Description
This one-day workshop explores several fundamental—and often overlooked—aspects of photography: how we can manage light to create an image, the difference between additive and subtractive approaches to image-making, and the important question of what actually IS the subject of the photograph?
Additive image-making is the practice of constructing a photograph by deliberately bringing elements into the frame—much as you might build a still life—while subtractive image-making begins with everything the camera sees and removes or excludes elements to concentrate the image and create a stronger, clearer message.
We will also explore the difference between what a photograph depicts and what it is actually about. The object, person, or landscape in front of the camera may be the literal subject, while the photograph’s deeper subject may be an emotion, memory, idea, or relationship—something that is never physically present in the frame at all.
Through presentations, discussion, and hands-on camera work, participants will explore ways of seeing and manipulating light, water, reflection, movement, and the surrounding environment. Rather than simply photographing what is in front of the camera, we will consider how light, framing, timing, and our own choices determine what the photograph becomes.
We will conclude by coming back together to review and discuss the images produced during the day.
Students to bring: three photographs that you feel strongly enough about that could initiale discussion of a spiritual nature and a move toward de eloping “higher consciousness”, electronic/digital camera, shoes that can be worn in the river, extra dry shoes, a packed lunch and a snack, a reusable water bottls
Location: The workshop will begin at the Monica Stevenson Studio in downtown Tryon, located at 112 North Trade Street, Suite 4A, Tryon, NC 28782. Parking is available beside the building, and participants will enter through either the main front door or side door next to patio and Monica’s banner.
Our outdoor shooting location will depend on the weather. If conditions are suitable, we will photograph at Harmon Field along the Pacolet River, behind the Tryon Arts and Crafts School. Parking is available close to the river.
