Straight Photography

This class is for film photographers (any format) looking to make meaningful, expressive photographs. Ultimately an expressive photograph depends on seeing, how the photographer organizes the elements of the picture. Why is Minor White's Grand Tetons photograph "more" than just a landscape, and Ansel Adams's picture of the same subject simply an embellished postcard? Here's a hint: some photographs are about the experience, and others are "about photography". Most uninteresting pictures are made as an excuse to photograph something, rather than an emotional metaphor - like the Minor White photograph. This class attempts to clarify some of these distinctions. The distinctions do exist, and knowing them gives clarity and direction to your work. The class will take a few shooting field trips together to discuss and practice seeing in black and white, framing an image properly with a format viewer and knowing where to stand.