The Emotional Landscape
Mallard Island, Rainy Lake, Northern Minnesota, with Doug Beasley, August 30 – September 5, 2009
This workshop is currently full, but you can add your name to the waiting list.
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 the land and learning to express that connection in our photography. We will be using the island, the water and ourselves to convey an emotional experience into a visual one. It will be about making, not taking, photographs that matter by nourishing a deepening connection to one’s heart and bringing that awareness into our photo making process. We will work on giving our photos more layers of meaning to make stronger, more powerful images.
Inspiration will be sparked by a balance of conversation, readings, photographic examples, portfolio reviews and instructor presentations and fellow participants. Daily photographic assignments and exercises will be a big part of this experience, with individual attention given. One on one and small group pairings will create a progressive and dynamic environment for learning. Fun, laughter and introspection are to be expected. The majority of our days will be spent outside making photographs and evenings spent in camaraderie, slide show presentations, photo discussions and just relaxing or enjoying a bonfire and hanging out enjoying the evening sky.
We will be ferried by pontoon boat from the landing/parking lot to Mallard Island, located in enormous and pristine Rainy Lake, in Northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, and will stay on the island and it’s wilderness surroundings all week. Your home will be one of the many beautiful, rustic, cabins on Mallard Island. Canoes and kayaks are available to explore other nearby islands or you can wander the grounds making photos or enjoy a book from the huge library. We will take turns, with a partner of yours or Doug’s chosing, preparing delicious healthy dinners in the cookhouse for the rest of the group, with each pair being responsible for one night. You will be on your own for breakfast and lunch.
This workshop is sure to be a transformational experience.
Who Should Attend: Open to all levels but students should have a good 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, welcome.
See some student photography from Vision Quest Photo Workshops.
Student testimonials from this workshop:
“Just wanted to thank you for your insight, inspiration and instruction! I love the way you put so much of your soul into your work and your teaching methods! Thanks so much!” — Mary Hendricks, Mora, MN
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“Just wanted to thank you for your insight, inspiration and instruction! I love the way you put so much of your soul into your work and your teaching methods! Thanks so much!” — Mary Hendricks, Mora, MN
“Because of your amazing teaching and this awesome workshop I’m actually toying with the idea of of persuing a career in photography. Thank you for opening my eyes to the artistic and spiritual world of photography. You are an incredible teacher. So full of passion and an honest love for life.” — Andrea Olson, River Falls, WI
“I wanted to thank you for an enlightening workshop. I appreciate your photography and your attitude is very motivating.” — Kristine Siiro, Minneapolis, MN
“Many thanks for the *wonderful* workshop (said with a deep bow to you, oh photo guru and wize one). You have given us so much information that I will be busy for months trying to use it all. And most of all, thanks for your generous and beautiful soul.” — Rebecca Pavlenko, Saint Paul, MN
“My thanks to all who attended, each of us had things to contribute and things to learn. I feel my vision has grown because of this experience. I am more confident of my ability, and can see new possibilities of where to go with this Art form. Special thanks to Doug Beasley. A kinder, gentler instructor/guide could not be imagined. Doug’s Zen like philosophy and lifestyle is an inspiration.” — Jef Murphy, Portland, OR
“I am hanging on to the new skills and way of thinking that you have instilled in us. Some of it I think will stay with me forever.” — David Pitzer, Portland, OR
“I feel like my work has really catapulted to a new level, and my energy and creative flow are so much smoother.” — Annie Frantzeskos, Eugene, OR
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Mallard Island/Olberholtzer Foundation Web Site:
http://eober.org/pages/mallard_island/mallard_island.html
Dates:
Sunday afternoon August 30 to Saturday afternoon September 5, 2009
Cost:
$500. (Deposit $250.)
Price includes lodging and some meals.
Class limit:
9
Registration information:
Please contact Beth Waterhouse, Program Director/Olberholtzer Foundation, beth@bethwaterhouse.com or 952-401-0591, or register on their web site.