A Meaningful Image Workshop
Finding Meaning: Developing your Personal Voice and Vision
in-person workshop in Bend Oregon with the Cascade Camera
October 19-20, 2024
Cost $500
One of the great challenges in photography is creating personal and meaningful work. When we start out making photographs, we are just excited to make images. We get better at our craft. We make better images. We learn about camera settings and processing concepts and develop a more critical eye for what we think makes a good photograph. Then we hit a wall. We understand how to make good photographs, but they can still feel like they are missing something or that our photographs sort of look like everyone else’s.
In this workshop, our goal will be to start the journey of finding that missing piece. Our adventure will start out in the field behind the camera to discover how to better identify our voice and vision in our work. Focusing on both what we want to say in our work (our voice) and how we imagine that appearing in the images (vision). Through a series of exercises and conversions and time to photograph some great local locations, we will be taking steps forward to help you better understand the why and what of your approach to your work.
We then return to the classroom on the second day to continue exploring the voice and vision in our images. Starting with how to select the most meaningful images to work with, processing with intention using some of the amazing tools and workflows in the digital darkroom, and finally, critiquing our work to help us really hone in on what makes us unique as a photographer.
The ultimate goal for the workshop is to help you develop a better workflow not just with the camera but in your approach to how you think about your work and what it means to you to make more meaningful images. If you want to deepen your understanding of how you create and the why and meaning of your work, this workshop is for you.
Itinerary
This is a two day workshop. The first day we will be in the field using multiple shooting locations around the Bend, OR area.. We will have a sunrise shoot, followed by an option late breakfast together. We will then meet up later in the afternoon for our second shooting location which will end just after sunset. There will be an option night/astro session for those who want to stay out late. CCC will provide some snacks on Saturday.
The second day takes place in the classroom, and we will spend focused on how to select, process and edit images for a deeper connection and meaning for our personal to our work and images. CCC will provide lunch and snacks on Sunday
Topics include:
- Mindfullness behind the camera and when processing
- Working with your voice and vision for more compelling work
- Learning to articulate and discuss various aspects of your work
- Using the latest tools and techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop to create images that more match your vision
- Consideration for organizing and keyboarding based on voice and vision
- Finding your pace and style of photography when successful
- Focusing on core aspects of what matter to you and how that appears in your work
- Basic conversation and discussion of your images in critique
What you’ll need
For the first day of the workshop where we will be in the field. I would bring your usual kit. Again, we won’t be hiking very much on this workshop (there are a few short walks but nothing crazy).
Here is a list to consider
- Camera Body(ies) (Digital or Film)
- A variety of lenses. I will have from 14-400mm in my bag.
- Tripod
- Extra Batteries/charger (You will be suprised at how much you might photograph. I will have some portable chargers in the car, but extra batteries are always good).
- A Circular Polarizer is an excellent filter to have on a trip like this. ND filters are nice.
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen/bug spray (If you need it)
- Water and snacks
- Extra layers you can easily add and remove as needed
- Rain Jacket (sometimes)
For day two, you will need a laptop computer and a collection of images to work with during the workshop. You will need to provide your own laptop computer, charger, card reader and any external drives for storage.
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.
