WORKSHOPS
In my first workshop in 1979, I began a new journey to accumulate, gather, and share experiences for my life as a photographic artist. This has been a rewarding process of sharing as a photographic educator while learning from others, and capturing some amazingly beautiful and emotional moments in time. I teach with the theory that all good photographs are self portraits, that lie somewhere between imaginations and dreams. For me photography has become a way to document the objective world by looking out and the subjective world by reflecting in. In my workshops, that is the road we journey as we discover and (re)create a part of ourselves in our art.

Workshops are a time to feed the soul visually and emotionally— away from the daily routines and refresh the creative energies. Please join me in making new friends, exploring a new environment, and letting yourself experiment with finding new ways of expressing yourself through your photographs.

If you cannot join me in a scheduled workshop, please inquire about personal instruction or a class tailored for a small group held in your area or exotic location I may know.

CALENDAR OF WORKSHOPS

       2010

  • Mini Workshops, Magic Results, California Happenings    
           

       Movement and Dance      August 26, October 5
       Digital Infrared                 August 27
       Photographing the figure August 28
       Available Portrait Light     September 9
       Ideas Exploding                September 24,25,26
       Creative Women Sharing  September 30


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Imagination and Dreams     July 4-10, 2010
Santa Fe, NM    Santa Fe Photographic Workshops

I remember my excitement with the first image I made 30 years ago that spoke softly “yes.” My world changed upon realizing, through metaphors, that I could convey my feelings and thoughts photographically. With creativity I found my voice through images, and learned that all good photographs are self portraits that lie somewhere between imagination and dreams.In this workshop we shall go searching for that excitement and those images that move and sustain us. We will remember why we create images to express our ideas and explore various exercises to bring awareness to ourselves, others around us and the precious moment’s in life’s fateful detours. From portraits to landscapes, images are stepping stones that trace where the mind has been and form the unique vision each of us carries through life. By revealing ourselves, we shall discover new tools to convey the essence of our subjects. Together we shall explore how to express those heartfelt emotions and create the images that continue to speak softly “yes”.   There will be daily assignments using each other, local models and ourselves. This workshop is about taking risks, applying new skills learned daily and sharing our collective knowledge to take that next step in a supportive environment.What takes time to create, time respects. Good images don't just happen. They take a lifetime of practices and willingness to share your soul to be repeatable and lasting. Most often, our best images lie just beyond our greatest failures. We shall applaud failures in this workshop and be rewarded with new ideas and paths.


Elizabeth will share and discuss extensive bodies of work that span her 30-year career as a photographic artist. There will be discussions on print presentation, organizing a portfolio, digital infrared and intimate handmade books. Come with an open mind and questions, prepared for long days and the possibility of viewing the world differently when you leave.

 

I also have the honor of being a Mentor for the Santa Fe Workshops Mentoring program. http://www.santafeworkshops.com/resources/mentorships.php  .  


(Click to read Camera Arts article on this workshop)

 

The Handcrafted Photograph      August 1-7, 2010
Rockport, ME     Maine Media Workshops

Rediscover the magic of darkroom processes with new materials, and techniques


N
ow is an exciting time to explore today’s choices of making photographic art in the traditional darkroom. One can moan about that which no longer exists or embrace the growing possibilities that today has to offer, learning how to best apply new materials and technology with personal vision.  A great opportunity for working photographers, hobbyists and educators alike, this workshop is an exploration of new ways to print old negatives, utilizing a variety of new papers for beautiful black and white prints.

Freestyle Photographic has generously offered to supply a variety of available papers and toners currently on the market.  Participants learn the characteristics of these new materials, including new infrared films and how combinations of developers and toners can produce distinctive results. To further enjoy the hands on experience of darkroom work, students study handpainting with toners and paints, as well as explore the Mordançage process, making new images specific to these techniques.  Elizabeth discusses the history of mordançage and shares a wide body of original work in both genres.

In addition to new processes and materials, time is also devoted to mounting and matting techniques and hand embossing.  Elizabeth also guides students through organizing a portfolio that flows with grace and interest.  Also, this workshop provides a great opportunity for participants to depart not only with stunning new imagery, but also an understanding of the possibilities and processes currently available for the handmade photograph.

Participants should bring a selection of negatives and papers that they may also want to work with, along with camera and film for making new images. Please bring a portfolio of darkroom prints to share.

 

For registration, please visit Maine Media Workshops www.theworkshops.com

 

Movement and Dance      August 14-15, 2010
Norwalk, CT    

WAITLIST ONLY

This workshop was such a success when I did it earlier this year, that it has been requested to run again.  And, as many of  the beautiful models will be leaving for college in late August, I thought this a great opportunity to work with them once more.  
The day will begin with looking at images and demonstrations involving fabrics, working with the models, camera settings and simple lighting techniques, followed by 4-5 hours of actual shooting each day. 

Saturday,August 14 we will work outdoors, weather permitting, at a nearby beach and possibly a woods location.  This would be a good time to practice also working with infrared film or infrared digital should you be so inclined.  Special attention will be paid to reflectors and lighting techniques for outdoor portraits.

Sunday, August 15 we shall work in a dance studio located in Norwalk CT,  9-5 p.m..  By working efficiently, we shall have time to share images at the end of the day.

Details for meeting shall be sent when deposit is received.  Workshop fee is $250 each day or $425 if you combine both days.  Includes model and location fees, drinks, use of all fabrics and props, instruction in movement, camera settings, lighting and final critique.  Class size is limited to 9 students working in small groups with  models.  Each day you will have access to a minimum of 3 models.  A non refundable fee of $150 is required to hold your space.

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WAITLIST ONLY

 

Apulia - "The Incredible Heritage"       Oct 17-24 
Italy  

New workshop for olive harvest!

Ancient cities . The beautiful city of Gallipoli, Lecce,  the Florence of the South, the exquisite sea light, the white façades of Otranto, Locorotondo and Alberobello with the Trulli, the conical roofs on the mysterious stone buildings that fill the landscape. All this beauty will be the backdrop of our week in Apulia,  the Heal of Italy. A region not that explored by tourists, where the locals are really still very local.

We shall be based  in the charming Masseria Appidè, http://www.appide.it/ owned by Massimo Rota, of Milanese origins but who has spent all his life in the Salento. 

The landscape made of century old olive trees, the street life in the ancient towns, the markets  as well as the excellent local cuisine and the ‘ Pizzica Pizzica’ music , will be your inspiration in this workshop co-taught with Diana Grandi, www.dianagrandi.com. Class size is limited to care for your creative photographic needs.  $2800 includes most meals, shared rental cars and lodging.  Companions welcome $2400.  Email for more details.  Fly to Bari or Brindisi.  

Apulia

 

 

$1000 deposit to hold your space.  Some single supplements available.

Please register here. Payments via PayPal easily made here. See Cancellation Policy here.


 

Mini Workshops, Magic Results, California Happenings
 
impromptu 1-3 day workshops


DATES ARE LISTED AT TOP OF THIS PAGE IN THE MASTER CALENDAR

See Specific Workshop Titles and Individual Descriptions Below

$100 non refundable deposit for California workshops

    Email for more information

We all need a shot of creativity throughout the year, so mini workshops will happen at my new home studio in Oakland or other Bay Area locations on the topics of movement and dance, portrait lighting,  figure, infrared,  intimate handmade book presentations and ideas exploding.  Though I teach digitally, I am also darkroom based, so it is possible to conduct workshops in handpainting, toners and darkroom papers.  Private workshops in mordançage also considered.  If you are interested, please e-mail me so that I may keep your name available for special mailings about these happenings and other workshops in northern California.   A few “Creative Women Sharing” workshops will also happen, where we gather to explore our potential, review work and share issues.   If you have a small group in your area interested in creating one of these workshops, please let me know.  I am also available for private instruction with one or two people for a topic of your choice.

"Ideas Exploding"  
I recently presented a program in Carmel that was lovingly dubbed “speed dating for the creative soul”.  In two hours we touched on everything from alterative ways to mount, hand emboss and frame images, to printing on metal, fabric and a variety of papers.  We talked of simple handmade books, elegant portfolio presentations and organizing work for an online book.   In this weekend workshop we shall actually do many of these things and discuss the others more in depth .  Whether watching a demo, editing or preparing your work for printing, or discussing projects with another participant, you’ll come away from the weekend with your creative toolbox overflowing.  A great way to jump start a new project or complete one that is old.  Email or call for more details.  $375 includes materials.  6 students.
September 24, 25, 26


 "Movement and Dance"  
We'll begin with looking at images and demonstrations involving fabrics, working with models,  camera settings and simple lighting, followed by 4-5 hours of actual shooting. If we are efficient, we may have time to share images end of day. If not, the new peer group can meet separately to share.  $225 each day includes models,  studio or location fees. 6-9  students depending on location.
August 26, October 5


"Available Portrait Light"  
Available light is everywhere and can also be a candle, a reflector, light bouncing off the house next door or a simple tungsten bulb you diffuse...whatever is "available". In this hands on class, we shall explore many possibilities and learn to use and control the light that surrounds us everywhere.  Working in my home and studio or nearby environment, we'll find the light. We'll learn appropriate camera settings for the situation, how to get your ideas across to your subject and respect the fact it takes two to make a portrait. We'll also look at prior work in this genre and discuss the images made, finding ways to present them to clients or friends incorporating some of the "Ideas Exploding" from above. 6 students $225 includes model.
September 9


"Digital Infrared...Seeing the world differently"  Working with infrared images has always been one of my favorite ways of seeing the world.  Today, by using digital cameras converted to see the infrared spectrum, it is possible to quickly learn the beauty and the beast of seeing with this vision.  By the end of the day much of the mystery will be solved as you start to "see" as the camera sees.  Infrared is not only beautiful for dreamy, surreal images in the landscape but is seductive in portraiture,  figure and still life photography.  We'll start by looking at my infrared portfolio,  discussing the best camera conversions, spend half the day making images with natural and tungsten light, learn about post processing and even make a print.  Beginners welcome as you discover if this may be a new voice for you.  I have a few converted cameras that students may use.  $125 limited enrollment.  And if you are still shooting infrared film, that is welcome also.
August 27


"Creative Women Sharing"  In this one day workshop we shall explore our potential, review work and share ideas for making new images.  As photographers we often work alone, but as women,  it is our nature to share.  Come spend the ay photographing with other creative women, reviewing your work and discussing ways of finding more harmony in your creative soul.  Like a Seinfield episode, this day will be about everything and it will be about nothing.  Give yourself the gift of a day, because you are a work of art that needs to be nurtured.  It is worth it alone for my famous margaritas at the end of the day.  $125 limited enrollment.
September 30



"Photographing the figure"  Now forming small groups for a day of working with the figure in various locations.  We'll explore working with male and female models, use of props and fabrics, lighting techniques, and how to find your expression in this genre.  Two to three models each class,  6- 9 students maximum.  
Please email me directly to be added to those interested in upcoming workshops in northern California.  
August 28 - $250 includes model & location fee


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photo by Ginette Vachon