The Garden Photo Workshop
Workshop Info
6 Weeks - 2.5 hour classes (15 Hours)
When: Thursdays from 6pm – 8:30pm
Dates: May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26
Workshop Fee: $275 (Regular Price) $250 (RiverBrink Museum Members)
Location: RiverBrink Art Museum Coach House Studio - 116 Queenston Street, Queenston, ON
Small class size of up to 12 participants. Please note that a minimum number of 6 participants is required to run the workshop.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/fkxgvrFFt68svg9v8
Overview
A garden can be many things; it can be a relaxing refuge, a creative outlet for learning and experimentation, a place to watch things grow, where you gather ingredients for your dinner, or a welcoming space for pollinators and birds. What meaning does your garden hold for you and what stories can you find there?
In this six week workshop you will learn how to go beyond taking snapshots to think more deeply about how to photograph your garden and craft a compelling visual story. Through an artistic lens, we’ll explore creative approaches and techniques you can use to visually communicate what your garden means to you. With hands-on and collaborative activities, you will receive guidance, benefit from peer feedback, and learn how to select your best images to put together a strong visual narrative.
Workshop participants will develop a short photo series based on what has been taught throughout the course and have the opportunity to present their work in the final class in a supportive environment.
Requirements
Both digital and analog cameras are welcome! Although a variety of photography techniques will be covered and technical support can be provided, this is a creative course and participants should come with a basic understanding of photography and how to use their camera.
Do I need to have my own garden to take this workshop? No, you do not need to have your own garden to participate. All you will need is access to a garden or green space for the duration of this course; this could be a community or public garden, a botanical garden, a friend or relative’s garden, or a rooftop or balcony garden. All gardens are welcome!
Format
Workshop Breakdown
Week 1 - May 22: Finding Inspiration
In this class, we’ll take inspiration from looking at garden and botanical photography from the late 19th century to the present day, through an art historical lens.
Week 2 - May 29: Finding your Story: Looking at your garden…and then looking more closely.
In this class we will focus on seeing things; how to look and feel more deeply to craft a meaningful visual story about your garden. What lives in your garden? What meaning does this space hold for you? What symbiotic relationships can you identify between the plants and creatures that occupy it? Who else, besides you, spends time in this garden?
Week 3 - June 5: Creative Approaches and Techniques Part 1
In this hands-on class you will learn creative approaches and techniques for making better photographs of plants, flowers, and other subject matter you might find in your garden. We will explore how composition, depth of field, perspective, focus, motion, and light can be used creatively to make more considered and impactful images.
Week 4 - June 12: Creative Approaches and Techniques Part 2
Expanding on the previous class, you’ll learn how to apply this knowledge in developing a cohesive series about your garden.
Week 5 - June 19: Collaborative Workshop: Making Selections and Visual Storytelling
We will hone our editorial skills and learn how to select images that together tell a visual story. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with your classmates and engage in a light and enjoyable peer feedback activity.
Week 6 - June 26: Presenting Your Work
In this final class, everyone will have the opportunity to present their garden series and share their process in a supportive environment. We will conclude the workshop by looking at different digital and print formats for sharing your work.
