• Workshops
• Spirit of Structure: Western Remnants of the Erie Canal, New York

Spirit of Structure: Western Remnants of the Erie Canal, New York

April 15 – 20, 2012 New York Tuition: $1500 Register by downloading our Workshop Application (PDF). Or you can register at www.theworkshops.com

Come explore the old and "new" Erie Canal between Rochester and Buffalo, NY in early spring. The barebones landscape will allow us access into remnants of the original canal as well as provide for photographing in places we couldn't access during the summer season. In addition to the canal and locks themselves, we will also photograph in the infamous Love Canal area, Niagra Falls, Grain elevators on the Buffalo River, Chinaman's Light at the Erie Basin and spend a few hours at the George Eastman House in Rochester.

This is a location workshop in which we will focus on creating photographs. All camera formats, film and digital, are welcome. Large format and film are always welcome in my workshops but be advised that there is no opportunity for processing film. Digital photographers should bring their own laptop for editing.

Although the emphasis is on making photographs, we will take time together as a group to look at each other's work. If you are working with a digital camera, you have the choice of showing images made during the workshop or from a portfolio you have brought with you. Those working with only film will have to bring a portfolio of images for review. For all participants: Bring five of your images for introductions. All reviews will be done in the five-images-in-five-minutes format.

My "Spirit of Structure" workshops focus on photographing in the man-made environment, rather than on the grand landscape. These workshops are designed for increasing your skills as a photographer and to shift your perceptions and challenge preconceived notions. Your focus during the week is not about making the perfect photograph but in approaching the subjects differently, in taking risks, in shifting your standard point of view. The combination of working in a new, exciting environment and challenging (yet hopefully fun) assignments will change the photographs you make long after this workshop is over.

Participants are responsible for lodging, meals and transportation. For those who are able, we will have an informal "get together" on Sunday night (April 14) at 6 p.m. The workshop officially begins Monday morning at 9 am.