUBLISHING ARTIST BOOKS, and is the perfect introduction for photographers who are interested in preserving or sharing or marketing their images.

Self-Publishing Artist Books with Master Photographer Lauren Henkin

DATE:  Saturday, September 21
TIME:  10am - 4pm (includes 1 hour lunch)
COST:  $225 (includes a comprehensive resource manual)
REGISTRATION LINK:  Self-Publishing Artist Books
QUESTIONS?  Contact Lauren Henkin at lauren AT laurenhenkin DOT com

Image of Photo BookBook publishing for photographers has exploded over the last few years.  Expanded options for printing have enabled artists to consider publishing their own works, through both traditional and handmade processes. There is now a level playing field between established photographers and amateurs and emerging artists, enabling anyone to craft their work specifically for a book.  While most of the focus on self-publishing has centered on available print-on-demand services, creating books produced directly by the artist offers an even wider array of control, options, and methods, making it an attractive option to expand the artist’s storytelling capabilities.  For example, when self-publishing, the artist can take a more active role in choosing the paper, layout, method of binding, and even work with other artists within the bookmaking community.  By viewing sample books and case studies and hearing in-depth descriptions of the steps required to complete a book project, participants of this 1-day introductory seminar will leave with the inspiration and resources to begin their project.  All of the following material will be presented as general topics, but also within the context of Henkin’s own experiences in self-publishing.

Topics covered will include:

  • Why self publish?
  • Advantages and challenges of self publishing
  • Types of Publications
  • Determining specifications for your project
  • Collaborating with other artists
  • Financing your book
  • Marketing and distribution
  • Case Studies: How others are doing it
  • Resources to complete your project
Categories
News Workshops

Simply Beautiful Photographs: A National Geographic Traveler Seminar

NatGeo Traveler is doing a full-day photography seminar titled “Simply Beautiful Photograhs” at National Geographic Society on October 6th.

Simply Beautiful Photographs

Your photographs can be artistic creations and you’ll learn the secrets to making the most appealing photographs possible. Renowned photographers Annie Griffiths and Dan Westergren take you on a visual journey and share their perspectives on what creates beauty in a photograph. They’ll cover how to use color, light, composition, and—most important—how to see your subjects with a different eye.

Dates & Locations

October 6, 2013
9:00AM - 4:00PM
National Geographic Society • Washington DC

Cost: $195

Register here: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngtseminars/seminars/simply-beautiful-photographs.html

Topics Covered

Composition and Light

Explore two of the most basic elements needed to create any beautiful image. You’ll see the importance of defining your subjects; incorporating shapes, colors, and textures; and using lighting techniques to vary and influence a photo.

Vision and Voice

How do you choose the content for your images? Learn how to express something personal through your images and create your own artistic voice. Great subject matter often comes from seeing something that others don’t within a familiar setting and then capturing it in your photo.

The Power of Moment

Great photographs convey information, ideas, and emotion. Learn how to sharpen your skill for finding and capturing decisive moments that will reflect what’s truly special about the places, people, and experiences you witness.

Learning to See

Train your eyes to look for photos that tell a story. Discover the visual, intellectual, and intuitive elements that go into making stunning photographs. Explore how travel photography styles have changed and what makes certain photos leave a lasting impression.

The Art of Taking Pictures

Color is the most significant element in composition. It commands the viewer’s eye and influences the feel of a picture. Discover how to work with color, contrasts, and balance, so you can make the most aesthetically appealing images possible.

Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or email: info AT ngtravelerseminars DOT com

Categories
Blogs Lighting Portrait Reference Video Workshops

Zack Arias

Zack is famous for his OneLight portraits.  I read about Zack in someone’s blog a long time ago and followed his blog for quite a while.

In this video from Creative Live, Zack discusses the relationship between flash power and aperture.

Zack and Creative Live have produced a series of videos that can be purchased based on his 3 day workshop.  Almost like being there, but you get the added flexibility to repeat any portion of the workshop that you didn’t quite catch, or that you are having difficulty grasping.

Categories
News Workshops

“Illuminating Creativity – A Photography Seminar”

I just received the following email from the Baltimore Camera Club:


Nationally acclaimed photographer John Paul Caponigro is conducting his unique one day photography seminar

“Illuminating Creativity – A Photography Seminar”
Saturday March 9, 2013 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Kelley Hall on the Goucher College Campus, Towson, MD
sponsored by the Baltimore Camera Club.

You can see more information at http://www.baltimorecameraclub.org/Caponigro_redirect.html

For more information please contact: Karen Messick at 410-337-2939 or karenskier AT aol DOT com

Information about John Paul Caponigro is available at:
http://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Paul_Caponigro

You may or may not know, the BCC had scheduled John Paul last year, however he had to cancel at the last minute due to a family emergency. The BCC rescheduled him again this year.

Categories
Blogs Reference Websites Workshops

Alain Briot

Mesa-View-1000

Alain Briot runs Beautiful-Landscape, a site that promotes photography as fine art.  Alain writes on many topics, including running a photography business and the fallacy that many starting photographers deal with, believing that if they work for less, they will sell more.

I stumbled upon Alain’s writing when I was reading a posting on Luminous-Landscape, a website where there are numerous excellent articles on photography, product reviews, tutorials, essays, etc.  I still subscribe to Alain’s blog, but frankly I don’t spend a tremendous amount of time reading it any longer.

Alain and his wife Natalie run workshops through Beautiful-Landscape, mostly in desert southwest.

Categories
Blogs Reference Workshops

Mary Lindhjem and Mollie Isaacs

AwakeTheLight

I met Mary and Mollie through Joe Miller and NVPS (my camera club) shortly after Mary and Mollie began working together and created Awake the Light, where they both teach and mentor photographers.  I have been to several of their presentations and they are always informative and fun.  Their take on photography, that it should be fun, comes out in their presentations and in their work.

Categories
Abstract Books Reference Workshops

Freeman Patterson

thegarden

photoimpressionismI cannot say enough good things about Freeman Patterson.  He is the most inspiring photographer that I have ever had the opportunity to meet.  I was turned on to Freeman Patterson by my camera club, the Northern Virginia Photographic Society, and eventually had the time and money to attend a workshop.  Freeman holds workshops with his partner Andre Gallant, another fine Canadian photographer.

photographingtheworldaroundI first bought “Photographing the World Around You: A Visual Design photographyofnaturalthingsWorkshop” to assist in attending my club’s self-improvement workshops back in 2006.  I also bought “Photography of Natural Things” and “Photography and the Art of Seeing: A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography” to get some more of Freeman’s writing.  Later, at the workshop, I bought “The Garden” and “Photoimpressionism and the Subjective Image: An Imagination Workshop for Photographers.”  All are well read, and I still get something out of reading each one of them again.photographyandtheartofseein