The Romantic Image

Examine your passion through photography with supportive and masterful image maker, Elizabeth Opalenik.

©Elizabeth OpalenikAll good photographs are self portraits. During this workshop, we will consider that premise as we study what is important to us and how we approach each assignment.  We explore portraiture, the grace of the human form, props, journals, ourselves and each other. 

As we translate ideas into images, we look for those moments in our hearts and spirits that speak softly, "yes" . We search each individuals' universe, for it is from this reservoir of life's personal victories or fateful detours, that photography can become the visual voice for stories left behind.  In this workshop there are no mistakes, only opportunities to explore another path, a different way of seeing the light or new movement within the frame.  Risk is encouraged.

This class is about using our imagination and sharing new ways to convey intention as we remember why we are photographic artists. The week starts with a portfolio review followed by lectures and demonstrations on light, reflectors and the ethereal quality of infrared for those interested.  There arre daily critiques with discussions on print and portfolio presentations.

 © Elizabeth Opalenik

Please bring with you 10 images, print or digital that you have made and feel strongly about and one figure or portrait image that you wish you had made.

Testimonials:

"A great learning experience in a beautiful environment."
- Barry McNew, Greenville, TX

"Elizabeth is supremely sensitive and supportive."
- Steven Fierberg, Los Angeles, CA

"Learning from Elizabeth Opalenik is to learn from a true master and a lovely woman."

Instructors

Elizabeth Opalenik

Elizabeth Opalenik Photo By: George DisarioFrom her earliest days doing advertising and editorial assignments, Elizabeth Opalenik has been hired for the sense of poetic grace and movement she brings to her images.  As a fine art photographer Elizabeth now extends that sensibility to philanthropic projects documenting stories in the Amazon and South America for Medical Ministries International on projects concerned with eye care. She is a sought after educator for the sense of wonder and possibility she creates in her students. 

Elizabeth’s heart is in her Oakland, California darkroom where she creates unique photographs in the Mordançage process, continuing to pioneer new possibilities with the signature veiled images. Platinum/palladium printing, hand-painting, and other diverse processes including paper making for books and printing remain a focus. From portraits to landscapes, her passion is working with images made involving water. She remains true to creating images in camera, but bridges technology, mixing digital and traditional when appropriate to utilize all the creative possibilities. Elizabeth uses images as stepping stones that trace where the mind has been, believing they reflect the unique vision that each of us carries through life.

Her innovative images are represented, collected and shown internationally and have been profiled in most major photographic publications. For nearly 30 years, she has conducted photography workshops in the United States, France, Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and Argentina, privately and in conjunction with The Maine Media Workshops, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, The British Guild of Portrait Photographers, Stanford Continuing Education, The Center for Photography at Woodstock, Les Rencontres d’Arles, National Geographic Expeditions and others.

To view images from her monograph “Poetic Grace: Elizabeth Opalenik Photographs 1979-2007” please visit www.elizabethopalenik.com

What Elizabeth's students have said:

"Elizabeth is supremely sensitive and supportive."
- Steven Fierberg, Los Angeles, CA

"Learning from Elizabeth Opalenik is to learn from a true master and a lovely woman."