How do you capture the essence of anything… be it a tree? a person? a flower? your grandchild? a puppydog? (no puppydogs nor grandkids—even though they are grand—at the workshop please!)

How do you find inspiration in the ordinary?

How do you set yourself apart from the billions of other photographers/artists who are creating millions of photographs every hour.

When do you know that you’ve gone beyond others, and, finally, are being introduced to yourself, to your own art, to your unique way of celebrating the world?

In this workshop we will explore what moves you and how to capture that with your camera.

As a group, we will delve into what and how artwork exude emotion… that truly move a total stranger and why?

We will challenge each other about the definition of beauty, and the role it plays not only in inspiration but in your final edited work.

We will delve deeply into the mysteries and magic of good cropping… at the same time strongly questioning traditional rules.

We will explore the need for your own body of work, and how to present it to others. And, if time permits, discuss the challenges of creating quality archival products in this fast-paced, digitally marvelous world.

Finally, we will enter into the cross-over from logical to creative brain (which is the basis for all original artwork).

In order to be part of this workshop, you must:

a) Know how to use your camera well (even if it is your I-phone).
b) Be able to download your images from your camera onto my computer.
c) Bring 3 artworks (prints or jpegs) for sharing and viewing with the group.
c) Be open to sharing your experiences in a fun, hands-on class.

Note: The Art of Seeing Workshops are not for technical photographers who laden themselves with gizmos and lenses and gadgets, and yet see very little. This workshop goes to the core, the essence of where great photography is sourced: within your heart and your life story.

Helene Anne Fortin

NOTE: You must complete Level 1 Art of Seeing Workshop before you consider Level 2.