Monday, August 30, 2010

Port Townsend: Workshop

Alternative Photographic Techniques: An Overview with Amy Melious

Date: Saturday, October 2, 2010
Time: 9:30 am -6 pm + Optional evening Q&A, work sharing 7:30-9:00pm.
Fee: $125, lunch option add $12.
Location: Port Townsend, Washington
Space is limited
This one day intensive class is geared toward photographers who are curious about the world of alternative techniques. It will open the door for you to be able to create images that enhance your unique vision. This class is years of trial and err and tinkering distilled into one concentrated, information packed day.
All materials included. Basic Photoshop skills are a plus, not required.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Port Townsend Workshop!

Greetings!
Thank you to everyone who has registered for the September Salt Spring workshop, which has filled quickly. There are a couple of spaces left for those of you who are still considering.

In response to a number of requests from residents of areas far and wide, I have been working on firming up additional dates and venues for the Alternative Techniques workshop.

I am pleased to announce that the Alternative Techniques Overview workshop is a GO for
October 2, 2010 in Port Townsend, Washington!
The workshop will be held at the beautiful Fort Worden State Park, on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
There have been only minor adjustment to the schedule given for the Salt Spring workshop, but the course content is the same.
To register for the Port Townsend workshop, please email or phone: 250-537-4489
amy@grainofsand.com

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Possibilities Workshop

News flash! New workshop coming up at the end of September.
This workshop is designed to answer the kinds of questions I am frequently asked about my work.
I think it will be a lot of fun, and inspiring for all of us.

Alternative Photographic Techniques:
An Overview with Amy Melious

Date: September 25, 2010

Time: 9 am -6 pm + Optional evening Q&A, work sharing 7:30-9:30pm.

Fee: $125

Location: Salt Spring Island, BC Canada

Space is limited

This one day intensive class is geared toward photographers who would like to explore the world of alternative techniques. It will open the door for you to be able to create images that enhance your unique vision. This class is years of trial and err and tinkering distilled into one concentrated, information packed day.

All materials included. Basic Photoshop skills are a plus, not required.

Some of the things you’ll know more about by the end of the day:

Photoshop: What is a Photoshop “tool kit”, and how do you create your own?

This topic is somewhat like deconstructing a recipe. I’ll share key "ingredients" that I use in working on my images. You'll leave with knowledge of a set of relatively simple tools that you can try, as well as a good understanding of what's possible, digitally.

That said, digital techniques will not be the primary emphasis of the day, rather a piece of the pie. It’s easy to get lost in Photoshop Land (in a good way). However, it is only one of the tools for making photographic artwork. So, instead of taking you through that door during this workshop, I aim to hand you a “key” to use on your own later, with the information I’ll give you as a guide.

Seeing what you want to say: Selecting and shooting images, intended for finishing with alternative techniques, requires getting in touch with your images in an intimate way. This is an important topic, where you will learn to identify and articulate what you would like to say through your images.

Printing surfaces: -Learn about the amazing variety of printing surfaces available to photographers today, and how to select the most appropriate ones for your images. Samples will be on hand.

Hand Painting-Hand painting techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Whether just a few delicate strokes, or a total transformation, hand work has the power to add tremendous depth to an image through texture, color and spirit conveyed by the human hand. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with hand painting materials.

Presentation options-When showing your photographs, how can matter as much as what: You will be introduced to a variety of ideas for alternative presentation methods. Samples on hand.

To Register: Pre-registration and prepayment required, by mail, phone, or email (my contact info below). Your space will be confirmed immediately by email followed by a mailed receipt.

Please provide your full name, mailing address, email and phone number.

Your confirmation email will contain the course outline, optional materials list, directions, transportation and lodging information.

Payment is due upon registration by Visa, MC, or check. Due to limited space available for courses, please understand that rainchecks will be offered, in lieu of refunds, for those unable to make the class.

Amy Melious:

Email: amy@grainofsand.com

Phone: : 250-537-4489

Participants are responsible for travel, lodging and meal expenses.

www.grainofsand.com

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Photosynthesis


I ampleased to be included in the 10th annual Photosynthesis photography exhibit,
on now through September 7th, here on Salt Spring Island.
I have four pieces in the show. They're printed on linen, and hand worked with pastel and pencil.
I've always loved experimenting with different surfaces for printing. But, I believe I've found a favorite in the linen. It was tricky to work with, but worth the extra TLC it took to get good prints. The use of fabric lends itself to certain types of images. I don't see it working for everything. But for the right bodies of work, it's really lovely.
I also like working with linen in that it gives me an intriguing sense of connection to my ancestors, who grew flax in northern France and in Ireland for many generations.
Here are a couple of the images hanging in the current Photosynthesis exhibit.