Back to School?

                                                         © Colleen Henderson

One of the joys of participating in Multiple Exposures Gallery (MEG) is the opportunity to talk to gallery visitors about the creative and technical aspects of photography. Whether they’re full-blown professionals, new purchasers of an entry-level DSLR or mad snappers with their smartphones, we relish our conversations about all things photography.

A question we’re frequently asked is “How can I take photographs like yours?” While everyone has their own vision and style, taking classes and participating in workshops is one of the best ways to simultaneously learn new skills and spark your creativity.

In the coming months, several MEG members will share their knowledge and techniques through classes and workshops open to the public, including:

Creative Photoshop: MEG president Colleen Henderson will help students unleash their creativity in her Creative Photoshop class offered in September in her Bethesda studio. Participants will put away their technical “how-to” manuals and focus instead on exploring and experimenting with the creative options made possible by Photoshop. Colleen offers additional classes throughout the year, including workshops on shooting, editing, printing, portfolio production and alternative processes.

Alternative Photography: Photography without a camera? That’s exactly what MEG member Janet Matthews will teach students in her October workshop on alternative photography techniques at Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, MD. Learn how to make unique contemporary prints through the 19th century process cyanotype, all without pressing the shutter.

Towards a Personal Style:  Starting in late September, MEG member Karen Keating will help intermediate and advanced photographers identify their personal style and the uniqueness of their visions in this class at Photoworks at Glen Echo. Students will discuss readings, the creative process, look at master photographers’ images and work on defining the elements of style found in their own images.

Exhibit Preparation for Photographers: Are you ready to apply for a photography exhibit? Are your images selected, but it’s your first time getting into the nitty-gritty of a photo exhibition? Work with Karen Keating in this late October class at Photoworks to fine tune your edits, artist statement, printing, framing, sequencing, titling and  labeling, ensuring your exhibit is a hit, not a miss.

Mat Cutting Made Simple: As every exhibiting photographer soon learns, matting costs quickly add up! In this December workshop, Karen Keating teaches you how to save money and time by cutting your own mats. A “hands-on” experience, the workshop will be held at Photoworks at Glen Echo.
 
Lightroom Intensive:  Improve your workflow and your images with a workshop on Adobe’s Lightroom. Become a Lightroom power user in just 2 ½ days as MEG vice president Alan Sislen shares the tips and tricks you need to master Lightroom’s powerful, yet user-friendly, capabilities. You’ll  leave this December workshop, held at Alan’s Bethesda studio, with a full  understanding of Lightroom and practical experience applying its many features to your own images.

If you attend one of these classes, you just might find a member of MEG in the seat next to you. As Abigail Adams said, “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”