The concept is to gather a small group of like-minded photographers who enjoy the experience of photographing people and learning photocraft.
Photographers must respect this medium and fully appreciate how it affects people. This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. The photographer greatly influences the outcome, the result. People are mercurial and, are by far, the most challenging subjects.
As the name suggests, Workshops consist of like minded photographers looking to improve skills specific to certain photographic subjects, such as people, and learning photocraft in finer detail.
People are mercurial, changeable, and as a result are by far the most challenging subjects. Photographers must respect working within this medium and fully appreciate how it affects the viewer. This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. With this knowledge, the photographer can greatly influence the outcome. With time, the importance of this subject will be engrained as ethics and values in all photographers.
In order to achieve this in photography, the photographer must be prepared, anticipate, and have absolute technical command of his/her equipment. With the technological advances in digital cameras, this has become more complex and harder to attain. As an aid to learning, models are used for many reasons: They are attractive, professional and reliable. They like to interact with photographers, and assist in our learning by responding adeptly to direction. They themselves will also gain valuable professional experience, as they achieve a Zen state in front of the camera to create a dynamic shooting experience. The models are of legal age, and photographers will receive a group model release from myself that allows for non-commercial use of the photographs.
Modern cameras are technically capable of "getting the shot" under the most atrocious lighting conditions. By learning how light renders their subject, and how to control their cameras, photographers will become synchronous with their environment, making truly great photos. Seeing light in this way, and creating through your camera takes a lot of practice. To gain complete insight on this subject, I have taken more than a million shots. With time and patience, so will you.
Within our Workshops, themes will vary. Subjects can range from; ballerinas in a dance studio, Hollywood portraits of the 1930's, Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition at Petrie Island, the powerful drama of ‘Gothic’ in the ruins at Mackenzie King, or photographing in a classic location like the Mill of Kintail.
General Guidelines: While enjoying our morning coffee, introductions to the models will be made, and a rough outline of the day will be formed. Breaking into small groups, the photographers will roam freely and shoot at their discretion. As photographers adjust their perspective, I will be on hand for individual and/or group coaching to enhance the learning experience for both the participants, and the models. Typically, the ratio of photographers to models is 4 to 1, however if class size allows, 2 to 1. During our breaks we will discuss questions from our experience, and regroup for an afternoon session.
Please take time to review the photos in the Mentoring gallery, as this will show you the extensive scope offered to photographers in our workshops.