River Action and the Figge Art Museum are co-sponsoring a workshop for photographers of all skill levels who are interested in exploring ways to improve the quality of their photos. The workshop, Beyond a Snapshot: the Art of Building and Creating Fine Photographs, will be held on Saturday, March 8th at the Figge Art Museum, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801. The workshop will begin at 12:45p and conclude at 4:30p. [REGISTER | Download PDF Flyer]
Internationally acclaimed photographer, Joel Sartore, has stated that there are three essential ingredients needed to make a quality photograph–light, composition, and an interesting story. A talented panel will address these various issues in an afternoon of brisk, lively sessions.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that many of the world’s renown photographers, both past and present, have cut their professional teeth as photojournalists. Day in and day out they were developing and refining their skill in taking pictures that tell a story.
Two of the presenters are professional photojournalists who have treated us all to quality photographs. Todd Mizener of The Dispatch/ Argus and John Schultz of the Quad City Times both received academic degrees from the University of Iowa. They will talk about the process that they each have developed as they daily meet their professional challenges of taking pictures that tell us something or show us something. They have developed the skill to take great pictures, not mere snapshots, while shooting under the demands of time pressure.
Photographic giant Henri Cartier Bresson said, “Composition should be a constant preoccupation-an organic coordination of visual elements.” Two respected teachers from our region will make presentations concerning the various building blocks for constructing pictures that are strongly composed. Robyn Smith is a Fine Arts Instructor with EICC. She is an artist specializing in painting and printmaking. Roxanne Westphal teaches digital photography with the Davenport school system. She is a fine art photographer.
Robyn and Roxanne will offer insights to various tools to consider as you compose photos that communicate its message clearly and effectively.
This time is one where some significant innovations to camera technology are reaching the consumer marketplace. Ted Doty the manager of Camera Corner, will lead a show and tell to get us up to speed about new and exciting products that expand our photographic opportunities.
Brian Tugana minored in art at the University of Chicago and had instruction from instructors from the Art Institute of Chicago. He will share some of themes both good and bad that he has observed in the seven years he has participated in the Valley Bank Calendar Project.
The workshop will conclude with an opportunity for presenters and participants to network socialize, and swap insights.
The workshop is free. Reservations are required due to limited seating. To reserve a spot, register on the River Action website www.RiverAction.org, send an email to riveraction@riveraction.org, or call River Action at 563-322-2969.
