Explore the world of the Pictorialist photographers using historic lenses of the 19th and early 20th centuries. In this workshop you will be able use and compare our combined eight cameras and nine historic soft focus lenses to help you in choosing the right lenses for your needs. In addition, you will have the opportunity to make your own simple soft focus lens. Dr. Young is an authority on the Pictorialist photographic movement and we both bring years of personal experience working with these lenses. Join us for this outstanding opportunity to study these lenses, which bridge the historical and modern world.

There were many different types of soft focus lenses on the market a century ago, each with a different formula for creating just the right amount of softness. Working with these lenses requires the photographer to be aware of the elements of composition and tonal values in a way that is completely different than the later F64 School movement. Soft focus work was very popular from 1900 - 1935. The work of Alvin Langdon Coburn, Heinrich Kuhn, Edward Steichen, Clarence White and others have stood the test of time. In recent years soft focus work has undergone a revival from both an historic and aesthetic point of view.

Each day will be divided between lecture and working with a specific set of lenses. You will become familiar with outstanding examples of early soft focus work, learn about the soft focus aesthetic and make photographs with a representative group of different styles of soft focus lenses. You will learn about the evolution of soft focus lenses and evaluate which lenses make the best choice for your type of work and camera.

Limited film processing will be available. Students should bring film holders (4x5, 5x7, 5x12 or 8x10) and their film of choice. There will be a per sheet film fee for those who do not provide their own film. If you have a large format camera and soft focus lenses, bring your equipment and film along. If you don’t have a large format camera you will be able to use our equipment. If you don’t have a soft focus lens but wish to bring your camera to use with one of our lenses, contact Tillman for information on which camera lens boards will be available.

Each participant should bring five images to share with the group. This will be done in a five-images-in-five-minute format.

Participants are responsible for lodging, meals and transportation. For those who are able, we will have an informal get together on Sunday night (9/23) at 6 pm. The workshop officially begins Monday morning at 9 am.

Transportation, Lodging

Accommodations: Rooms are reserved for this workshop under Tillman Crane Photography Workshop. Accommodations are limited at this time of year due to the high volume of fall color visitors so I encourage you to secure your room as soon as you register for the workshop.

Hotel Floyd
info@hotelfloyd.com
540-745-6080
120 Wilson Street, Floyd, VA 24091

Airport:  Roanoke VA (ROA) Floyd is 52 miles south on I-81, (~1 hour). All major car rental companies are available at the airport.

For more information contact: tillman@tillmancrane.com or russ@silverbeam.com