Photographer's Eye


Learn to see as the camera sees.

This is a course in how to see photographically. We do not dwell on the hardware or the darkroom; instead we cover the visual, intellectual and intuitive elements which go into making a photograph. This course is open to anyone looking for new ways to see- from novices to seasoned pros. Each day we explore a single aspect of photographic vision in depth. First Day: The Quality of Light- The photographer's basic tool. Develop a greater appreciation for the quality of light- the direct light of noon, the soft light of dawn, the shadows of late afternoon, the diffused light of fog. Second Day: The Camera Lens- Explore the lens' ability to distort perspective, alter reality and isolate subjects through focus and depth-of-field. Third Day: Point of View & The Frame- Investigate the frame's ability to edit, select, isolate, include and exclude elements in our field of vision. Examine how the camera lies to tell a greater truth. Fourth Day: Composition & Photographic Design- Work with lines, shapes and space as the frame creates two dimensions from a three-dimensional space. Fifth Day: The Element of Time- Manipulate camera shutter speed to extend and compress time, to freeze action and express motion. Final Day: The Culminating Picture- A single photograph, your final assignment, will bring together all the elements you have examined and will be presented at the final critique. Class Structure Mornings begin with a review and critique of the previous day's photographs, followed by a slide lecture and discussion of a new aspect of "photographic vision" providing a basis for the day's assignment and fieldwork. Experimentation is encouraged and participants are expected to stretch, explore and test new ideas. Failures and mistakes will be applauded. The Workshops will handle the processing and printing, leaving you free to concentrate on photographing. Assignments are designed to develop your ability to see and make photographs of what you experience, feel and see. You will work with your 35mm camera and B&W film. Students who wish to shoot with a digital camera are welcome to attend. Our Digital Service bureau will provide the smae service as the B&W lab. While all sessions follow this basic structure, each instructor will bring his or her own personal experiences to the material covered. ** Sept. 16 - 22 workshop will only use our Digital Service bureau. If you do not own a digital camera, you can reseve one for the week.