Unsure of which experience is right for you? learn more
With the backdrop of Lake Superior and small towns along the coast as our backdrop, we will be use land, sky, and water, as well as ourselves, to transform an emotional experience into a visual one. This workshop is not about making ‘pretty’ pictures or ‘postcard’ like records of one’s travels. It is about making a deeper, more authentic connection to our chosen subject, then learning to express that connection through our photography.
Check In: Sunday, June 26, 2022
Check Out: Friday, July 1, 2022
Tuition + Meals: $1,245
With RicePod Lodging Package: $2,515
With Nest Lodging Package: $2,840
With TreeHaus Lodging Package: $2,090
- Class description
- Bio
- Supply List
- gallery
Class description
This is not about making ‘pretty' pictures or ‘postcard’ like records of one’s travels. It is about making a deeper, more authentic connection to our chosen subject, then expressing that connection through our photography. We will be using land, sky and water as well as ourselves to transform an emotional experience into a visual one.
This workshop is about making, not taking, photographs by nourishing a deepening in our heart/soul/self and then bringing that awareness into our photo making process. We will work on giving our photos deeper layers of meaning to make stronger, more powerful images.
Inspiration will be sparked by a balance of conversation, readings, poetry, photographic exercises, walking meditation, writing exercises, photo examples, portfolio reviews, instructor presentations and by our fellow participants. Daily photographic assignments and exercises will be a big part of this experience, with individual attention given. Fun, laughter and introspection are to be expected. The majority of our days will be spent outside making photographs.
One afternoon will also include a model session, where you can learn more about ways of working with models and nudes, whether professional or amateur. If this area does not interest you there will be other options.
This is sure to be a transformational experience that leads you to make more powerful and emotionally impactful photographs.
Who Should Attend: Open to all levels but students should have a working knowledge of their camera and want to take their image making to a more meaningful and personal level. Digital and film, in all formats, are welcome.
THREE THINGS RETREAT GUESTS WILL WALK AWAY WITH UPON RETREAT COMPLETION:
- An expanding notion of possible subject matter
- A greater awareness of creative opportunities
- The ability to make photos that are more reflective of the person behind the camera
biography
Douglas Beasley’s personal vision explores the spiritual aspects of people and place and is concerned with how the sacred is recognized and expressed in everyday life. He has a BFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has had several books of his photography published worldwide.
As founder and director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops, Doug provides workshops around the world that emphasize personal expression and creative vision over the mechanics of camera use. He believes in helping each student find their own voice rather than making anonymous ‘pretty pictures’. Doug has recently become the owner and publisher of Shots Magazine, a printed quarterly of eclectic B&W photography.
Doug continues to explore the notion of what is sacred in his photography and in his own life. He lives in a passive solar home surrounded by trees in Saint Paul, MN and when not out traveling the world he can be found tending his Japanese gardens, at his cabin the woods or enjoying a strong cup of coffee while listening to loud music. Personal heroes include Jimi Hendrix, the Dalai Lama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and whoever invented the espresso machine.
| Contact: | Website: | Follow: |
|---|---|---|
| info@douglasbeasley.com | www.douglasbeasley.com | Instagram | Facebook |
Supply List
Please remember, this list is just a suggestion
- Camera and lens (any format or is fine, just bring what is familiar and comfortable)
- Camera manual (please re-read before workshop) and bring in camera bag
- Lens hood for each lens (highly recommended)
- Extra memory cards for digital or plenty of your favorite film
- Spare camera battery and charger
- Journal or notebook, pens, Sharpie
- USB flash drive (to transfer images for photo reviews or critiques)
- Samples of your photography; can be prints or digital files. Prints preferred if possible but digital files are fine. (limit of 16: remember the ability to edit one’s work is a virtue!)
- An open attitude towards creativity and learning
OPTIONAL:
- Point and shoot camera or plastic toy camera (like a Holga or Diana, for fun and play)
- Tripod or monopod (I usually travel with a monopod)
- Laptop computer with image editing software (to download, edit and share digital images)
- Small chamois cloth for camera bag (to keep camera dry if necessary)
- A favorite quote or a poem to share that has meaning to you
PERSONAL:
- Raincoat (so we can still play in the rain)
- Windbreaker/jacket
- Umbrella
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (for sun protection)
- Watch/phone (to time the photo exercises)
- Water bottle
