#366 Canadian Geographic follow-up

Remember the David Trattles Social Documentary Photo Workshop in October?

We highlighted some student photos from the workshop in posts 353, 354 and 357.

Canadian Geographic has posted more photos and comments from the David Trattles workshop. Have  a look!

Canadian Geographic and David Trattles Social Documentary Photo Workshop

Canadian Geographic and David Trattles Social Documentary Photo Workshop

Canadian Geographic and David Trattles Social Documentary Photography Workshop

Canadian Geographic and David Trattles Social Documentary Photography Workshop

#364 Student Produces New Photo Book

Wow!

It makes me smile.

I just got an email from a past student who has published a book highlighting stories and photos from Arviat, third largest town in Nunavut.

Three and a half years ago Nadine took a Natural Light Portrait Photo Workshop at HarryNowell.com while visiting Ottawa from her northern home. She has sent me periodic updates about her adventures.

This week she sent me the following announcement to promote her new book!

Congratulations Nadine!

Follow the Trail Photo Book - Arviat

Follow the Trail Photo Book - Arviat

#363 Studio cyclist

Yesterday I blogged about the studio lighting course we ran for two of our Pro Program students and showed some behind the scenes shots of Nat and Scott (photographers) in action.

Student Studio Cycling Photo

Marc Champagne was our hard working model – although he looked like he was having a lot of fun!

Pro Program Photo Course

Pro Program Photo Course

Today it’s time to let the photographers shine. They did very well for their first time ever in a studio!

Pro Program Photo Course

The session was fun and very productive learning experience. I didn’t think I would like studio that much! Time just flew.

Pro Program Photo Course

Pro Program Photo Course

Nice work!

Check Scott’s blog to follow his photo path. Nat has a site in development – we will announce her site when it is ready!

#362 Behind the scenes studio shoot

On Sunday we worked with two Pro Program students on a Custom Course designed to introduce them to the world of studio lighting.

Studio Lighting Photo Course

Studio Lighting Photo Course

We worked in the studio to get them acquainted with strobes (big flashes), hot lights so they would be technically savvy when the models arrived.

Studio Photo Course

Studio Photo Course

In the afternoon we brought in two models – the first was a triathlete who wanted some studio cycling photos. The second was an actor looking for some headshots.

Studio Photo Lighting Course

Studio Photo Lighting Course

Today I have posted some behind the scenes (available light) photos of the students in action. In the days ahead I will post some of the student’s results. Check back later this week to see the results!

Studio Photo Course

Studio Photo Course

Interested in a group course on assignment studio lighting? Consider our photo workshop “On Assignment with Andrew Balfour.”

#355 Computer Support

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!

#354 More Dave Trattles Soc Doc Workshop Photos

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.

DavidTrattles Social Documentary Photography Workshop - HarryNowell.com

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.

DavidTrattles Social Documentary Photography Workshop - HarryNowell.com

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.

DavidTrattles Social Documentary Photography Workshop - HarryNowell.com

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!

#353 David Trattles Social Documentary Workshop Follow-up

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

Social Documentary Photography Workshop David Trattles Ottawa HarryNowell.com

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 Photography Workshop David Trattles Ottawa HarryNowell.com

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 Photography Workshop David Trattles Ottawa HarryNowell.com

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 Photography Workshop David Trattles Ottawa HarryNowell.com

Social Documentary student – Prasad

#352 More Night Light

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:

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop - Ottawa

Night Light Photo Workshop - Ottawa

Night Light Photo Workshop - Ottawa

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

#351 Night Light Photo Course

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

Nigt Light photo workshop - Ottawa