Contemplative Photography Workshop: Lilacs & More Arnold Arboretum

Greetings Photographers, You are invited to join this contemplative photography workshop to make new friends and take your nature photos from like to LOVE. We will walk slowly and breathe deeply. A perfect way to relax and release stress. Discover the power of composing yourself before you compose the image.

The official lilac Sunday is the week prior to our class. We go after that date to avoid the crowds. This is weather permitting so if we have rain, refunds will be issued.

Learn how to see nature through the eyes of an artist. Discover, appreciate and photograph the beauty of nature through this mindful approach to photography called Flow-tography. Create photos that capture the natural wonders of the Arnold Arboretum in your own unique way. Print cards to share with family and friends sure to brighten their day.

I have designed a specific walking tour just for photographers and will lead you to the spots that are perfect for photos. We will experiment with composition structures used by pros for abstract, macro and closeup photos. We will work on 3 different artist styles, realism, impressionism, and abstract.

We will also focus on some more advanced methods such as manual focus and bokeh effect (blur background of light)

When you spend time with a professional instructor, you receive specific guidance and exercises designed to improve your photography right away.

Learning to see creatively means slowing down to notice simple details right in front of you the have the potential to make a great photo. The things other people walk right by will suddenly jump out at you begging for your attention. A walk in nature is the perfect way to introduce mindfulness into your photography practice. I will provide several easy ways to help you go slow so you see more. It is about being present while seeing. Dropping expectations and noticing what is there.

I will introduce you to some simple step by step practices for creative seeing so you can find beauty in the most unexpected places. I will show you some inspiring example photos to help get you started. I will help challenge your assumptions about what makes an interesting photo.

I have designed a series of three specific assignments to challenge your creativity and get you out of your habitual ways of seeing. We will start with macro, then mid range and end with landscapes. You will also have some free time to just wander on your own.

If you would like to learn how to use more of the features of your camera, this is the perfect time to go off auto with my guidance.

You will have a chance to try these ideas out right away with my guidance out on the grounds. You will receive individual coaching and critique while we are in the field shooting. This way you can be confident that you will be able to repeat the process next time you are out on a shoot.

We will work with color, texture, pattern, and light to make our photos come to life. As always, this is a non technical jargon zone. It is all about the creative act of seeing and capturing the moments of life with a fresh eye. There is a sudden sense of discovery when you get a glimpse of nature in this way.

This contemplative workshop is for you if:

• You want to develop your eye to see beyond the basic, obvious images.

• You would like to go off auto and explore depth of field with aperture priority.

• Your photos are “nice” but not jaw dropping all that often.
You are not sure what to include in your landscape images.

• You have tried to go off auto before but need a refresher.

• You would like to go beyond the basics of composition and learn more advanced ways of composing your images using dynamic tension and harmony.

Taking better photos takes practice and with guidance the you know what to focus on and how to see with the creative eye of an art photographer.

I know you will leave with new tips and techniques for seeing creatively that you will be able to apply to any type of photography you do in the future. Handouts will be provided. iPhones welcome.

About your instructor: Suzanne Merritt is a master level instructor with a studio at the Boston Center for the Arts. She has led workshops on beauty, photography, and creativity in Asia, Europe and the United States for the past 20 years. She was the founder of the Polaroid Creativity and Innovation Lab and recently opened The Curious Soul Photo School in Boston MA.

The closest T stop Forest Hills on the Orange Line. Check the website of the Arnold Arboretum for directions. http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu

We are going to have a great time! You have joined the group, now join the fun. RSVP right away to hold your space.

Suzanne
You can find out how to practice mindful photography in my book: Flow-tography See link below.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/flow-tography-better-photos/id499049037?mt=11&uo=4