How images were collected in the past has changed and the world has become closer in terms of access thanks to the advances in travel and technology. As a result, change seems to accelerate and keeping in step becomes a necessary skill. I will share how I research, plan, and execute as well as review and edit for projects. With over 100 book titles, television shows, exhibits, presentations – how does one manage it all and how do projects transition from an idea to achievement? In this segment, I will review my processes for efficiency, economy and how I chart the course to a successful outcome.
2. Ways Technology has Improved my Work
The truth is that technology has been giving artists new ways to share their work for a very long time. Tools and art have evolved together, becoming intertwined. Cameras, software, lenses, even drones – they are all tools for the photographer, the artist, the storyteller. I will share how I have incorporated technology to enhance and redefine my work.
3. Preview to Photography as Art
“Photography as Art” is a groundbreaking seminar created for individuals who want to spark their imagination and discover how to make artistic statements through photography. I will share an excerpt from this seminar created for the creative professional to see and make art in exciting new ways. With art history as a reference point, I explore avenues to maintain inspiration, foster personal style, and discover ways to distinguish your own photography from others.
4. Live Critique
At the end of the program, I will critique viewer-submitted photographs. These photo critiques provide viewers a great opportunity to look through the eyes of a professional photographer and learn by constructive feedback on what makes an image stronger.
This past February, Denali celebrated it’s 100th year as a national park and preserve. Home to the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet, the park covers 6 million acres of land in Alaska composed of forests, glaciers and tundra.
At a critical time in our history when it comes to protecting our natural places, it’s important to note that Denali was the first national park created to protect wildlife and is home to 209 different species of animals. A natural laboratory for researchers and scientist, the park has been home to various scientific studies for a century now.
Alaska is one of my favorite locations on the globe, so much so that I make it a point to lead workshops in its parks on a regular basis. The scope and scale of the environments here are like no other.
Now is a better time than ever to get involved with our national parks. Click here for a list of events related to the Denali Centennial to see how you can participate!
Here in my home town I am offering a special meet and greet that will take place at my house. There will be hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a special slide show! I will also include a copy of one of my popular how-to books. The following day, we will rendezvous at the Frye Art Museum for the seminar. For those of you who attended the debut of this seminar at Kenmore Camera over a year ago, please be aware that it has been extensively updated.
Hop on this perennial favorite! I myself have decided to do just that and will co-lead this workshop with Gavriel Jecan, Yuri Choufour, and Libby Pfeiffer. We will explore this internationally recognized biosphere that is in our backyard–this is a wonderland where the scent of saltwater and fir hang in the air and the horizon sometimes seems to make the entire world appear to be shades of blue and green.
C4C17 is the 5th annual visual storytelling event put on by Blue Earth Alliance. They have brought together socially conscious businesses, non-profits, educators, public agencies and content creators for two days of inspiration, exploration, and partnership building. I will be presenting the opening keynote, “All in a Life’s Work: The Creative Process of Art Wolfe” on Friday, May 5th at 9:00 AM.
In this full-day seminar, you’ll learn that the beauty, emotion and versatility expressed through photography are matched only by the limits of your imagination. Using art history as a reference point, the seminar highlights common visual elements, from shape and space to texture and light, and shows you how to apply them to enhance your own compositions. You’ll explore innovative ways to translate conceptual ideas into creative results, learn how to spot the non-obvious, and uncover new ways to expand your visual imagination.
This is fast becoming my second most popular workshop. Situated at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, Astoria is a fascinating and revitalizing port city with a history tied to the early territorial aspirations of the United States. My goal is work closely with each participant to truly transform and refine their skills while exploring the nature of creativity itself.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
Washington, United States
A tiny saw-whet owl uses blending camouflage to hide among a profusion of muted pussy-willow blossoms. Weighing only 75 to 110 grams (2.6 to 3.9 ounces), or about as much as a robin, the saw-whet owl is one of the smallest owl species in North America. Few people ever see these diminutive raptors because they are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they roost in foliage close to the ground hidden by their cryptic plumage, a mottled brown with white streaks and spots. To enhance the effect, saw-whet owls also use procryptic posturing for concealment: they elongate their bodies to mimic inanimate tree branches, bringing one wing around in front of their bodies to conceal their heavily feathered legs and feet. Northern saw-whet owls inhabit both coniferous and deciduous forests, wherever woodpeckers create cavities for their potential nest sites. At night, the owls silently watch and wait, using their exceptional vision and hearing to swoop down on unsuspecting prey.
Canon EOS-1N, Canon EF 80–200 mm lens with Canon Extender EF 1.4, f/11 at 1/60 second, Fujichrome Velvia 100 film
Save 20% on any Saw-whet in Pussy Willows print purchased this month. These Open Edition prints are printed on EPSON Premium Photo Luster paper using archival EPSON Ultrachrome inks. Art signs the print with a silver acid-free pen. Get more information about our Fine Art prints here.
I’m appreciative to have friends and fans from so many walks of life around the world. One of the best ways for all of these perspectives and points of view to come together is through social media. I know not everyone has the time to keep up to date with the plethora of applications and sites out there, so here is a brief run down of how we can connect!
If there are social media outlets you find are helpful in the photography world, leave me a comment and I’ll check them out! I am always looking for ways to expand what I feel is an important perspective on our natural environment.
A popular and simple to use smart phone app for photographers of all skill levels to share their photos and interact with those whom have similar interests. I generally post an image or two a day, either focusing on my latest work from the field, relevant topics at the time, or whatever strikes my fancy to change things up! If you want to see a steady stream of my work, that’s the place to be.
Once you have the app ready to go, follow me @ArtWolfe! Although my busy travel schedule makes it hard to always keep up, I’ll do my best to follow you as well!
I’m sure at this point it would be rare to find anyone who isn’t familiar with Facebook, but if we aren’t connected already, be sure you’re following me for regular posts of photo galleries and other current events related to photography, wildlife, and the environment.
Unfortunately I met the Facebook cap of 5,000 friends long ago – so be sure to hit the “Follow” button to get my latest updates!
Nearly 200,000 fans and friends follow me on twitter. It’s a convenient place for me to post quick-hits on relevant topics, upcoming events and contests while also sharing important topics from around the photography world!
For Google+ users, much of the contest posted to other social media outlets is also shared here – so if Google is your social media source, we should absolutely connect!
LinkedIn is less for the casual fan and more for those interested in the business of Photography. If you are an aspiring or established photographer, it’s an excellent place to network!
Have I missed any of your favorite social media sites or applications? Leave a comment below, and let me know what you find useful!
It has been a very challenging last leg of a four week tour of Northern Europe. In Norway, we’ve experienced many micro climates . When we leave our cozy little cabins we are likely to experience blinding snow with gale force winds; and then upon passing through a tunnel we find sun and calm. We have passed many a stranded tourist whom are unprepared for the treacherous driving conditions waiting for assistance to show up. Finally, near the very end of this month long tour of Germany, Finland, Iceland and Norway, the Aurora we’ve been seeking shows up!
Following up the important and successful Remembering Elephants, Margot Raggett is back with Remembering Rhinos! The Kickstarter is now live and I’d love you all to check it out at and consider giving us your support. Along with many of the top wildlife photographers in the world, I am delighted to be donating an image to this important project. The Kickstarter will pay for the print run, and all subsequent sales of the book will go to anti-poaching initiatives via Born Free.
The Remembering Elephants book project not only produced a beautiful coffee table book; it also raised nearly $170,000 for this important cause. Complete your set, or create one instantly with one of the donation levels that includes both books. Remembering Rhinos is scheduled to be available before the holiday season in 2017 and what better gift for the nature, wildlife, or photography enthusiast than a thoughtful gift that benefits the continued fight to preserve wildlife?
If you’ve been contemplating attending my full-day Photography As Art seminar in a city near you in 2017 and would like to know more about it, my podcast with Rick Sammon is sure to give you the insight and motivation you need to sign up! We are now less than two weeks away from my next appearance, this time in Atlanta.
Take a listen, and then sign up to join me in one of the following cities!
It was rainy in Iceland this past week with no snow on the ground, however my travel companions and I made the most of it and have had a good time. The highlight was strapping on the crampons and crawling into an ice cave for some luminous shots through the glacier.
My northern European winter sojourn continues in a couple of days as we exit the Land of Ice and Fire, and begin our journey to Norway’s Lofoten Archipelago. Stay tuned to the blog and my instagram account (@artwolfe) as always for new photos!
Also a reminder about upcoming events I’m looking forward to when I return to the states:
On March 3rd I’ll be presenting Earth Is My Witness at the NANPA Summit in Jacksonville, Florida. The Summit happens March 2nd through March 4th. This is going to be an informative event featuring talks from many of the world’s foremost nature photographers at a time when an appreciation for our natural resources and respect for our earthly places could not be more significant.
On March 5th, I’ll be delivering my Photography As Art seminar in Atlanta, GA. Sign up now to ensure your spot! Photographers of all skill levels will learn to shoot captivating images regardless of their ability to travel the world or simply their own back yard.
Hope to see you there, and I also hope to see you back perusing the blog in the days to come for more photos from my trip to norther Europe!
Over the past couple weeks many people have contacted me about what we, as a community of nature enthusiasts, can do to #Resist. Loosening of environmental regulations and the de-funding of the National Parks Service are just a couple of reasons that concerned citizens are interested in the creation of materials such as cards, info packets, and brochures to get the word out about the natural heritage we could lose.
For decades I have been working with environmental organizations and NGOs near and far in promoting awareness and raising funds to fight for our public lands. I am so heartened that our concerned citizens want to flood their congressional delegations with pro-environmental messages and visuals. While myself and like-minded individuals will never cease in exploring new ways to bring attention to these vital causes, many products and memberships already exist that will both provide donations to the organization of your choice and also serve as a signal to your representative.
And this is just a small selection of organizations you can support! Click here for a list of many of the organizations I’ve worked with over the years, all of which are worthy of your consideration for support!
However, donations only go so far – and nothing counts as much as your voice. Contacting your members of congress via phone or postal letter (far more effective than emails) and attending town hall meetings or other local events where your representatives are in attendance are the most effective ways to make your voice heard.
Contacting your elected officials is easy – Click here to locate their information.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding this critical matter. We will continue to fight for our valuable lands and wildlife!
