I organize and support a support group for people working full time in creative fields. Tonight we met at photographer Willie McElligott’s studio for a casual session on optimizing computers for creative workflow.

The presentation was run by Pat Castell of ProMac911. He had good insights, tools and presented the material in a way that made the audience smile.

Thanks Pat and Willie!

Today: more successes from David Trattles’ Social Documentary Workshop at HarryNowell.com supported by Canadian Geographic.

Ross relates his experience on David Trattles’ workshop:

“I got to know Dave Trattles a bit a few years ago.  I was fascinated by his life and enthusiasm, and impressed by the personal involvement and empathy he has for his subjects.  I think he is a brilliant social documentary photographer and one of the most genuine and committed people I have ever met.

I have no inclination at all for journalistic photography. However, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend some time with David, so I signed up for the workshop.

It was very relaxed and just plain fun. David is such a hugely genuine mensch, and funny as heck too.  The assignments were well designed I thought – not too specific so there was lots of opportunity to choose what we did, but with definite goals in mind.

I appreciated the small group, which allowed us to view each other’s work and learn from the comments that David gave. From my pre-workshop submissions he pointed out that my people photographs were contemplative and static. So in my three assignments I tried to relax and not attempt to frame everything perfectly – shoot from the hip he kept insisting, capture motion, get close in.

Despite Dave’s assurance that the workshop wasn’t about f-stops and
technical perfection, I think I used more different settings on my camera than I had ever done before in such a short time. It was all very unnatural for me, but I was amazed at the results. I really appreciated the challenge Dave gave me to see outside my photographic box. I feel a lot freer from my viewfinder, squaring images up and having everything in focus!”

Nice work, Ross!

We were lucky to have David Trattles lead the Social Documentary Photography Workshop in Ottawa.

Social Documentary student – Prasad

As expected students were wowed by Dave’s vision and teaching. His photography is among the world’s finest social documentary photography. His big heart, stories and ability to relate to people had the group growing photographically and splitting their sides with fun.

Social Documentary student – Prasad

One regular student at HarryNowell.com, Prasad, had this to say about the workshop:

“Harry – thank you for introducing me to David.  This course has changed the way I take photographs.  More importantly it has changed the way I see myself and the world around me.  It’s not about WHAT we see in the world through the rectangular viewfinder but HOW we see the world.  My journey through photojournalism will begin with a smile and a hand shake, not the sound of a shutter.

This is me.  This is what I want to do.”

Social Documentary student – Prasad

Prasad’s photos are featured in this post. I am very impressed!

If you are interested in learning from Dave sign up for our Exposed! newsletter (at the top, right of this page) where we will be announcing the next David Trattles opportunity in 2010.

Nice work Prasad! Thanks also to David and Canadian Geographic.

Social Documentary student – Prasad

The Night Light Photo Workshop is complete!

Students left smiling. Some comments:

“Overall, very happy I did this. Would love to take another workshop with you.”

“It was easy to apply new techniques right away. The review session was a must.”

“You’re so good. Always clear and specific.”

“An excellent and well thought out introduction to night photography, painting with light and motion.”

Some photos – all shot on the course – at night:

Look for the next Night Light course in March, 2010!

Tonight students meet to critique photos from the Night Light photo workshop. It’s one of my favourite courses in our photo workshop line-up.

Why?

Amazing lights and colours become available to our cameras seemingly by magic!

Hagen sent me a preview for the web – see below. Nice work!

To see an amazing site devoted to the magic of lights at night – LichtFaktor.eu

One of our Pro Program students has started a blog while he starts developing a website. His blog is new and follows his challenges and successes as his photo, web and business expertise grows.

Give Scott a hand – read his blog and let him know what you think! He has photos, tips and commentary such as ‘flashophobia.’