Chris Martin participated in the recent Vietnam & Cambodia workshop with Art Wolfe. If you are interested in Chris’ photography, please contact him through his website & blog:
“I have long admired Art Wolfe’s photography and the artistic strengths he brings to his images. Joining his photo tour to Myanmar, I expected to visit amazing locations and make some great photographs within the settings as chosen by Art and his assistant Gavriel. The reality far exceeded these expectations as Art and Gavriel’s skill in connecting with people, coupled with our guide’s expert knowledge of the places we visited, made every day exceptional. The beautiful images made all came while having a great time travelling together, eating delicious food, traveling easily (whether by van, boat, plane or hot air balloon) and staying in very comfortable accommodations.
What I did not anticipate, and what made this tour outstanding, was the openness with which Art shared his keen eye for composition, color and the extra elements added (or subtracted) that can elevate an image into something special. Both Art and Gavriel openly shared their methods of approaching every scene, the images they visualized making and then the steps they took to create them. The conversations while on location and constructive critiques of images made by the group, has made a tangible difference in my photography. Further, the clarity of my own vision has jumped forward as a direct result of Art’s mentorship. To share in Art’s thought process from imagining an idea through to realizing it as an image is an incredible opportunity for any photographer. I am already planning for my next tour with Art Wolfe’s team.”
“In retrospect of my recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia I like to thank Art and Gavriel for their wonderful help and assistance during our travels to interesting places. I always seemed to be in trouble with my awkward tripod, the technical aspects of my camera, etc. But Gavriel and Art were present, helped and blocked out the technical difficulties to make a decent shot. How much did I learn!!! Many, many thanks. I have a different approach towards photography now. I am not only reporting a trip in images, I am composing my picture. Your way of looking at a scene had quite an impact on my photographic approach. Thank you, Art and Gavriel for inspiring me. Photography will be a lifelong passion, I cannot stop anymore.”
Travelling and shooting with Art and Gavriel was an amazing learning experience. Not only did we get to visit some of the most picturesque regions in the world but we benefited from one-on-one instruction with two of the best photographers in the business. This was a tour that was geared for photographers who are serious about their craft. On most days, we shot from dawn to dusk and when we weren’t shooting we were either working on our images, listening to Art’s great lecture series or having Art critique our work. In the field, Art and Gavriel were very generous with their time – Art would sometimes provide a running commentary as he selected and set-up for a shot, explaining his thought process and the results that he was trying to achieve. The end result, for me, was a set of images that I am very pleased with and, more importantly, a feeling that I achieved real growth as a photographer from my experiences on this trip.
Final call for the Bhutan Photo Tour with Art! There are only two places left on this two week international workshop to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The trip dates are March 25 to April 6 and the absolute last day to sign up is Tuesday, March 9th. For information and registration, visit http://www.artwolfeworkshops.com/bhutan_tour.php
This is an opportunity of a lifetime for any photographer!
Drawing form 36 years of international travel, Art will delve into a vast range of subjects; from discovering the subject to elements of design and even new works such as time lapses. Imagery of nature, wildlife and the world’s varied landscapes will round out the curriculum to provide the most comprehensive and imaginitave class available. For more information visit our workshop website. Don’t delay, our first two events in Toronto, Canada – May 20 and New York, NY – May 22 are filling fast.
We have partnered with the Sheraton in Seattle to hold short classes on digital camera basics throughout the summer. Thousands of tourists set to explore the area or board cruise ships stay at the Sheraton every week. We will hold the classes up to four days a week.
John Greengo, a member of the Art Wolfe’s Travels to the Edge crew, is conducting the classes dubbed Camera Confidence. John is a talented photographer in his own right as well as an engaging speaker. He will devote some time to unraveling the mysteries of individual cameras attendees bring to the class. The classes cost $69 for an hour and a half session, with discounts available for Sheraton guests.
My only Creative Session for 2009 begins today. The entire group of 50 participants will convene at my house for a reception with food from my favorite restaurant in Seattle, Wild Ginger, the city’s first Pan Asian eatery.
Starting tomorrow, we will devote three days to learning how to see like an artist. This is a new program from start to finish with an emphasis on the compositional techniques of artists from the Impressionists through the Abstract Expressionists. I will cover line, balance, negative space, color interactions, and moving the eye, among other topics. Darrel Gulin, the past president of NANPA, photo tour instructor, and stock photographer will add his insights regarding composition for close up images. John Greengo will demonstrate discuss gear and travel issues we face while shooting Art Wolfe’s Travels to the Edge. Scott Stulberg will show how layer masks and plugins in Photoshop can enhance or transform images from the mundane to the wondrous. I think all three add value, plus I will need a couple hours a day of downtime to recharge.
I’m excited about this new seminar and look forward to presenting it, and abridged versions, next year and beyond.
Jim Zuckerman’s class on Making Money with Photography is filling fast. If you can’t make it to Jim’s class this time, consider one of his online offering on Betterphoto, the leading website devoted to online photography courses. For Jim’s schedule of courses covering composition, technique, and the photo business, visit:
