Capturing Creativity:
A Week of Photography Magic at Sebasco Harbor
This past June brought a burst of inspiration to the serene shores of Casco Bay, Maine, I attended a week at a captivating photography workshop titled "Learning to See" with Eddie Soloway through Santa Fe Workshops. Nestled in the picturesque Sebasco Harbor, just an hour north of Portland, this workshop was a week-long journey into the realms of wonder, curiosity, and artistic exploration.
Eddie Soloway was my guide through this photographic odyssey. He urged me to embrace my curiosity, playfulness, and the pursuit of magic in my everyday surroundings. The workshop was not just about capturing images. It was a holistic experience crafted to enrich my perspective, and cultivate my artistic vision.
Each day commenced with mornings filled with poetic readings, lessons, and group activities that fueled our creative spirits. Inspired, we studied the intricacies of perspective, light, color, focus, and movement; fundamental elements that define the art of photography.
My afternoons were dedicated to exploring the captivating landscapes surrounding Sebasco Harbor, from the historic Fort Popham to the tranquil marshes, ponds, and wooded areas. Under Eddie's guidance, I was given specific daily assignments that challenged me to see the familiar in a new light.
The sense of camaraderie within our small group of 12 students was truly special. Three group dinners, including a memorable evening hosted by Reid Callahan (the founder of Santa Fe Workshops) at his camp in his charming inspired treehouse on Popham beach, provided not only a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to share ideas. Together, the twelve of us stimulated each other's imaginations, and shared lots of laughter.
The images below capture the essence of a week. Filled with exploration, learning, and artistic discovery, they are not intended to be masterpieces, but rather windows into the creative process. Each frame is a step towards honing my craft and seeing the world through an ever-evolving lens. Sebasco Harbor's workshop was not just a week of photography, it was a visual diary, a collection of sketches that document my journey capturing transient moments.
Generate a Perspective: Create something familiar fresh
Mastering perspective is not just a technical skill; it's an art form that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through the workshop, I not only learned the technical aspects of changing perspectives but also embraced the profound impact it can have on storytelling and emotional resonance in photography. As I left Sebasco Harbor, my lens became not just a tool, but an instrument of storytelling, ready to capture the world from an infinite vantage point.
- Reinvent the familiar: Change body position, light, focus and movement
- Anchor scale: Pick out something that provides a visual sense of proportion
- Partial revelation: Discover the art of revealing only part of the subject and leave the rest to the imagination
Dancing with Light: A Photographic Illumination
This workshop illuminated not only the technical aspects of handling different light, but also the art of storytelling through its nuances. I developed a profound appreciation for the transformative nature and power of light. Armed with this knowledge, my photography is on a path to transcend the ordinary, embracing the magic that unfolds when the world is touched by the masterful hand of light.
- Golden moment: Capturing the first bursts of sunrise or last rays of sunset
- Exploration from different directions: Exploring a single location from various angles and perspectives
- Chase shadows and reflections: Hunting for hidden dimensions
Mastering Focus: Crafting Visual Narratives Through Precision and Blur
In the pursuit of the mastery of focus, I discovered that it extends beyond sharpness. It is about the intentional choices I make that shape the narrative. Whether emphasizing the foreground, or the background; introducing intentional blur; utilizing natural filters, or employing camera filters; each technique helped me strengthen my visual storytelling. Eddie Soloway’s guidance empowered me to see focus not as a technicality, but as a means of crafting emotion. This has given me a unique perspective in every one of my photograph’s.
- Artistry interpretation: Artistic expression through foreground focus vs. background framing vs. intentional blur
- Nature’s filters: Creating natural obstructions for artistic effects
- Camera filters: Enhancing visual impact with photographic tools
Capturing the Essence of Motion: A Dance with Shutter Speeds and Artistic Vision
In the realm of movement, my lens became a storyteller of compelling tales. I learned about using shutter speed, Intentional Camera Movement, (ICM) or suggested action, to create tension in both the frozen and flowing. From capturing the raw power of nature, to intentionally introducing camera movement, I learned that movement isn’t just a visual element, but an emotional force waiting to be captured. Utilizing the art of intentional camera movement is a dynamic and expressive approach that opens up a world of creativity in photography and is my favorite technique to play with behind my camera lens.
- Dynamic shutter speed: Fast shutter freezing actions or Mother Nature in motion vs. long shutter creating dreamlike movement
- Camera as a dancer: Embracing Intentional Camera Movement (ICM photography)
- Suggestive movement: Invoking suggested motion in stillness
My week at Sebasco Harbor was an immersive experience in the art of seeing. It left me inspired, connected, and armed with newfound perspectives to carry into my photographic journey. The week was not just about capturing stunning photographs, it was about bringing the lessons home. I was encouraged to set aside time for my art, and foster a commitment to creativity beyond the workshop, to which I have committed. I encourage all artists and creatives to do the same.
HD xo
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How to Capture an Award Winning Photo
This photo was entered in the Fort Orange Garden Club, Garden Club of America (GCA) flower show his past Fall. The class was a historical perspective in black & white. The theme involved capturing the essence of history through photography, specifically a black & white photo. Living in Saratoga Springs where historical buildings are an abundance, I set out to determine what my subject would be. After some research and several scouting photos I chose the Hall of Springs in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The Saratoga Spa State Park is located on the southern edge of town. I made several trips to the park to study and gain a visual understand of the surroundings from different angles and compositions. I studied different viewpoints and the light at different times of day to find the most captivating image. This required some early starts to capture the sunrise, and other times to see the light at different times to get the perfect shot. In addition, I explored various weather conditions, the full moon at night, and some rainy days as well. I was fully committed to capturing the subject in different moods and lighting conditions, with the idea of adding depth and storytelling to the photo.
The culmination of my efforts resulted in an award-winning photo and it was the first time I ever entered a photo in a GCA Flower Show! It won 1st place in its category, photography award from the Fort Orange Garden Club (For an outstanding exhibit by a club member for their keen insight and interpretation of the theme), and Best in Show from the GCA.
A Reflection of Light During Sunrise, Hall of Springs
The judges comments were as following:
• 1st place in category: The stress on centrality in what could have been a static image, is enlivened by the rhythms of the buildings, the textures of the trees, reflections, and the cloud scape.
• Fort Orange Garden Club Photography Award: “Stepping Through Time”, the theme of the show is well captured in this exceptional photograph
• Best in Show (GCA): This is an outstanding image that exemplifies technical skill and an artistic eye.
Overall, my photo emphasizes not only the technical aspects of photography but also the emotional and historical connection to the chosen subject. It reflects my dedication to the art of photography and the rich history of Saratoga Springs. The variety of conditions explored adds layers to the narrative. This has given me confidence to go out there and continue the passion of capturing the perfect picture behind my lens.
HD xo
