Posts Tagged: Photo Workshops
1 to 3 day intensive experiences to enhance creative expression – established photographers
blog post: alternative photographic processes
…or, a lesson on how to feed your soul…
As I’ve evolved on my photographic journey (and on my spiritual path) I’ve learned many things…
In the early years of my career and learning process, it was all about controlling the outcome of the images I created. Much of that need to control came about as a result of who I was creating for and what my subjects were…Wedding Clients. Photographing weddings was a “get-it-right” one-time opportunity with no-room-for-error, and it had to be done quickly AND creatively.
It was a super-exciting challenge; one I always approached with confidence and passion that led me to become one of the top wedding photographers locally and beyond – I’m well-known for my wedding art…and then I decided to let that go. I was serving others in a wonderful way, but came to realize I wasn’t serving myself. Eventually, I began to feel the powerful pull to do art for myself, in my own way and style, just as I had when I began to photograph weddings!
As I left the wedding world, I threw out the need to control the outcome of my images, and instead immersed myself into alternative photographic process where the control and outcome was almost completely out of my control in many instances, except for where I was choosing when to release the shutter. This letting go of end outcomes became a vehicle for self- and art-exploration. I thought I was happy while photographing previous to this, but letting go became pure BLISS to me!
But, to this day I must say that I feel it is so very important to have knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of photography / cameras / lenses so you know what to do and how to create from your vision. So, self-taught or formally educated. Knowledge is the catalyst to freedom!
The photographic journey – mine, yours, the masters, the beginners – it’s all an ever-evolving process of creative- and self-knowledge.
Here is an example of one of my Pinhole (alternative) Photographic images taken in Provincetown MA:
What does it make you feel when you view it? I’d really like to know, and thank you for stopping by.
Namaste, Joanne Bartone Photographer / Zen Photography
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 7D | No-dust 50mm Pinhole Lens | ISO: 400 | f/64 | 25 sec. | Images refined and enhanced for density + tonality in PS5
blog post: why zen photography?
Zen is not a philosophy, it is poetry. It does not propose, it simply persuades. It does not argue, it simply sings its own song. — Osho —
I imagine that those visiting our website might wonder why we have chosen to call ourselves “Zen Photography.” I can hear the pondering…”Is it a religious thing?” “Do I have to be a Buddhist to participate?” The answer to both questions is ‘no,’ but it’s OK if you are!
Zen is considered a form of Buddhism that focuses on meditation and enlightenment through direct experience. Primarily dependent on awareness and concentration, the premise of practicing Zen is to bring your focus to the present moment. As humans, our tendency is to dwell on the past or focus on the future, and when we do that we typically miss the rich experiences that happen in the “now.” Zen is an awareness. If we shift our focus to the present moment we are not burdened by the woes of the past or the anxieties of the future.
So, that brings us to the question…”Why the title ‘Zen Photography’ then?” Our Zen Photography philosophy is to provide lectures and hands-on practicum that bring your attention to the things you are most in need of learning. Through these practical learning experiences we focus on skills and knowledge that will bring you immediate progress and success. Our goal is that after you’ve attended one of our Zen Photography Workshops you will leave with the knowledge you came to obtain from us and a deeper understanding of that knowledge which will bring you more success in your photography, no matter what your level of experience. We like to think if it as Photo Satori, or Photo Enlightenment! So, our goal is to enlighten you photographically, and if some of that enlightenment rubs off of you in a spiritual way, we’re OK with that too.
For the record, we leave the religious practices of Zen up to the Zen Masters who teach Zen well. And, it’s my understanding that the Zen Masters are leaving the photographic instruction up to us, since we happen to provide photography instruction well!
Namaste, Joanne Bartone Photographer / Zen Photography
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 5D | Canon 70-200mm L f/2.8 IS @ 200mm | ISO: 100 | f/2.8 | 1/800 | Images refined and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
Basic Photography Workshop Recap
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Our Basic Photography + DSLR Camera Workshop was a lot of fun, but the time together went all too quickly…
The workshop was hosted by Christine Goodis at her contemporary Lawrenceville salon, Salon Christine purposefully so we could include a photo walk to the historical (and magical) Allegheny Cemetery (a great location for creating photos!) where we put the info provided in the lecture into practice. We had a beautifully inviting space, great food to partake in during the lecture and delightful champagne and more snacks to enjoy after the photo walk. Thank you, Christine, for hosting and providing such a beautiful space for us, and thank you to all the workshop attendees for participating – I am grateful that you spent your Sunday afternoon with me!
The workshop was full and weather held wonderfully for us – it was a bit cold, but the sun graced our presence and allotted some great afternoon light for creating photos. Photos and “Ah Ha Moments” from the participants will follow soon, and I’ll add them here after all have been submitted. In the meanwhile, enjoy some of the details of the day!
You’ll notice the Zen Photography Exposure Triangle + Photography Guide smack in the middle of the image above…it is my gift to all attendees of workshops or 1:1 coaching sessions and is a great field reference to guide you as you practice and apply both the technical and creative photographic principles that I offer instruction on.
I can’t wait for the next workshop! xoxo
Namaste, Joanne Bartone Photographer
blog post: the music of the earth
“The Earth has music for those who listen.” — George Santayana
The Earth “sings to us” every day in ways that awaken our senses and spirit. It offers us unimaginable gifts if only we might stop and listen to them, or see them.
There, right in front of you in the middle of winter is a blessing of color or sound that is offering itself to you. It might be a golden weather-worn leaf curled in a crevice surrounded by snow, or the sound of ice expanding and contracting on a lake while the rest of the world lies in silence. There, everywhere is the Earth’s music and in our visual world, we can translate it into a beautiful image filled with the magic and majesty that is Nature.
Many people love nature and photography. Many people take great pride in creating with their cameras, and you don’t have to be a professional to do it.
Zen Photography Workshops | Retreats | Safaris was created with the intention to inspire, guide and inform people who love photography, no matter what the skill level and in ways that are both interesting and enjoyable.
The various practical experiences and lectures available to you at Zen Photography Workshops | Retreats |Safaris are designed to help you get in touch with and integrate the inspiration you see around you into your own creative process and we look forward to helping you fuel your soul and direct your creativity towards the gifts that surround you.
Namaste, Team Zen | Joanne Bartone
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS A2E | Canon 24-70mm L f/2.8 IS @ 70mm | ISO: 1000 | f/5.6 | 1/30 | Images refined and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
blog post: photography workshop
Zen Photography Workshops is presenting a Basic Photography Workshop + Photo Walk on March 24TH, 2013 | 1 to 3 PM
blog post: 2013 fall foliage workshop
“Knock on the sky and listen to the sound.” — Zen Saying
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the profound colors, pungent fragrances and autumnal foods this time of the year, but mostly I feel that Autumn it is an opportunity to reflect on the events and goals that previously occurred in Spring and Summer, and consider resting and regrouping through the Winter months to (hopefully) face the changing seasons once again.
I see beautiful colors throughout the Winter, Spring’s colors are bountiful and Summer moves from chartreuse to forest green, but Autumn? …visually there is no other season like it!
So to help you create from this most visually stimulating time of year I’m offering a 3-hour Photography Workshop on October 12th + 27th, from 6 AM to 9 AM and then again on October 13th + 26, 3 PM to 6 PM at Mingo Creek County Park.
The goal? …is first, to help you envision your photos and then secondly, help you create from all the potential that will surround us.
You will learn:
- ISO, Aperture + Shutter Speed: the Exposure Triangle and head home with your own Zen Photography Exposure Guide
- To apply the principles of composition and how to view scenes differently.
- Understand how those camera dials can help you achieve what you envision.
- Learn to shoot comfortably in M (Manual) Mode.
- Understand how different lenses will affect your exposure and composition.
What to bring:
- Your enthusiasm + questions
- A Tripod
- Your DSLR Camera
- All the Lenses you have
- Compact Flash Cards
CLICK HERE to register – pre-pay/pre-purchase required. Once you register, you’ll be given the meet-up location.
Namaste, Team Zen | Joanne Bartone
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 7D | Canon 24-70mm L f/2.8 @ 70 mm | ISO: 200 | f/8 | 1/8 | Falling Water, Farmington, PA | Image refined cropped and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
blog post: wishing or doing?
“If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of potential – for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints; possibility never.” — Soren Kierkegaard
If I were to wish for anything, I’d wish to create an interactive dialog with the many visitors that come here to the Zen Photography blog. Thank you for honoring me by reading my posts (we have many visitors from all around the world). Despite our not being able to meet in person, I’d really like to hear your thoughts and strike up a conversation on how you relate photographically with my writings. Having a connection is essential in supporting one another on our photographic journey – I will always welcome your input here.
So, let’s consider our photographic potential for a moment…
Many of us have a passion for photography, whether we are just beginning to learn it or we are someone who is in the thick of a solid career.
As a new photographer, how many times have we seen the potential in wanting to create from a scene or a moment only to have the outcome be disappointing as we struggled with camera settings or we mistimed our shots? All that possibility leading to all that disappointment. That’s called frustration. Frustration leaves many a shooter to rely on P – which does not stand for Professional or Potential, in my book!
Or, perhaps that passion for our photography has led us to move from enthusiast towards an actual career as a photographer – all that potential, all those possibilities…all that struggle as we make our way down an unknown path without a mentor or a coach. That’s how it was for me, nearly twenty years ago. What was I thinking?! As a typical creative person, I was thinking about the potential, the excitement, the possibilities – everything I knew I could do, despite not knowing how to go about doing it. That didn’t stop me. I blazed a trail for myself and for many photographers that followed after me. But that trail blazing came at an expense at times – there’s a LOT of learning to be done as the sole owner of a photography business. That is one thing I know for sure. Those who tell you they’ve learned or know it all (at any time in their career), probably haven’t learned anything at all.
Each of us is on our own journey; we all learn in our own way, pace and time, but you now have the opportunity of learning from people who have experience and are here to guide and help – Team Zen. They are a gift. I wished I’d have had someone to mentor me as I was learning photography and the business of photography – THAT is a whole ‘nother story, believe me.
I’d like you to consider your potential while reading this post, then consider the things you spend time wishing for…those possibilities that look so enticing yet are still out of reach. Are you achieving your photographic or business goals by planning and harnessing your potential instead of just wishing that things will happen? Do you have a plan to learn more about photography, or more about operating your photographic business?
Please share your thoughts here with us. What do you see as your potential vs. what you are wishing for. ‘My potential is: ___________________.’ ‘I wish __________________ .’ Can you feel the difference between them?
If you need some photographic or business guidance, consider taking a Zen Photography 2-day Workshop, or attending a Zen Photography 5-day Retreat, or having 1:1 Coaching. Team Zen can help you learn to see differently and create from your potential in a way that will move you thoughtfully towards success.
This isn’t a race, it’s your journey.
Namaste, Team Zen | Joanne Bartone
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 7D | Canon 16-35mm L f/2.8 IS @ 16mm | ISO: 400 | f/8 | 1/160 | Provincetown MA | Image refined cropped and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
blog post: i dream
“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall unveil. ” — James Allen
Dreams are invaluable – they can offer us creative vision and set us free from worry. Our dreams, whether done while sleeping or in a fully awake state of mind, are the very fuel that inspire us to create a work of art, or a business. They are paramount in all we do.
Zen Photography Safaris | Workshops | Retreats wants to nurture your dreams with you; we can explore, guide and help you bring them to be. In fact, we’d LOVE to do that with you.
Until we meet…please share with us what your dreams are…what do you dream of doing, being or creating? We’d really love to know what your dreams are about.
Namaste, Team Zen | Joanne Bartone
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 7D | Canon 70-200mm L f/2.8 IS @ 200mm | ISO: 125 | f/4.0 | 1/1250 | Buffalo NY | Image refined cropped and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
blog post: contemplative photography
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” — Buddha
Whether or not it is a single flower we approach photographically, or the abstractions of shadows and light, the point here is that photographic “seeing” goes much deeper than what we are actually seeing.
There is an almost intuitive seeing and a knowing involved in photographing…what direction is the light coming from – am i adding light to my subject or scene, or using the ambient light alone – is the light high or low, blue, pink, yellow or orange – how am i relating to my subject, or to my light – what or who is my subject – what rules of photographic design am i going to use as i photograph – will i use selective focus or selective composition – do i want it to be a colorful image, or do i desire the simplicity (or complexity) of a black + white image…these decisions are spontaneously and intentionally considered as you contemplate the outcome of your image oftentimes in what can be mere moments.
The mental focus used to create a photographic image is nothing short of miraculous; nearly as miraculous as the single flower…but not quite…
I believe that when we can step beyond looking and move more towards seeing the miracles present in our chosen subjects and the miracles in the light and in composition, it can change our whole approach to our photography.
When we contemplate the purpose and message of our photography it can open our creativity to growth we never thought possible.
Helping people move more towards contemplative photography is exactly what we love to do.
Join us for a Zen Photography Workshop and create with intention. An on-line workshop on Contemplative Photography that will be available by July 2012. We believe you will find it to be of great value if you are looking to see differently.
Namaste, Team Zen | Joanne Bartone
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 5D | Canon 24-70mm L f/2.8 IS @ 70mm | ISO: 100 | f/4.0 | 1/1250 | Provincetown MA | Image refined cropped and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
blog post: learning for fun
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
I recently spent some 1:1 time with one of the Zen Photography Safari attendees (Arron H.) helping him learn about the resources available for processing the images he had taken at one of our Safaris.
It was great to hear the enthusiasm in Arron’s approach to learning about photography, but it was even more wonderful to see him smile as we went through his images, hear how proud he was of the images he created and it was exciting to know that Arron has continued to experiment with what he learned since his first Safari.
Arron’s level of photographic experience could be defined as enthusiast / beginner, but it is obvious that his level of excitement and desire to continue to improve his skills will continue to fuel his success.
Arron did something for himself that was fun; something he’s been wanting to do for a long time that inspired him as he moved towards goals he has set for himself.
It was really enjoyable and satisfying to know that we have helped Arron become more proficient and have more control over his camera.
Helping people grow into their photographic skills is exactly what we love to do.
Join us on a Zen Photography Safari and put a little more joy into your life.
Here’s a quote from Arron about his experience:
“Hi Joanne! I cannot thank you enough for the awesome experience at Carrie Furnace. I learned so much during our outing, and the opportunity to shoot such an interesting canvas fueled my passion for photography even more. I really appreciate the insight and detailed instruction and seeing what my camera could do with different settings and lenses; I can hardly believe I took some of these photos. I may not be ready to independently shoot on my own, but I am definitely taking better pictures than before, and I can’t wait until we can go out and shoot different places. 🙂 ” ~ Arron H.
I can’t wait either Arron! the photo above and the ones below are examples of Arron’s great use of depth of field and composition:
