All of my classes and workshop are offered through The Spruill Center for the Arts. Specific class information such as dates, times, costs and registration is available here.
Unlock the mystery of your digital SLR Camera by learning the basic functions of white balance, file management, shutter speed, apertures and f-stops through weekly assignments. Classes will include demonstrations, discussions and critiques concentrating on compensation as well as exposure controls. Bring your camera and intruction manual to the first class.
Build on your current knowledge of basic photography skills. Class is structed so each student may progress at their own pace as well as investigate aspects of photography that interests them> possible topics include film comparisons, fill flash, close-up(macro) photography, multiple exposure, follow focus, filters, metering methods and choosing the correct lens. Each class will include critiques of assisgnments. Bring samples of past work to the first class.
Experience the magic found in creating an image and then watching it come alive right before your eyes in the darkroom. Students will learn the basics of exposing and developing black and white film, then taking those negatives into the darkroom to make prints. Basic printing techniques; contrast control, burning and dodging will be covered in detail with returning students progressing to more advanced techniques including flashing and split printing.
Experience fun evenings “playing in the darkroom”. We will be working with some basic, experimental techniques that are very serendipitous; solarization: chemical painting, photograms and making prints from prints. Experienced darkroom work not necessary, a sense of adventure a must.
Concerned about the life of your photographs and wanting to enter a new world of artistic expression? Learn to tone black and white prints, using a variety of traditional and unusual toning procedures. Bleaching techniques, split toning, toning with selenium and gold are just a few of the techniques to be presented.
Have your ever wondered what your prints would look like if they
were printed with some of the classic formulas and/or suggestions in
the literature? Experiment with Beers’ developer, split developers or
classic formulas. Learn how to manipulate chemistry to influence the
tonal range of or prints. Students need to be able to make acceptable
prints with little input. Emphasis on differences in developers and
papers
Take your photography and finished prints to a new level with
techniques that can alter the reality of the image. Creative toning techniques expand creative expression; providing
a different impact than traditional toning methods. Experience playful exploration in the land of exotic toners. We
will be using these toners singly and in combination on fiber based
prints. These techniques are more advanced and less familiar than
those readily available in a commercial form. Formula and written
instructions will be provided so students can continue the use of
these historic processes at home.
Experiment with a variety of film and developer combinations.
Work with slow, medium and fast rated films. Compare fine grain
developers vs high acutance developers. Determine which combinations
work well for specific subject matter. All films will be tested and
rated for individual exposure and development time.
This is another wonderful Polaroid process that involves lifting the emulsion of the film from the base of that film and placing it on a variety of surfaces. The results are always one of a kind and very serendipitous. Each image is always a wonder.
A wonderful opportunity to explore the mystery of a digital camera . Emphasis will be placed on composition along with the basic functions of the camera. There will be demonstrations, discussions and critiques of weekly assignments . All types of digital cameras are welcome.
Bring your camera and instruction manual to the first class
Learn how to use a 35mm camera, from scratch to finish.
Instruction will be given in how to compose, meter and expose
photographs. Students will need to bring their own 35mm cameras
(automatic and/or manual with instruction booklet if available.)
Negatives will be developed and the darkroom magic will begin. Basic
printing skills will be taught and practiced, advancing at individual
rates, including presentation of a final photo that will be spotted,
matted and framed. Fee includes 2 rolls of black and white film,
printing paper, lab fees and presentation materials. Bring your camera
to the first class and be prepared to have fun.
This class is for intermediate and advanced students who already have an understanding of how their camera works. Photography is more than learning a technique; it is also learning to express your personal vision. Explore this vision using a 35mm camera and gain a wide variety of photographic experiences geared to individual needs and abilities. Digital or film cameras welcome. Creative assignments followed by critiques will be an important aspect of each week discussion.
Infrared photography has long been admired for its unusual and surrealistic “look”. The advent of digital photography has enabled people without darkroom or traditional darkroom method experience to experience the fun of creating similar ethereal images. You will need a red filter to fit the specific lens you wish to use; this can be either 25 or 27; however 87 and 89 will provide more dramatic effects. We will spend the first part of the day, discussing the fundamentals of exposure, use of the filter and converting the image. The rest of the afternoon will be spent taking photos. We will return one evening again to review and admire the work. There will be enough time between the first meeting and the review for people to add to their repertoire of images.
This is an opportunity to learn one of the oldest archival photographic processes used by many of the past masters of photography including Paul Strand, Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen. Palladium prints are highly valued for their archival stability and lovely warm tones, along with a long tonal scale. Learning how to make your own palladium prints is also an excellent precursor to platinum printing. Hand coating paper and making the proper exposure will be the foundation of this workshop. This is a contact process and the print will be the same size as the negative. It is recommended you use a larger format negative (6 x 6 or larger).
Van Dyke Brown printing is one of the earliest forms of
photography and is based on the iron-silver process with deep
chocolate browns and off-white highlights. The process gets its name
from its similarity in color to the browns found in the paintings of
VanDyke. Hand coating paper and making the proper exposure will be the
foundation of this workshop; including toning for stability. This is a
contact process and the print will be the same size as the negative.
It is recommended you use a larger format negative (6 x 6 or larger).
Students will take home finished prints, ready for framing along with
their own supply of VanDyke brown chemistry.
Expand your creative urges by experimenting with a fun, easy, and dramatic process known as blueprinting on fabric. Photo or camera knowledge is not a pre-requested for this workshop. Come prepared to be playful; as this is the only technical expertise needed. We will be printing on quilt squares and T shirt.