We were thrilled to hear that our MFA candidate Alison Hoornbeek has partnered with world renowned fine artist and Maine Media faculty member John Paul Caponigro to curate a new photography exhibition at Soho Photo in NYC. The exhibition, Seeing the Unseen: Equivalence in Photography, opens May 8 and features the work of Caponigro as well as 13 other photographers. Hoornbeek explained that the exhibition's title refers to the term "equivalents," coined by Alfred Stieglitz as a way of describing photographs that use what is seen to express an inner state or feeling that cannot be seen. If you live in New York, be sure to check it out. Soho Photo is located at 15 White St. in NYC. The show runs through June 1.
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PhoPa's latest exhibition features the significant collection of photographer, collector, and book store owner Timothy Whelan. Timothy Whelan: Photographer as Collector opened this week and features several of Whelan's own images, as well as a rich sampling of photographs from world-renowned artists and Maine Media luminaries including Paul Caponigro, Joyce Tenneson, Tillman Crane, Elizabeth Opalenick, Andrea Modica, Norman Mauskopf, Christopher James, Craig Stevens, Costa Manos, Arno Minkkinen and Stella Johnson, among others. PhoPa’s co-directors Bruce Brown and Jon Edwards curated the exhibition.
Whelan, an Ohio native, arrived in Maine in 1989 for a job at the Workshops and later opened his Rockport bookstore, Timothy Whelan Photography: Fine Photographic Prints & Books. His store served as a popular meeting ground for the legions of master photographers who came to teach at the Workshops. As a result, Whelan amassed one of the finest collections of contemporary photography in Maine, and the intimate shop soon became recognized as one of the finest photo bookstores in the country. Although the original bookstore officially closed in 2010, a smaller venue continues today at the Maine Media Gallery in the center of Rockport village.
A free artist's talk, "The Inside Story" is set for Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. at the PhoPa Gallery. Whelan will share stories about his friendships with the celebrated photographers, and observations about their works that he has collected. The exhibition runs through Saturday, May 4.
PhoPa Gallery, a partnership between independendant curator Bruce Brown, photographer Jon Edwards, and Maine Media Workshops + College, is located at 132 Washington Avenue in Portland, formerly the location of Addison Woolley Gallery. Hours are Wednesday - Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and by appointment. For more information contact Traci Wagner, Gallery Manager, at twagner@mainemedia.edu or visit us on Facebook at Maine Media Workshops + College PhoPa Gallery.
Considering signing up for your very first workshop, but feel intimidated by the gear? Have no fear! Our introductory workshops are designed to put you at ease, and take the mystery out of image-making technology. We'll help you make the most out of your own camera, or you can borrow some fantastic equipment from our Digital Services Department. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable with your tools, so that you can get to work creating beautiful images and telling compelling stories. You might feel green right now, but by the end of your workshop you'll be set up with a foundation of skills that can be built upon for years to come.
We gave the heads of our film and video departments some of your most frequently asked gear fear questions. Here's what they had to say...
I've only ever shot with a point-and-shoot, and don't own a "real" camera. What do I do?
We have tons of great gear available for you to try out. Borrow one of our Canon DSLRs for the duration of your workshop!
Will everyone in my class be bringing their own gear?
Many students bring the equipment they own and want to learn more about, but we have plenty of cameras, lenses, tripods, and flashes for you to borrow.
If I borrow gear, will someone help me learn how to use it?
Our Digital Services Department can help you learn how to use anything that they lend out. You'll also be doing plenty of experimenting in the classroom and on location.
Will I be handicapped if I don't know how to use photo/video editing software?
Being familiar with photo/video editing software is not essential for most introductory classes. But we do offer some great one-day, two-day, and week-long workshops focused on software like Photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom for anyone who wants to learn more.
I haven't been in a darkroom in 30 years. Do I need to be able to mix chemicals?
Not for an introductory course. When you're ready for the advanced classes, you'll need to be able to mix your own chemicals.
Will Maine Media provide gear to borrow if I take a Destination workshop?
You will need to bring your own gear for workshops held outside of Rockport.
I'm not sure that I'm ready for a week-long workshop. How will I know?
We also offer one and two-day introductory workshops on select weekends throughout the year. Take one of those, and you'll be hooked!
For a complete list of our introductory workshops, go to our website, select the discipline you are most interested in, and use the search tool to choose "Beginner" workshops.
We've got a lot going on in our 40th year, and we want to make sure that you are a part of it! It has been an amazing four decades, and we are indebted to you--our faculty, our alumni, staff, board, and volunteers--everyone who has taken part in building this dynamic, intense, fun, and expanding community. Join us this year, as we celebrate our legacy and our exciting plans for the future.
Spirit of Place Awards Ceremony, June 7
Winners of the Spirit of Place photography and video competition will kick off the celebrations for our 40th. The afternoon and evening festivities will include an opening reception of the winners' exhibit in the Maine Media Gallery. The awards ceremony and screening of all winning work will take place on campus on Friday night.
40th Anniversary Gala at Union Hall, June 22
An elegant evening in the newly-renovated Union Hall, the original home of the Workshops. This fundraising event will honor MMW+C's legacy and leadership in the community, and bring together the creative leaders who were a part of it. Seating is limited to 100 guests, tickets are $250/each.
Mentor: 40 Photographers | 40 Years Exhibition Opening, July 27
For 40 years, Maine Media has helped photographers and filmmakers learn and hone their craft. To honor the spirit of collabration between master artists and their students, Maine Media is partnering with the Center for Maine Contemporary Art to present an exhibition featuring the work of some of Maine Media's best-known master teachers alongside the work of photographers they mentored who continue to carry on that tradition.
Alumni Weekend, August 10 & 11
Join us in the height of summer fun season for a homecoming in true Blue Dot style. We'll celebrate the second opening of the Mentor exhibit at CMCA, while also showcasing other faculty members in an exhibit in our own gallery. There will be volleyball, barbeque, music, and yarn spinning with old friends. If you're coming from out of town, please make your reservations early. It's one of the busiest weekends in Midcoast Maine. Tickets are $40/each
The Annual B&H Maine Media Workshops Alumni, Faculty & Friends Party, October 23
We move the fun to New York City each fall, when so many of us gather for the massive PhotoPlus convention. Join your friends (and make new ones) at our party hosted in B&H's superstore. We'll announce the winners of our Dreams and PIC competitions there too. You don't want to miss it!
Maine Media is thrilled to announce that the dynamic photographer and author Cig Harvey will be joining this year's MFA degree candidates as guest faculty. Having graduated from Maine Media's Master of Fine Arts program herself and now enjoying no small amount of fame in photography circles, Harvey will bring both fresh and familiar eyes to the experience of our lucky students.
Just seven years after earning her own MFA degree at MMW+C, Harvey's monograph You Look At Me Like An Emergency made its debut. The resulting acclaim for it has kept her plenty busy this past year, with numerous exhibitions and book signings across the country. Harvey will join current and prospective students at our upcoming MFA retreat, held from May 1 to May 5. "Cig's energy and extensive knowledge of contemporary photography will really help our students make new discoveries in their work," says MMW+C's Vice President of Academic Affairs Elizabeth Greenberg. Harvey will also be teaching two week-long workshops this summer, The Personal Story in July, and Visual Books For Photographers in October.
Maine Media's three-year, low-residency MFA program is intensive and transformative. This unique and individually tailored program makes it possible for working professionals to pursue an advanced degree while working from home with guidance from a mentor and a program advisor. Students gather here in Rockport for two retreats each year, and applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. If you're considering whether an MFA degree is right for you, auditing our retreat is the best way to find out. Want to know more? Send us an email at registrar@mainemedia.edu, and read more about it on our website.
If you come here for a workshop this summer, you're likely to meet dozens of talented and creative summer staffers who support our stellar list of world-renowned instructors. You'll also meet our core team who keep the place humming all year long. Last summer, YoPho and Intro to Digital Photography instructor Kari Wehrs made some stunning tin type portraits of our core staff. 
Click here to check out her work, and learn who we are and what we do. And be sure to introduce yourself when you're here, under the tent. We look forward to meeting you!
Want to learn how to make your own tin type portraits? Check out Brenton Hamilton's Exploring Alternative Processes workshop this July.
Do you or someone you know attend Camden Hills Regional High School or the Midcoast School of Technology-Region 8 (from CHRHS)? Maine Media is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to students from these schools to attend our Young Artists workshops. If you have an interest in filmmaking or photography, but worry that you can't afford the tuition, we encourage you to apply! The deadline for applications is May 3, 2013, with awards announced the week of May 13. No prior experience is required for entry-level workshops, but portfolios are required for advanced courses. For more information on how to apply, as well as other scholarship opportunities for young artists, click here. This could be the opportunity that changes the course of your creative life.
Members of Maine Media's Tripod Society took a break from ice-bound harbors and sub-zero temperatures to soak up some sun and tips on shooting naturally-lit portraits last month in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. Photographer, artist, and author Joyce Tenneson led a workshop in the lush garden at the Society of the Four Arts, and showed members the best tools and techniques for making the most of both sun and shade. "It was an unforgettable afternoon with Joyce," said Tripod Society member Ni Rong. "She shared her passion for demystifying light and creating magical portraits. Her connection with the model and the trust that she receives as a result were the key ingredients. Even though I have taken workshops with Joyce before, witnessing her working and getting instant feedback brought all of it back alive."
For Tripod member Karen Werner, shooting portraits was a whole new venture. "I usually shoot tons of photos of flowers and landscapes," said Werner. "I will candidly admit that I was more than slightly nervous working with a professional of Joyce's fame but she quickly calmed my nerves and we were off for an adventure. This was also my first time using lighting reflectors. I am amazed after reviewing my photos how easily I can tell which were taken with white, silver, or gold reflectors."
Afterwards, the group was treated to a reception at the John H. Surovek Gallery by Tripod members John and Anne Surovek, and were joined by members of the Farnsworth Art Gallery's Board of Directors. "It was a delight to meet up with Tripod members in February this year," said MMW+C President Meg Weston. "And even better to connect in Florida where many of our members spend some of their winter months."
Joyce Tenneson will bring her skills back north to Rockport this summer, teaching her ever-popular Photographing from the Heart workshop in mid July. Interested in becoming a member of Maine Media's Tripod Society? Find out more here.