Spirit of Structure: Alabama Revisited

Experience part of America's industrial and agricultural past through historically important structures in Birmingham and beyond.

The purpose of photographically exploring this area of Alabama is threefold: to explore Alabama’s industrial and agricultural past, to look at the spirit of the structures (i.e. the stories behind the buildings) and to examine closely the resurrection of yet another Main Street.

Heralded as the “Pittsburgh of the South”, downtown Birmingham offers an illuminating look at this historically important iron-producing area of the U.S. The majority of our time will be spent photographing at the Sloss City Furnaces, now preserved intact as a National Historical Landmark. The ruins of furnaces predating the Civil War are incorporated as public parks and can be photographed during the Birmingham leg of the trip.

Wednesday we will head to Decatur, settled first as Rhodes Ferry Landing in 1817. Located strategically on the Tennessee River and at the crossing of two major railroads and with it’s own town bank, Decatur enjoyed growth and prosperity until the Civil War drastically changed the landscape of the community. It is estimated that the town changed hands eight times during the war and when the Union troops finally left the city in 1864, those buildings not dismantled for use by the northern army were burned to the ground. It was years before Decatur was able to rise out of the ashes but with the return of the railroad and the arrival of the 20th century modernity, Old Decatur (east of the tracks) and Albany (west) were rebuilt and established. We will be photographing in some of the buildings slated for redevelopment along Bank Street, as well in the Archer Daniels Midland Cotton Warehouse and old Decatur Train Station. For those interested in landscape work there is the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Pocket Parks in downtown and areas along the Tennessee River.

We will spend one day in Mooresville, the oldest town in Alabama. Although not a museum town, four buildings dating back as early as 1821 are maintained by the town to showcase not only historical buildings but to give a unique look at how average citizens can live with, protect and cherish the historical context and maintain an often-lost sense of small town community. The buildings we will be exploring include the Mooresville Post Office (1840), Stagecoach Tavern (1821), and two churches (1839 & 1854).

For all participants: Please bring two images – one of your own and one of a photographer who inspires you (not an original) - to introduce yourself to the group. If you wish to do so, you may also bring a small, representative portfolio of current work. Tillman will meet with each of you individually throughout the week to review this work.

Transportation, Lodging

Airports:

Huntsville International Airport (HSV)

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)

Rental Cars:    A rental car is a must for this workshop.

Lodging: Note: 3 nights in Birmingham, 3 nights in Decatur. Students should make their reservations directly with the hoteliers. If you wish to stay elsewhere you are free to do so. Group critiques will be held in a room in these two locations.

Birmingham: January 20 (Arrive Sunday)– 22 (depart Wednesday)

                        Hampton Inn Birmingham/Mountain Brook 

                        2731 US Highway 280 South, Birmingham, AL 35223

                        205.870.7822

Decatur: January 23 (Arrive Wednesday) – 26 (Depart Saturday)

                        Holiday Inns & Suites

                        1101 6th Avenue NE, Decatur AL 35601

                        256.355.3150

Mention: “Tillman Crane Workshop” when registering for both hotels.

Tuition note:

At the time of registration, Maine Media Workshops will collect an initial deposit of $150, plus a $55 registration fee. All other payments will be billed & collected directly by Tillman Crane. 

 

Terms and Conditions for Destinations Workshops

1. Reservations & Payments

A deposit as indicated on the registration page is required to confirm your reservation for the workshop.  Final payment in full is due 45 days prior  to the date of departure for your workshop.  Maine Media Workshops + College (“Maine Media”) reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by the due date.

2. Cancellations

All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark, or upon receipt of an email providing notice of cancellation. If you provide written notice of cancellation  60 days or more prior to the departure date for your workshop, your deposit, and any additional payment, will be refunded in full, less an administration fee of $55.00. If you provide written notice of cancellation less than 60 days prior to the departure date for your workshop, your full deposit will be forfeited; any additional funds paid to Maine Media for the workshop will be refunded.  No refunds of any amount will be made to persons who (i) fail to provide written notice of cancellation, or who (ii) begin a workshop, but fail to complete the workshop.

3. Basis of Rates

All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars; all payments must be made in U.S. dollars.

4. Insurance

It is strongly advised that you purchase Trip Cancellation, Baggage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and/or Accident and Sickness Insurance Protection. Camera equipment, computers, and baggage are carried entirely at the owner’s risk. Maine Media shall have no responsibility for any lost, damaged, or delayed property, or for an individual student’s medical needs, accidents, injuries or illnesses.

5. Itinerary Changes

The itinerary for your workshop is subject to change without prior notification.

6.  Passports and Visas

A valid passport is required for all travel. You are required to notify Maine Media as to the nationality under which your passport is registered. If you are a U.S. citizen, Maine Media will notify you if your destination requires a visa.  Non-U.S. citizens are required to contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements for their workshop. Participants are responsible for obtaining their passports and visas. To participate in the workshop, you must have a passport that is valid until at least six months after the date on which your trip is scheduled to be completed.

7. Medical Issues

All participants must be in good health.   You must advise Maine Media of any health condition, physical condition, or emotional or mental condition that may require special attention or that may adversely impact the other participants in your workshop. All students are required to complete a “Waiver of Liability” form and submit it at the time of registration.  This document may be found on the course description page.

8. Liability Waiver

Every participant is required to sign Maine Media’s Waiver of Liability before departure for their workshop.   Click here to download.

9. Responsibility & Photography

To ensure a safe photographic experience, you are required to obey local customs and be considerate when photographing people or sensitive locations.  The faculty member for your workshop has the right to expel any person from the workshop for behavior that is in violation of the law; that is disruptive; or that compromises the group’s safety or enjoyment.  No refunds will be made to any person expelled from a workshop. Maine Media shall have no obligation to pay any costs incurred by a person as a result of that person being expelled from a workshop. 

Sign and Return Waiver Form