Spirit of Structure: Eastern Remnants of the Erie Canal

Explore and capture the complex and interesting landscape of one of America's great industrial projects.

Come explore three different renditions of the original Erie Canal in the Albany area - the original, the 1840’s canal and the currently used canal 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. We will be working along the Erie Canalway National Historic Corridor from Utica to Troy (NY). Some of the possible locations include: Vischer Ferry nature and Historic Preserve, the Schoharie Crossing (including towpath remains, enlarged Erie Canal aqueduct and locks), Putman’s Lock and Stand store, parts of Clinton’s Ditch (original 1820’s canal) and the old Champlain Canal and towpath near Waterford.

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 Tillman’s 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: 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.

Tillman’s “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 with portfolio introductions.

Transportation, Lodging

Accommodations:     Johnstown Holiday Inn 308 North Comrie Ave Johnstown, NY 12095

518-762-4686 – tell them you are with the “Tillman Crane Photography Workshop” group

Travel:     Albany Airport (ALB). Johnstown is about 45 miles from the airport. 

Rental car:     Participants will need to arrange for car transportation. Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo and Thrifty are all available at the airport.         

For further information contact: tillman@tillmancrane.com

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