Extraordinary Images in Ordinary Places

July 20 - 26, 2008
Maine Media Workshops, Rockport, Maine

In this workshop we will be looking for the magical moments that we can find in the quiet corners of everyday life. This is a process class, rather than a craft class and will involve the weaving of an abundance of sensible and whimsical assignments, critiques and lectures, as well as a healthy dose of fun throughout the week.

Working in and around The Workshops, as well as visiting locations in the mid-coast region, we will concentrate on bringing a difference to our photographs - a difference in perspective, in viewpoint and in feeling. To accomplish this within the confines of our week together we will employ a variety of techniques to shake up the way look at the world around us. Multiple shooting assignments will be paired with class discussions to strengthen your awakening creativity. Daily reading assignments will serve to feed everyone's intellectual curiosity of how the "greats" have worked to find their own moments of grace in their work. Daily class critiques will allow us to applaud each other's efforts as we stretch old boundaries and self-imposed limitations.

Students are asked to bring a small, representative portfolio of current work. On Monday morning you will present two images - one of your own and one image of a photographer (or other artist) that you have been influenced by. During the week each student will have the opportunity for an individual critique of the work they brought.

This workshop is for anyone making photographs, by film or digital camera, black & white or color. Any size format is welcome but due to the type of assignments it may be best to stick with 35 - 120 mm film for this class. Remember: this is not a workshop about making a perfect print, but rather expanding the possibilities of our photographs. Students will turn their film and digital cards in to The Workshop's lab staff each evening. We will review the previous day's work by contact sheets in the morning. If working digitally bring your laptops so that we can better view your contact sheets.

Workshop Fee: TBA, www.theworkshops.com
Register at: registration@theworkshops.com