The driving concept behind our workshops is individual attention to each participant during the course, and a keen interest in advancing their creative vision.
Participants are grouped into teams of three, and work with one model at a time. To start, we work in rotations of one hour, with one photographer in the group taking the lead, shooting images and directing the model. During that time, the other two participants stay with the group to observe how the lead photographer is working, and assist with anything the lead photographer needs, such as holding reflectors, metering, etc. After twenty minutes, another photographer moves into the lead position, so that after an hour each photographer has been in the driver’s seat. At that point, we rotate the models to a different group and repeat the process again. We follow that pattern for the rest of the day, although the length of the rotation can change according to the wishes of the students in subsequent days. Please note that in deference to each of you and your work, only the lead photographer is allowed to shoot during each cycle. No poaching allowed.
I will recommend a general location for us to work in. Each group will pick a particular spot within that general location in which they will work. The criteria is that they must be close enough to the other groups that I can cycle around to each with ease. The reason for this is that during each rotation for each photographer, I will answer questions, give feedback, or make suggestions. Every time you come to the lead position, I will be there to give assistance if you want it. We can return to the same location again, or move on to another location for each session.
One thing to point out is that this is a workshop, not a tour. By that I mean that my sole function is to help you in your artistic process. On a tour, your guide provides a location and the models, but will also be shooting for him or herself. Our courses are not like that. I do carry a camera with me to shoot demonstrations with, but other than that the only time I will pick up a camera may be to suggest another angle, or another approach to a pose you are working on. I do not shoot for myself while the workshop is going on. Period. You have my full, undivided attention throughout the day. You can see what past participants say about the workshop approach in the Testimonials section.
The first evening, we will meet for an overview on the genre of fine art nude photography. Additionally, we will review the work of each of the participants, and talk about any technical questions you may have.
Each morning we will head out for a shoot, take a break for lunch, and shoot again in the afternoon. When the day is done, the expectation is that you will do an edit of the work you created and pull together five images you want to discuss at a critique. Starting with the second day, we will review the images we shot the day before. The critique is organized to be supportive and instructive, so you gain confidence in your own vision as the workshop goes on.
Of course, we will not have an opportunity to review the last day’s work, so a link will be provided to a website where an online critique can take place, and I can answer any lingering questions.
Upcoming workshops:
Joshua Tree, California April 24th-28th 2012
Reykjavik, Iceland Jul 1st-7th
Asheville,North Carolina July 25th-29th
Santa Fe, New Mexico August 6th-11th
Park City, Utah August 21st-25th