Michael Rainwater just got back from China with Art. His reflections:
Over thirteen days, we travelled to some of the most spectacular scenery in southeastern China – from the Yellow Mountains (Huang Shan) to the rice terraces of Yuan Yang to the Li River, near Guilin. We all came back with images that we are very happy with. I, for one, am ready to go back again, especially to the Yellow Mountains. Though we were able to catch glimpses of rural life in the hill tribe communities, it is obvious that China is changing and modernizing much faster than any of us expected. The time is approaching when it will be difficult to find the “old” China at all. This has been a wonderful experience that was greatly enriched by the instruction and guidance we received from both Art and Jay. These guys are masters.
The weather for last two days of our China workshop were a bit dreary, but the subdued light always makes for saturated color. We finally got the mist in Guilin that we had hoped for earlier in the trip in Huanshan. The precipitous karst mountains are at their moody best wreathed in fog and the spring greens of the bamboo are fully evident. We also revisited the marvelous fishermen who still fish with trained cormorants on the Li River.
An exciting weekend of Photography is happening in Calgary and Banff, Alberta the weekend of April 16 and 17.
On Saturday, April 16, Art Wolfe is teaching his one-day workshop “The Art of Composition” in Calgary. More info and REGISTER HERE
AND:
The Canadian Imaging Conference is occurring over 4 days from April 16-20, in beautiful Banff, AB. Art is the guest speaker on Sunday evening, April 17 at 7:00pm. Be sure to catch his inspired talk.
For the last 11 days I have been conducting a travel workshop in the heart of China to some of my favorite locations. While the large landscapes have been spectacular, I have been trying to open up my participants to a new way of seeing–looking for the unexpected. The following photos show some of my best images from the past few days, among these include, mud spattered cars that recall the paintings of Jackson Pollock, various wall details that highlight the residue of previous signage, and finally, the bittersweet encounter with a group of trained macaques.
The weather has been beautiful in Huang Shan, but not conducive to good photography. Without good light, there is a whole lot of nothing going on. In spite of this and the huge volume of tourists that now come here, these mountains remain spectacular. We are heading off to the rice paddies south of Kunming & hoping for better shooting conditions.
“Traveling to Japan with Art was a trip I had been wishing to do ever since I saw his Travels to the Edge show on Japan several years ago. This trip exceeded my expectations. Traveling with Art, Gavriel, and our Japanese guides was simply outstanding. It was the hardest trip I have taken as we had to get up around 3 AM many nights to get to our location for sunrise. It was all worth it in the end. We got spectacular light and I feel I made some of my best images on this trip. Our timing for this trip was very fortunate. I arrived after the volcano erupted and left just a few weeks before the earthquake. I really got to see Japan at its best. The people were happy and extremely friendly and helpful. I also feel Art was an outstanding teacher who worked tirelessly everyday to help improve all of our photography.”
Welcome to another international travel workshop, this time friend and fellow photographer Jay Goodrich is accompanying me to China. For the next 14 days we will be traveling through some of the most industrialized parts of China as well as the most rural. We will get to experience multiple cultures and multiple disciplines of photography. Never wanting to waste any time while traveling abroad, Jay and I decided to head out into Shanghai yesterday to look for unique and interesting compositions throughout the city. Here is what we found. The key here is that by trying to push your creativity beyond the standard vision of just recording what you see, you can walk away highlighting a different perspective of the world for your viewer.
Chicago is host to two great opportunities to be with Art Wolfe this weekend.
First, come hear and see Art’s presentation, Between Heaven And Earth. This is a free event, but registration is required. Find out more and register at Chicago Photo Safaris. This is on March 18th, 6-7:30pm. This should get your creative juices flowing, as you are sure to want to sign up for the workshop the following day.
Second, is his Art of Composition seminar in the Chicago suburb of Elgin. Experience the unexpected at this weekend’s workshop. There are still a few seats left for this one day lecture on Saturday, March 19th.
What people are saying about Art’s seminars and workshops:
Tara Hawkins: This class has opened my heart and soul and eyes to seeing in more aware passionate ways….thank you Art! I’m still trying to soak in all of the incredible energy and new ways of thinking about my camera and how I can use it as an artist’s tool….thank you Art for pouring your heart and soul into what you do and sharing yourself with us lucky folk!
Laurie Rubin Shupp:You are such an inspiration. This morning when I went out shooting, I kept hearing your words of wisdom on what makes a good photo. Thank you so much!
Lori Grimmett:… the art of adding motion (and in a sense, life) to our images is priceless. Thank you for sharing so many great tips and ideas, but above all for inspiring us all and getting those creative juices running again. I can’t thank you enough.
Jessica Marketta:What a great experience I had at this workshop!! Not only did I learn a tremendous amount about composition and forming a beautiful image, but it was so much fun! Meeting Art was fantastic!!!! Still on cloud 9.
Hokkaido- And then there are the Whooper Swans. These large birds look so beautiful as they fly or float together. We have had great weather. The warm air from the water provides a cloud of mist that adds to the mystery.
