A Meaningful Image

Workshop

The art of digital printing

in-person workshop hosted at my Whidbey Island studio

July 10-14, 2023

Registration Closed 

New workshop coming soon

Overview

The Art of Digital Printing (a Meaningful Image Workshop) is a small intimate in-person workshop designed to help you better understand how and why you create the photographs you build and realize that vision in the print. Learning to make better photographs isn’t just about learning more Lightroom or Photoshop. It comes from developing a deeper connection to what matters to you and having the skills to create the images we want. This workshop focuses on both sides of that process. Identifying what matters, understanding how to see it in the camera, and finally crafting a print to your sense of seeing. 

Our work this week primarily focuses on printing and the art of printing. There is a haze around getting the print the way we want for many of us. There is no faster way to become a better photographer than to learn to be a better printer or start printing your work. In this workshop, we break down how to approach printing and the foundations of printing to ensure that you can take steps to produce wonderfully beautiful images that speak to what you imagined when you clicked the shutter. 

Who is this workshop for? Is this workshop for me? The workshop is set up to be step-by-step. We take it slow and ensure that you get what you need from each session. The workshop’s intimate nature allows for one-on-one attention as needed. The workshop is designed for anyone who wants to be better at photography and printing. Our workshops are geared to anyone interested in learning digital. This is an excellent option if you want to get better at shooting and editing your images. In my experience teaching workshops and classes, I have learned that even when starting with the basics, we all realize that we are in the same boat no matter what skill level we think we are at. There is always something new to learn and share.

Space is limited to 4 participants.

What other workshop attendees say about the experience

“Daniel is an intuitive teacher. He has a gift for how to challenge me not only to be a better photographer but to step back and see how my photography fits into the larger picture of my creative work as a whole, to grapple with and come to understand why my photography matters, so that when I lift my camera to my eye, it is not random but intentional.”

Cami Shepard

Photographer

“Through out my life I noticed that what distinguishes a great teacher from a good one is that while both know technical details of their trade very well, the great teacher can craft the program, the material that you learn upon in such a way that will inspire you to learn and discover more no matter how steep is the learning curve. And Daniel is a great teacher that will inspire you, support you and when you are stuck will give you the best advice that you need at that point. Like ‘Go and reshoot it.'”

Mikhail Kolesnik

Itinerary

The Meaningful Image workshopThe art of digital printing is focused on the capture to print aspects of making an image. We will be focused on the processing, editing, displaying, and sharing of images. At the heart of this workshop is Topics in the Intro workshops include: 

  • How to pick and evaluate how papers and substrates impact the image.
  • Introduction to Basic Color Management
  • RAW editing workflows for Camera RAW and Lightroom
  • Basics of noise reduction and sharpening
  • Basic black and white workflows and techniques
  • Review some 3rd-party apps and plug-ins to ease workflow and editing
  • Color editing for impact and feeling
  • Black and white printer settings
  • Soft proofing
  • Judging the print
  • Storing prints
  • Discussions of editions and presentation considerations

      What to Expect

      This workshop takes place at my studio and house, where we will spend five days focused on reviewing images and learning the skills and vision to make your best print possible. We will focus on learning essential techniques and concepts to make your prints the best possible. We will have lots of discussions looking at your photographs and photographs by other photographers. Because this is a hands-on workshop, you will have lots of time to work on your images and make prints on various papers and media in all different sizes.

      What you’ll need

      You will need a laptop computer and a collection of images to work with during the workshop. You will also need to bring some existing prints or digital images for us to view the first day or two of the class to get a sense of who you are as a photographer. We will eat lunch together every day, and there is one social hang-out evening, but you are responsible for all meal costs (including lunch) and lodging. I will provide paper, ink, and supplies used in the studio.

      Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or travel emergencies. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. There are several options for purchase a good one is Travelex.

      In the event that Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography must cancel a workshop, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop. Particpants are still responsible for any losses regarding flights, travel, lodging or other undefined expense. Again, consider travel insurance to remove any concerns. 

      Guidelines

      We treat each other with mutual respect.

      We do not engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior that disturbs others, threatening others physically, or engaging in verbal harassment.

      We don’t act unreasonably or interfering with others’ use of the facilities (online or in-person) or class time.

      When providing feedback, we provide honest, open dialogs about our work and the work of others in a respectful manner.

      Silly Dog Studios does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran.

      Silly Dog Studios values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives of people in our community. Encouraging and protecting diversity creates an environment that promotes freedom of thought and shared learning.

      Anyone who violates these guidelines will be removed from a workshop, course, or program. No refunds will be given. 

      Common Questions

      What do I need to bring?

      Each workshop has a different set of needs. Once you register, you will be sent a detailed handout about the workshop or event. The booklet contains details about the workshop content, locations, directions to the studio and complete workshop schedule. It also includes a list of required materials and optional materials.

      However, for most workshops, participants need to bring their computers. Digital cameras are required for on-location or shooting workshops. The studio equipment (printers, scanners, etc.) is available for participant use during each workshop. While we run Macs in our studio, workshops are mostly Adobe-centric or universal software centric, so Windows-based PC users should have few concerns about compatibility. I also worked for several years at Microsoft and have lots of Windows experience.

      We use a variety of media. If you want to print on alternate substrates, please bring your preferred media.

      For online workshops, you only need access to the Internet and a working device to connect to the session via the provided link.

      Is there some way to reduce my financial risk if I can't make it for some reason?

      I understand that things happen, and you can read our refund policy below or in our Terms of Service. I highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your workshop. Having that in your back pocket can reduce your risk and put your mind at ease. Travelex is a good company, as are many other options.

      All payments made are non-refundable. Funds paid are transferable if you cancel more than 60 days before the start of your workshop. Daniel J Gregory Photography reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 45 days before the workshop begins.

      Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or travel emergencies. Participants are still responsible for any losses regarding flights, travel, lodging or other undefined expense. Again, please consider travel insurance to remove any worries you might have. We recommend you purchase travel insurance through Travelex.

      If Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography must cancel a workshop, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or transferred to another workshop.

      What about COVID-19 and vaccination requirements?

      For in-person workshops, we require that attendees be vaccinated. If you fail to produce your vaccination status, you will forfeit your spot in the workshop, and no refund will be provided.

      What is your payment and refund policy?

      For most in-person workshops, payments are due in full at the time of registration. Our approach is that your payment for the program is a commitment to participate, just as it is our commitment to provide the best experience possible. It is a commitment on both our parts. So, the short answer is we don’t provide refunds on workshops, classes and courses.

      If you need to cancel your reservation with more than 60 days notice, funds paid are transferable to a future workshop space permitting. With less than 60 days until the workshop, there are no refunds or transfers. There are no refunds or transfers for any reason once the event, class or workshop date has begun. We highly suggest that you get trip insurance to reduce your risk.

      Do I need to bring my own computer?

      Yes, you will need to bring a computer. We don't have computers for you to use. If computers are not required for the workshop, we will let you know in advance.

      For smaller workshops or online sessions, many of our attendees prefer just to take notes the old fashion way.

      Are there any prerequisites for attending a workshop?

      For almost all of the workshops there are no prerequisites. In the event a workshop does require some advanced or prior knowledge it will be specifically called out on the workshop registration page. If you are ever concerned about the specific topics or technical requirements for a workshop, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer any of your questions so that you can feel great about your decision to sign up.

      Do you offer any discounts?

      Some workshops do offer an early-bird rate.  The early bird rate, when offered, will be automatically calculated in the price. The rate is available for workshops with early-bird pricing until four weeks before the workshop start date.

      I also offer a discount for alums and referrals. If you want an alum or referral discount, please get in touch with me before registering for your discount code.

      Alum discounts may not be used for any online class or workshops except for the Meaningful Image full-length course.

      Can I be put on a waitlist?

      Absolutely. Life happens and we want to make sure that we can get you in a workshop if at all possible. If the workshop is full, we will take down your name and contact you if a spot becomes available.

      Do you offer payment plans?

      Some workshops do have a non-refundable, transferable deposit, but unless noted, a workshop payment is due in full at the time of registration. We do understand that sometimes it makes sense to be able to pay for the cost of a  workshop over time. If you want to discuss that as an option, please contact us and we can figure out something that will work for you to be able to attend the workshop.