The Art Of Photography - Tampa/St. Pete

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

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.