The Art of Photography Miami (Field Workshops)

Gordon Parks was an American photographer, filmmaker, writer, and composer whose work from the 1940s to 2000s documented race, poverty, civil rights, and urban life with empathy and social conscience. The first African American staff photographer at Life magazine and the first to direct a major Hollywood film, he created iconic images like American Gothic and directed The Learning Tree and Shaft, using his art as a “weapon” against injustice.

“A photographer can be a storyteller. Images of experience captured on film, when put together like words, can weave tales of feeling and emotion as bold as literature.… [Photographers] bring together fact and fiction, experience, imagination, and feelings in a visual dialogue that has enormous impact on how we observe and relate to the external world and our internal selves.” —Philip Brookman, “Unlocked Doors: Gordon Parks at the Crossroads,” Gordon Parks: Half Past Autumn, 1997

“I chose my camera as a weapon against all the things I dislike about America—poverty, racism, discrimination,” Gordon Parks

You are welcome to join our group in Coconut Grove for a great photo adventure to practice nautical, street, architecture, and documentary photography.

MEETING LOCATION: In front of Glass & Vine Restaurant in Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Rd., Miami 33133). We'll meet here and walk as a group along various locations such as: the Marina, Peacock Park, the Meditation Garden, CocoWalk, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Main Hwy - Grand Ave… and time permitting, The Barnacle Historic State Park.

TIME: Meet at 10:00 AM
PARKING: Plenty along the streets with paid app
BACKGROUND: Coconut Grove is the oldest permanent settlement in Miami-Dade. New residents were lured here with the Homestead Act in the late 1800s, particularly from the Bahamas, and the Keys. In 1919 it became its own city, but in 1925 it was annexed by the City of Miami. The area is often referred to as "The Grove" and many locals take pride that Coconut Grove is one of the greenest areas of Miami. The Grove has become an upscale, leafy neighborhood with relaxed sidewalk cafes and chic shops in and around the CocoWalk mall.

The workshop leader / instructor (Rafael) taught photography classes at all levels and has led many field photography outings for over 15 years and will be available during this shoot for specific tips, technical consultation, and photography information to capture better images and make this a memorable learning experience for you. This workshop is a “One-of-a-Kind” technically supported photoshoot with attention to practical learning for which there is a $10 fee.

-PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE IN PROTECTING THEMSELVES AND OTHER GROUP MEMBERS AGAINST POSSIBLE VIRUS CONTAMINATION BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE / IT IS IMPLICITLY AFFIRMED (IN THIS AND ALL MEETUP OUTINGS) THAT EACH ATTENDING PARTICIPANT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER OWN ACTIONS, PROTECTION, AND SAFEKEEPING-

UPDATE TO FOLLOW...

Join us on April 29 for a creative journey with Barbara Maker.
Barbara is an experienced artist having been both a former art teacher and interior designer. Fortunately for us she is also an organizer in The Art of Photography.

She will present a variety of genres containing images that display her artistic passion, while you enjoy her varied collection of compelling work. The goal with Barbara's presentation is for you to get ideas you can apply to your own photography and craft.

Barbara says, "I am a firm believer that eyes are a photographer’s most valuable tool. I try to shoot just as I want my final shot to be with as little cropping as possible. I also never use a tripod but love post processing using Photoshop Elements, Nik collection, Smart Photo Editor and Topaz Studio. My other photography props are black and white plexiglass and a light board.

I have a fascination with floral and plant subjects, but my love for abstract cannot be denied. I am very interested in street photography, but have been too timid to venture more deeply into that genre so far. I am so glad to be a part of this marvelously talented group of photographers - there is so much more to learn."

This is a continuation in our series of special presentations and high -level educational programming. Our goal is to further enhance your interest and knowledge on your journey as a fine photographer.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI IS AN URBAN / METROPOLITAN CENTER THAT'S CHANGING DAILY – The magnificent construction of the I-395 suspended bridge connecting Miami to Miami Beach is a distinct bridge -designed to become THE SIGNATURE ARCHITECTURAL ICON for Miami, is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY to record HISTORY IN THE MAKING. This photowalk is intended to be a historic documentary / journalistic event to capture the PRESENT CONSTRUCTION STAGE, as well as recording additional images of Downtown Miami surroundings. [Watch this short video clip for context of The “Fountain” road bridge… https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i64R1IqscL0]

You're welcome to join our group and be ready to practice specifics of Street, Architecture, and Documentary photography during this photowalk / workshop event... You'll be able to identify photo opportunities, adapt to the best (available) light + field conditions (positive and negative) and anticipate the “decisive moment” around the transformation currently happening in Downtown Miami. Note: ALL TYPES OF IMAGING EQUIPMENT ARE GOOD FOR OUR PHOTOWALKS: IPHONES / SMART PHONES OR CAMERAS can make great artistic creations.

We’ll meet at the History Miami Museum / Library courtyard and from the Government Center catch a FREE ride in the Metromover to the Museum Park Station in Biscayne Blvd. From there we’ll circle the construction area from various points of view, looking for the best possible images and compositions. Afterwards, we’ll walk along Biscayne Blvd to capture some iconic architectural views, such as The Freedom Tower (Old Miami News), the One Thousand Museum (building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects), the Adrianne Arsht Center (portions of old Sears store corner stairway), then return to our starting point via the Metromover.

The workshop leader / instructor (Rafael) taught photography classes at all levels and has personally led 100+ field photography outings for over 15 years in Broward and Miami-Dade counties and will be available all along this shoot for specific tips, technical consultation, historic facts, and photography information to capture better images and make this a memorable learning experience - This workshop is a “One-of-a-Kind” technically supported photoshoot with attention to practical learning for which there is a $10 fee.

-PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE IN PROTECTING THEMSELVES AND OTHER GROUP MEMBERS AGAINST POSSIBLE VIRUS CONTAMINATION BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE / IT IS IMPLICITLY AFFIRMED (IN THIS AND ALL MEETUP OUTINGS) THAT EACH ATTENDING PARTICIPANT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER OWN ACTIONS, PROTECTION, AND SAFEKEEPING-

UPDATE TO FOLLOW…