I am a North Carolina conceptual portrait photographer. Look here for updates on my photography adventures. Visit www.HeatherEvansSmith.com for details on commissioned portrait shoots and fine art sales.
Showing posts with label creativity workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creativity workshop. Show all posts
This February I had the pleasure of lecturing and demonstrating to photography students at the Art Institute of Raleigh Durham. The students were warm and welcoming.
I love to do creativity exercises with my workshop participants. One exercise involves music. The song I chose was Chris Thile's How To Grow A Woman From The Ground. We listened to the music and let it take us to a creative place. Of course, I don't want to miss out on the fun, so I created my version of the song in advance. Here is my image Domicile.
Domicile (inspired by the song How To Grow A Woman From The Ground)
The students shared their ideas. They ranged from commercial to fine art, humorous to emotional. I was thrilled to find out one of the students actually shot her idea after the workshop. Below is her image.
Art Institute of Raleigh Durham student Chrystal Kelly's version of the song lyrics.
I also did a quick shooting demonstration. I want to emphasize during my workshops and demonstrations that little money is needed to create a magical environment. In the shots below just plexiglass, water, flowers, window light and a beautiful model were needed.
Plexiglass, window light, flowers, water and a beautiful model = a cost effective way to create a magical image.
A stripped down version from the demonstration.
A big thanks to everyone at The Art Institute of Raleigh Durham. I had a wonderful time creating and sharing with you! My next workshop will be in Portland this June. For more details visit my website at www.heatherevanssmith.com.
I am thrilled to announce that I will be conducting a two day creativity workshop in Portland this Summer. Registration is now open for the workshop. Go to www.heatherevanssmith.com to register.
Tentative Schedule (Detailed information will be emailed closer to workshop date). Friday, June 13, 2014 4 p.m. - Location TBA Join
Heather as she discusses her progression into conceptual photography
and how shooting for yourself can benefit shooting for others. Heather
will also discuss idea boosters to overcome creative blocks, concepting
with clients and making time for you. The discussion will end with a
creativity exercise. Dinner afterwards is optional where workshop
attendees can continue this open conversation. Participants are
encouraged to bring samples of their work so we can get to know each
other and each other's photography styles. Saturday, June 14, 2014 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Location TBA Today
is a full day of shooting. Two to three models will be on hand with a
professional makeup/hairstylist. Heather will set up unique shots in
various locations, all the while discussing shooting on a budget,
styling, storytelling and ways to incorporate these ideas into client
work. Everyone will get a chance to direct the models to their vision.
Lunch is provided. Shooting will end around 4 to leave plenty of time
for a Q & A and wrap up of the weekend. A limited space of 10 is available for this intimate engagement. Workshop
is appropriate for all levels of photographers. However, this workshop
discusses creativity primarily so a basic knowledge of camera techniques
is encouraged.
Tuition: $500 (includes lunch on Saturday) See website for Terms and Conditions.
Almost a month has passed since my workshop in Savannah. I only conduct a few of these workshops a year and always come back inspired by the camaraderie and creativity of the participants.
The forecast was iffy. I was actually hoping for a little rain. A misty, cloudy day in Savannah is a perfect scenario. Savannah is a haunting city and I wanted to capture that spirit in the photos.
The first day of the workshop included a presentation, creativity exercise and a "getting to know you" session. Day two started with a planned shoot. Months before I was struck by the size and beauty of atlas moths online and was fortunate to locate a dozen from a humane dealer. (The moths live full life spans, dying of natural causes.)
The participants then split into two groups. Each participant had an allotted time to shoot their vision with other group members assisting. It became an informal morning that flowed organically. There were combinations of groups working together and single photographers shooting ideas planned in advance or inspired by the moment. The weather was perfectly cloudy. We could shoot anywhere without worry of patchy light.
One favorite spot among the participants was this horizontal tree. I couldn't resist taking a shot myself.
We took a break for lunch when a downpour started. Lucky for us, the sun began shining through the mossy oaks during our second session of shooting. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with headdresses and flowy dresses along the avenue of the oaks before parting ways.
Black and white hipstamatic images by Melissa Hall.
I am so impressed with the photographs that have come from the workshop. Below is a video featuring some of the participants images. Take a look!
Thank you all for sharing and creating with me. I look forward to following your photography adventures. Thank you Tracy Moore for hosting me in beautiful Savannah. Also a big thanks goes to models Morgan Marlowe and Heather Richards, makeup artist Amanda Joiner and hairstylist Samantha Fletcher.
The next creativity workshop will be held in the UK in September. Stay tuned here and on my site for further information.
Friday
4 p.m. - Until
Join Heather as she discusses her progression into conceptual
photography and how shooting for yourself can benefit shooting for
others. Heather will also discuss idea boosters to overcome creative
blocks, concepting with clients and making time for you. The discussion
will end with a creativity exercise. Dinner afterwards is optional where
workshop attendees can continue this open conversation. Participants
are encouraged to bring samples of their work so we can get to know each
other and each other's photography styles.
Saturday
9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Today is a full day of shooting. Two to three models will be on hand
with a professional makeup/hairstylist. Heather will set up unique shots
in various locations, all the while discussing styling and ways to
incorporate these ideas into client work. Everyone will get a chance to
jump in and direct the models to their vision. Lunch will be provided.
Shooting will end around 4 to leave plenty of time for a Q & A and
wrap up of the weekend.
A limited space of 10 is available for this intimate engagement.
Workshop is appropriate for all levels of photographers. However, this
workshop discusses creativity primarily so a basic knowledge of camera
techniques is encouraged.
_______________________________
Testimonials
As a professional photographer with more than a decade of capturing
weddings I am frequently asked why I continue to attend workshops each
year. It's so simple to me in that it's a great way to keep our
creativity flowing and always bring something fresh to our clients.
I've experienced many different workshops but by far the best was our
recent experience with Heather Evans Smith. I have been a fan of her
work for a long time so I jumped at the opportunity to attend. It's
hard to accurately describe how much I feel that this workshop pushed me
forward into new ideas and new ways of approaching our images. I
photographed a wedding the weekend after her workshop and there are
images from that event that I feel are some of the most creative that
I've ever done. For me the chance to attend this workshop was genuinely
a game changer. I'll be attending again just as soon as the schedule
allows. It doesn't get any better than her workshop.
Debbie Peacock
Peacock Photo &Video
Atlanta, GA
If you want to go to a unique and inspiring photography workshop, check
out Heather Evans Smith. I participated in her workshop in Knoxville, TN
in April and it changed the way I think about a photography session. If
you are stuck in a creative rut, this will knock you out of it and get
you thinking in ways that you haven't before.
Kortney Jarman
Jarman Photography
Knoxville, TN
I recently had the privilege of seeing Heather create some amazing
portraits right in front of our eyes...in a small room. Her endless
creativity, "out of the square" ideas and inspiration constantly have me
in awe. I'm always looking forward to seeing her work and hope to once
again be in her creative presence, to learn and watch her work her
magic.
Charmaine Otto
Charmaine Otto Photography
Yarraman Qld, Australia
In her two day workshop we not only learned what makes her mind tick but
also how to unlock our own imaginations. I think this weekend
confirmed my decision to move full time into photography. I LOVE what I
do!
Rebecca Holland
Rebecca Holland Photography
Greensboro, NC
First, I wanted to tell you how again how much I enjoyed the creative
workshop. It was facinating to hear about your own creative process and
how you use personal history, music and the landscape to develop your
vision. And I loved your narration of your Beatles project. Of course,
I'd recommend your workshop to anyone wanting to shoot more than the
average norm that seems to be so popular!
Tracy Moore
Warner Robins, GA
Her workshop gave me a creative boost. I left seeing things differently
and full of ideas. If you can make it to one of her workshops I highly
recommended it, and if you don’t know who she is you need to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. We had two great locations,
adventurous models, and a group of wonderful people to share it with. I
feel like there was a lot of great information, but I think the biggest
thing I think I took away was that we should develop and use our
imaginations to create images that we love. If we do that, then others
(clients, friends, etc...) will love them as well.
Hello all! 2012 has not yet come to a close and I am already planning 2013. This year has been amazing! I have met wonderful people through my photography and look forward to meeting many more next year. My late 2012 / 2013 workshop/event schedule is below. Registration will start in December for the Savannah workshop location. Like me on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and events.
Late 2012 / 2013 Schedule
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 6 Days of November live photo shoot
Near intersection of 4th and Cherry
November 17th, 2012
3-4 p.m.
Charlotte, North Carolina MoNa Gallery Grand Opening
December 2012
Savannah, Georgia
Two-Day Creativity Workshop
March 22-23, 2013
Hosted by TS Moore Photography
London, England
Creativity Intensive Workshop
September 2013
Hosted by Pied Piper Photography
Paris, France
Group Exhibition for the Julia Margaret Cameron Awardees
Women Photographers Biennial 2013
September 2013
Durham, North Carolina
Solo Exhibition
Golden Belt Gallery
October 2013
It has been about a month since my North Carolina workshop. I had the honor of meeting, sharing and working with 10 wonderful photographers from around the state and country. I love sharing with other photographers; helping each other to push our creativity further. I say we because I truly grow from these experiences myself. Having a photography business can be isolating. You are not in a office surrounded by co-workers. You have your clients but for the most part it is you. Having others to share your art and ideas with is important and often overlooked.
The day started at the magical One Way Antiques. Every nook and cranny was an adventure. It was a wonderful place to explore. Secret rooms were found (seriously!). Along with the surroundings we had two beautiful models as our muses. Then we headed to a beautiful country setting for lunch and more shooting. We created a outdoor art gallery and had way too much fun with flour. Unfortunately a storm came fast, rushing us all on the porch of the old farm house. We spent our last hour together huddled in the cozy living room, talking candidly about photography, ideas and the business. I hated to see them go. It was such a pleasure meeting all of them and sharing. I look forward to the next friends I will meet in 2013.
Here are a few testimonials from some of the participants.
Hi Heather! I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. We had two great locations, adventurous models, and a group of wonderful people to share it with. I feel like there was a lot of great information, but I think the biggest thing I think I took away was that we should develop and use our imaginations to create images that we love. If we do that, then others (clients, friends, etc...) will love them as well. -Torey Searcy
In her two day workshop we not only learned what makes her mind tick but also how to unlock our own imaginations. On Saturday we had the opportunity to work with two beautiful models in two truly inspiring locations. Our first stop was at this crazy old antique store/house. Everywhere you turned there was something new to look at! It’s one of those places you drive by and think... I wonder what treasures they have in there. Our second location was at an old farm house... with chickens! Our time here was cut a bit short due to a massive storm that came blowing through. It was so neat though to sit on the front porch and watch the wind whipping through the trees and hear the rain pounding on the roof. I think this weekend confirmed my decision to move full time into photography. I LOVE what I do!
A BIG, BIG thank you to Heather for putting this workshop together! You are AWESOME! -Rebecca Holland
There are a few workshops already in the works for 2013. Savannah, Pennsylvania and even England are on the list. If you are interested in hosting a workshop with me (particularly if you live in the southwest or west coast region), email me at heather@heatherevanssmith.com for details.
Below are my favorite three images that I took at the workshop as well as some beautiful work from the participants.
Models: Marissa Burchette / Morgan Marlowe
MUA: Erin Dickinson
Hair: Jessica Burgos / Heather Evans Smith
Assistants: Erin Dickinson / Gretta Kohler / Luke Kohler
Special thanks to Lee Mecum.
Hello all. It's been awhile since I updated. I have just come down from a workshop weekend high with 10 incredible photographers from around the state and country. I will write a full blog post with behind the scenes pictures and finished images in a few weeks.
Music has always been a great source of inspiration for me. One of my favorite series that I have done is My Beatles, in which I interpreted Beatles songs through imagery. I love to get my workshop participants involved in this musical inspiration.
The image below is inspired by the Of Montreal song The Wrath Pinned to the Mist. I was lucky to have such willing models who actually had a fabulous time during our shoot.
