WORKSHOPS
 
In my first workshop in 1979, I began a new journey to accumulate, gather, and share experiences for my life as a photographic artist. This has been a rewarding process of sharing as a photographic educator while learning from others, and capturing some amazingly beautiful and emotional moments in time. I teach with the theory that all good photographs are self portraits, that lie somewhere between imaginations and dreams. For me photography has become a way to document the objective world by looking out and the subjective world by reflecting in. In my workshops, that is the road we journey as we discover and (re)create a part of ourselves in our art.

Workshops are a time to feed the soul visually and emotionally— away from the daily routines and refresh the creative energies. Please join me in making new friends, exploring a new environment, and letting yourself experiment with finding new ways of expressing yourself through your photographs.

If you cannot join me in a scheduled workshop, please inquire about personal instruction or a class tailored for a small group held in your area or exotic location I may know.

CALENDAR OF WORKSHOPS

       2012


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Mini Workshops, Magic Results, California Happenings
 impromptu 1-3 day workshops - Email for more information

See Specific Workshop Titles and Individual Descriptions Below

  We all need a shot of creativity throughout the year, so mini workshops will happen at my new home studio in Oakland or other Bay Area locations on the topics of movement and dance, portrait lighting,  figure, infrared,  intimate handmade book presentations and ideas exploding.  Though I teach digitally, I am also darkroom based, so it is possible to conduct workshops in handpainting, toners and darkroom papers.  Private workshops in mordançage also considered.  If you are interested, please e-mail me so that I may keep your name available for special mailings about these happenings and other workshops in northern California.   A few “Creative Women Sharing” workshops will also happen, where we gather to explore our potential, review work and share issues.   If you have a small group in your area interested in creating one of these workshops, please let me know.  I am also available for private instruction with one or two people for a topic of your choice.

"MOVEMENT AND DANCE"  Oakland, CA  
February 19 or March 8    $250 each day

We’ll begin by looking at dance images and discuss how they were made.  Using models, there will be demonstrations involving fabrics, giving clear direction to your subject, camera settings and simple lighting, followed by 4-5 hours of actual shooting. We’ll share images end of day. $250 each day includes models, studio or location fees.  3-9  students depending on location. 

 

“NEW CAMERA, HELP!”  Oakland, CA   
 February 6     $150

Your holiday wish came true and now you have that dreamed for camera with all its bells and whistles.  Come spend a day demystifying all the buttons and make it work like an extension of your hand.  There will be discussions on what it all means, that relationship between ISO, aperture, shutter speeds and white balance. We’ll go on location to shoot and practice our skills using the functions quickly and creatively.  Even if you have had your camera or are about to take a trip with your camera, but are not comfortable with the settings, this is a good workshop for you.  Small class size allows for plenty of attention.  


“THE PROJECT WORKSHOP”  Oakland, CA  
 $200   four Wednesdays: March 7,14,21,28 

We all have new projects to organize and complete.  This class will start us on the path of keeping that new years resolution of getting our work out there in a concise and professional way.  We’ll discuss editing, sequencing, the best papers for printing and finding the right format for the project you wish to feature, as well as various ways of presenting your work including intimate handmade books, magazines and portfolio presentations.  Four consecutive Wednesdays  7-9:30   Limited enrollment.


"Available Portrait Light"  

Available light is everywhere and can also be a candle, a reflector, light bouncing off the house next door or a simple tungsten bulb you diffuse...whatever is "available". In this hands on class, we shall explore many possibilities and learn to use and control the light that surrounds us everywhere.  Working in my home and studio or nearby environment, we'll find the light. We'll learn appropriate camera settings for the situation, how to get your ideas across to your subject and respect the fact it takes two to make a portrait. We'll also look at prior work in this genre and discuss the images made, finding ways to present them to clients or friends incorporating some of the "Ideas Exploding" from above. 6 students $225 includes model. 
     

"Digital Infrared...Seeing the world differently"  

Working with infrared images has always been one of my favorite ways of seeing the world.  Today, by using digital cameras converted to see the infrared spectrum, it is possible to quickly learn the beauty and the beast of seeing with this vision.  By the end of the day much of the mystery will be solved as you start to "see" as the camera sees.  Infrared is not only beautiful for dreamy, surreal images in the landscape but is seductive in portraiture,  figure and still life photography.  We'll start by looking at my infrared portfolio,  discussing the best camera conversions, spend half the day making images with natural and tungsten light, learn about post processing and even make a print.  Beginners welcome as you discover if this may be a new voice for you.  I have a few converted cameras that students may use.    And if you are still shooting infrared film, that is welcome also. 

"Creative Women Sharing" 

 In this one-day workshop we shall explore our potential, review work and share ideas for making new images.  As photographers we often work alone, but as women,  it is our nature to share.  Come spend the day photographing with other creative women, reviewing your work and discussing ways of finding more harmony in your creative soul.  Like a Seinfield episode, this day will be about everything and it will be about nothing.  Give yourself the gift of a day, because you are a work of art that needs to be nurtured.  It is worth it alone for my famous margaritas at the end of the day.  $125


"Photographing the Figure"  
$250

Now forming small groups for a day of working with the figure in various locations.  We'll explore working with male and female models, use of props and fabrics, lighting techniques, and how to find your expression in this genre.  Two to three models each class,  6- 9 students maximum.   $250

Please email me directly to be added to those interested in upcoming workshops in northern California.  


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Africa Photo Adventure    May 4-16, 2012
    Tanzania
 

From my very first visit to Africa, I was captured by the beauty and grace of this landscape and its people. I saw it in infrared then, and am delighted to go back with new ideas for photographing it now.  I was surprised by the profound sense of awe I felt on the safari and around the camps at night.  I will strive for nothing less on this journey and hope that you can join me in this workshop   to Tanzania, co taught by Renie Haiduk. For complete details follow the links to the Africa Photo Adventures website Africa-photo-adventures.com where you will find details and images.
 

Movement and Dance      June TBA    
Norwalk , CT

The day will begin with looking at images and demonstrations involving fabrics, working with the models, camera settings and simple lighting techniques, followed by 4-5 hours of actual shooting each day. 
One day we will work outdoors, weather permitting, at a nearby beach or woods location.  This would be a good time to practice also working with infrared film or infrared digital should you be so inclined.  Special attention will be paid to reflectors and lighting techniques for outdoor portraits.
One day we shall work in a dance studio.  By working efficiently, we shall have time to share images at the end of the day.

Details for meeting shall be sent when deposit is received.  Workshop fee is $250 each day or $425 if you combine both days.  Includes model and location fees, drinks, use of all fabrics and props, instruction in movement, camera settings, lighting and final critique.  Class size is limited to 9 students working in small groups with  models.  Each day you will have access to a minimum of 3 models.  A non refundable fee of $100 is required to hold your space.

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Imagination and Dreams     July 8-14, 2012
Santa Fe, NM    Santa Fe Photographic Workshops

I have always been in love with photography as a metaphor for life…my life or those of the subjects standing before my lens, believing photographs are self portraits that lie somewhere between imaginations and dreams. This workshop explores your stories and creative process to develop new ways to express your vision as a photographic artist.  We’ve all been stuck, but by revealing ourselves and examining our thought process in a supportive environment, we’ll find new paths for our photographic purpose.  Each day is about taking risks, and often being rewarded by our best images coming from failures and happy surprises. There will be daily assignments using models, ourselves and each other in the beautiful and fertile locations around Santa Fe.  The week is for artistic and spiritual growth through critiques and discussions as well as learning to work with natural and reflected light, models, and fabrics.   You will develop a firm grasp on using today’s tools for making  effective photographs. While many images can be enhanced in post production, good images begin in camera with strong heartfelt ideas.
Elizabeth will share extensive bodies of work that span her 35 year passion with photography as she discusses print presentation, organizing a portfolio, digital infrared and intimate handmade books.  Accept the possibility you will view the world differently when you leave. 


(Click to read Camera Arts article on this workshop)

 

The Beauty Within                    July 23-27, 2012            
Portland OR

When you find yourself, you find your vision.

To connect with the heart of our subject, we‘ll go looking for our own personal beauty and what makes us unique. We’ll use this  visual voice to express our relationship to the subject, be it a person, object or moment in time. Considering all good photographs are self portraits, we will remember why we create images to tell stories and how metaphors creatively express our thoughts, feelings and life experiences.  We’ll explore various exercises to bring awareness in our images that show not only what the subject is, but what else it is.

In this workshop we shall use models, each other, and what surrounds us daily for inspiration. We’ll explore the ethereal quality of infrared, the grace of movement through dancers, the honesty of the self portrait. By taking new risks and being willing to fail, the reward will be new ideas, new paths, and a newfound passion for work that lasts beyond the first glance.
Students should bring a body of work to share and discuss.

For registration, please contact Newspace Center for Photography

 
 

The Romantic Image      August 5-11, 2012   
Rockport, ME

In this intensive workshop, students explore our emotions and the many beautiful possibilities of creating stunning portraits, sensual figure images and the grace of human form in motion.

Participants examine our passion with photography to be the visual voice for stories left behind, as we understand that all good photographs are self-portraits. Students experiment with fabrics, styling, movement within the frame and seeing the moment.

This workshop demonstrates combining natural light with reflectors and how the use of infrared (film or digital) creates an ethereal mood to finding the beauty within. Through assignments, exercises and working together on location sharing ideas, students discover new ways to convey intention and remember why we are photographic artists. This class is about using our imagination in capturing light and feelings. The week starts with a portfolio review followed by lectures, demonstrations and critiques throughout the workshop.  

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.

Please contact Maine Media Workshops for enrollment.
 

Figure in the Landscape  August 11-14, 2012
     Georgetown ME

I have the honor of being connected to the F. Holland Day House, an extraordinary workshop location featuring tide pools, woods, interior spaces and a sensuous rock edged cove with seaweed and river-lets at low tide.  This area is steeped in photographic history, especially the Pictorialists. It is as special as the possibilities in this figure workshop. Alumni or admission with prior approval. Limited to 6 students,  this workshop includes three nights lodging, all meals but two, model fees and instruction.  The class will cover posing, lighting, relationship with models, and honing your vision. There will also be time for an early morning walk on the beach at Reid State Park or a glass of wine next to the historical pillars where each receding wave carries your troubles away. Saturday afternoon begins with a photo session examining the body becoming the landscape followed by a welcome dinner and sharing your prior work.  Sunday and Monday will be spent with models, discussions, looking at others work and critiques. We’ll end on Tuesday morning after breakfast.  $995 shared accommodations.  Email or call for more details.  $300 deposit to hold your space, balance due June 1.

 

Provence, Kissed By The Light      September 1- 11, 2012  
     Bonnieux, Arles
     Tuition 3295, model/speaker fees 100
     www.arles-hotel-constantin.com

The beauty of Provencal locals in the settings of Van Gogh and Cezanne paintings is the basis for this magical ten day workshop in a landscape kissed by the light. Enjoy the company of other passionate photographers sharing in candid critiques and their creativity as we work with dancers in locations that inspire and spend other days exploring this intoxicating region filled with festivals, harvests and ancient ruins.  It is an opportunity to create intimate portraits while exploring the joy of sharing images with the locals over pastis in the beautiful September weather.  In infrared, it is all fabulous. Our home for the first five days, Le  Clos du Buis, sits at the entrance to Bonnieux . A large stone house with pool and panoramic views of the Luberon, its ideal location will allow us the pleasure of wandering the village for late dinners while shooting twilight.  This is the season of daily markets, festivals, and bullfighting-- we need only choose. We will visit local vineyards for wine tasting and ochre saturated Rouissillon, Lacoste and the Sunday antique market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. While sharing lunch in their homes, we’ll view the work of French photographers Claudine and Jean Pierre Sudre in Aix en Provence and Denis Brihat in Bonnieux.

We’ll move to Arles where the festive Féria du Riz is taking place throughout the weekend. We’ll stay at The Hotel Constantin for five nights while exploring the Camargue, St Remy de Provence, Les Baux  and other nearby villages. We’ll work with dancers, photograph street life, and Provencal costumes, attend a corrida in the ancient Roman arena, and visit photography legend, Lucien Clergue as he shares his amazing career.  

The possibilities for great images are endless. Elizabeth has been leading workshops in these areas since 1983 and knows it is one of the best for locations and ambiance. She will be assisted by local photographer, Emilie Ballif, who will help with digital editing solutions and our next great meal. We’ll finish the week with discussions on presenting our work and will collectively create a book on our Provencal journey.

Tuition includes ten nights shared accommodation with private bath, breakfast and one other meal each day, model session with dancers, visits with three famous French photographers, all photographic instruction and critiques. Transportation is by shared rental cars. Non-photographing companion fee is $2700.  Class size is limited to 12 and fills rapidly.  Single supplement, if available, is $750.  A $750 deposit is required to hold your space with the balance due by May 15, 2012. Early registration and trip insurance is recommended.  For more information contact Elizabeth@opalenik.com.
 

photo ©george disario 2010