Home > In-Depth: Photographer’s Seminar
Photographer’s Seminar
Beyond simply “taking” pictures, learn to create images that tell stories.
May 5 - July 14 (every-other Sunday)
** Please note that this workshop will be held online for 2024**
Photographer’s Seminar is a workshop series designed to expand intermediate and advanced photographer’s visual capabilities. This portfolio building workshop will challenge participants to move beyond the traditional snap-shot. Over the course of the workshops, participants will learn to create a series of photos that work together, creating more meaning both for themselves and their audience.
By working with both instructors and fellow photographers, participants will learn to think outside their own visual methods and refine a body of work to create a strong portfolio on a theme of their choosing.
During the 11 weeks, students will share their images with bi-weekly discussions about their progress and challenges, while receiving constructive feedback on how to develop their images and ideas further. Throughout the class, students will receive helpful assignments and/or guidance to push past hurdles and expand their skill set.
At the conclusion of the class, participants will create an online portfolio to showcase their work in a professional and thoughtful way.
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Far too often photographers believe that creating an amazing stand-alone photograph is the ultimate goal. An impressive photo that captivates viewers and receives generous approval on social media being the prize of photography. Indeed, some images can be great on their own. “Hero images” do exist, but are seldom what constitute a “good” photographer.
The truth is, generally speaking, a body of work (often referred to as a portfolio) is where a photographer’s true skill shines. By creating several images which flow together harmoniously, a photographer can tell a story, depict an idea, or share a concept more effectively than would be possible with a single photo.
Portfolio building can be both a wonderful challenge and a daunting task for some. In an age where photographic content gets a casual nod, or a click to indicate approval, visual artists struggle to receive insightful and meaningful feedback on their pictures. By sharing images with fellow photographers, listening and learning face-to-face and in real time, a photographer can expand their skill set vastly more than they would online. A portfolio seminar is where this happens.
Objectives:
How to embark on a photo project
How to create a cohesive body of work (applicable to all genres of photography)
How to refine a project through writing and peer review
How to curate/sort/edit down a body of work
How to publish a portfolio online
Prerequisites:
Digital Cameras I, or Camera Basics 1-3 (online)
Composition Basics (or equiv.)
Lenses for Beginners (or equiv.)
Improving Color: White Balance (or equiv.)
Working knowledge of Lightroom Classic
Requirements:
Digital SLR, Mirrorless, or advanced camera (with manual mode)
Smartphone with camera app
Laptop or desktop computer with stable internet connection
Recommended: A tripod learn more
Price: $479
Level: Intermediate & Advanced
Duration: Online, Every other Sunday from 9:30a-12:00pm EST
Setting: Livestream (Zoom)
Class size limit: 5
COVID-19 Notice: At the BPW, we’re committed to keeping students and staff safe. You can view our space or check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more COVID-related information.
Creating
Students will select a topic/project at the beginning of the class. Throughout the course week by week, using journaling and weekly goals set by the instructor, students will build up a portfolio that gets stronger over time.
Real People, Real Conversations
Students will participate in thoughtful and supportive photo critiques. Here is where real growth takes place and where students evolve past their own way of seeing.
Continued Communication
During the duration of the course, students will have access to a closed online platform. Here they can share working images, get constructive feedback from the instructor, and fellow students.
Showcase Your Work
The latter part of the course will include the creation of an online portfolio. With technical and artistic assistance from the BPW, students will create an online gallery they can be proud of.
FAQs
+ Is this a critique class?
- Yeah, it is.. But not the pretentious or mean kind. BPW instructors will lead an insightful and well spirited conversation about student-made work and provide constructive criticism to help encourage and stimulate creative thinking.
+ What if I need to miss a class?
- No problem. Each class will be recorded and can be downloaded at any time during the course.
+ I'm not sure what sort of photos I'd make for a portfolio, do I need to know before I sign up?
- Having an idea of the kind of photos you'd like to make is helpful, but not necessary. The instructor is prepared to help guide students in the initial phase of the series.
+ What if I'm unable to make photos one week, can I still attend class?
- Of course! We encourage students to join each class to see other students' work, share thoughts and give helpful feedback!