Photography Workshops: Developing a Photographer's Eye

About the Photography Workshops

It takes only a fraction of a second to capture an image but memorable photographs begin with the decisions you make before you push the shutter-release: your reason for taking the picture and how the image is composed. The art of "seeing photographically" is to develop a photographer's eye.

One-day workshops are conducted in the studio and are designed for the novice through to the experienced amateur and include a fieldtrip to Southwestern Ontario's historic and charming Village of St. Jacobs and the St. Jacobs Farmer's Market in the heart of Old Order Mennonite Country.

After each field session, group members will be encouraged to share their positive comments about each other’s work in a gentle, constructive atmosphere. There will be an opportunity for a one-on-one session with the instructor where a critique of your work and a discussion of your goals as a photographer will be reviewed.

"This workshop gave my imagination a voice to re –discover my environment, with a sense of awe, inspiration and delight. What we saw in the viewfinder was given a new definition and framework; the digital frame became our canvas and we had fun creating." J. I., North York, Ontario

___________________________________________________________________

2010 One-Day Photography Workshops

___________________________________________________________________

The Art of Seeing Photographically
Aug 14, Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 13
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $100
(Fee does not include lunch. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in St. Jacobs.)

Through a series of clearly illustrated lectures and a short field trip designed to enhance your ability to see the world photographically, Doug will guide you on your journey to discover the secrets of producing exciting and memorable images. Topics covered will include:

  • Understanding barriers to seeing
  • How the camera "sees" vs how we see
  • Elements of design and photographic composition
  • How to identify obstacles that prevent you from taking great pictures
  • How to recognize photographic possibilities
  • Specific camera techniques that dramatically improve your photographs
  • How to use line, texture and perspective to compose images for remarkable results

Register for this Workshop

"For those who are lucky enough to pass under Doug's guidance, you walk way with a drive to search for the soul of your photograph. I have now found a beauty deeper than a smile in my photos. Thank you, Doug Wilson!" L. R., Kitchener, Ontario

___________________________________________________________________

Composing with Light and Colour for Dramatic Photographs
Aug 7, Sept 25, Oct 23, Nov 20
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $100
(Fee does not include lunch. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in St. Jacobs.)

This workshop is designed to take your photography to the next level. It opens with an early morning field trip to capture the morning light, followed by a series of illustrated lectures covering:

  • High-key and low-key compositions
  • Colour relationships in photographs
  • The meanings of colours and how to use them in your compositions
  • Understanding chiaroscuro
  • How to expose for high-key and low-key subjects
  • How to produce dramatic images composing with light and colour
  • How to compose in black and white for dramatic results

The afternoon session will include a group discussion of the morning's work in a positive and supportive environment.

Register for this Workshop

___________________________________________________________________

Photographing People
Oct 2, Nov 6, Dec 11
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $115 (includes model)

(Fee does not include lunch. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in St. Jacobs.)

This one day intensive workshop opens with a studio session with a live model. You will learn the basics of studio portrait techniques followed by an afternoon seminar and a field session on documentary style photography. Lecture topics will include:

  • Studio lighting techniques
  • Natural lighting techniques
  • Vantage point and lens choice
  • Asking and receiving permission
  • Field and documentary techniques
  • It's all in the eyes...
  • Shoot from the hip or pose
  • People in the field - the challenges

___________________________________________________________________

2010 Two-Day Photography Workshops

___________________________________________________________________

The Creative Landscape

Oct 8 - 9, Dec 3 - 4
Friday: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $120
(Does not include lunch. Participants should pack their own lunch.)

Learn the techniques necessary to produce stunning images of the natural world. This workshop opens with a Friday night seminar followed by an early morning field trip to catch the morning light, then back to the studio to close with another illustrated seminar and review of the morning's work. Topics will include:

  • Outfitting for landscape photography
  • Camera formats
  • Landscape optics
  • Field logistics and equipment
  • Landscape exposure and HDR
  • Understanding and using light
  • Composing for dramatic landscapes
  • Shooting panoramas
___________________________________________________________________

Participation is limited to eight in all workshops to allow ample opportunity for the instructor to work one-on-one with participants.

For Those New To Photography

The emphasis of these workshops is on helping participants to develop a heightened ability to see photographically and then to use this knowledge to make memorable, effective photographs.

To get the full benefit from this workshop it is therefore imperative that the beginner is familiar with the basic operation of their camera. A working knowledge of shutter speeds and apertures and their relationship to one another and depth of field will greatly add to your enjoyment of these classes.

What To Bring To The Workshops

  • Your camera, lenses and camera manual
  • A sturdy tripod
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for both cold and warm weather as we shall be shooting both inside and out
  • If you are using a digital camera, you may wish to bring your laptop computer so your images can be downloaded and reviewed
  • Any images you would like to have reviewed by other participants and the instructor

___________________________________________________________________

Capturing Alaska: 7-Day Roundtrip Cruise and Photography Workshop!

  Departing Seattle, WA: August 22, 2010

Picture yourself pampered on a luxurious floating resort, having every need attended to while sharpening your photographic skills. And imagine waking up every morning to new photographic opportunities in such ports as Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, B.C., and Seattle, Washington.

___________________________________________________________________

Custom Workshops, Corporate Team Building

If you have your own photography group, private or corporate, or would like individual instruction, we can design a program to accommodate you. I am also available to travel to your area to conduct a workshop, or travel with your group to your travel destination.

__________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

The Art of Seeing Photographically
Composing with Light
and Colour
Photographing People
The Creative Landscape
Aug 14
Aug 7
Oct 2
Oct 8-9
Sept 18
Sept 25
Nov 6
Dec 3-4
Oct 16
Oct 23
Dec 11
 
Nov 13
Nov 20
Capturing Alaska 7 Day Cruise - August 22 - 29
(Photography Cruise Details)

 

Registration

Complete and submit the required registration form. We will contact you to confirm the details and arrange payment.