2024-2025 PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTRY
TRAINING & DESIGN-YOUR-OWN WORKSHOPS

 

Together we can tailor an individual or group photography experience to meet your goals. This approach is creative and flexible! You may choose among different areas of photography to design your training or workshop! Here is a brief introduction to what is ahead in 2024:


Individual Training on Fundamentals

  • Lessons via Zoom or in-person classroom sessions — learn fundamental camera or post-processing techniques, or both — one-on-one. This can include DSLR or mirrorless cameras, as well as iPhone! — $75 per hour
  • Coaching in the Field — to develop your basic vision and skills — $75 per hour
  • Schedule a session today!


Group Workshops — Design-Your-Own to Learn Advanced Techniques

Get your friends or colleagues together for a photography adventure in the beautiful Southern Appalachian mountains. Advanced programs can focus on Composition, Rivers & Waterfalls, Close-up (wildflowers), Infrared, or Abstract Techniques. Here are the basics: 

  • A minimum of four participants and a maximum of six;
  • Select your photography subject area;
  • Learn the advanced technique via a group Zoom or in-person classroom session — $50 per hour per person. The session will be approximately 3-4 hours.
  • Practice in a group Field Session(s) in one of the beautiful natural areas surrounding Asheville, NC, including the Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Parkway — $75 per hour per person. Time in the field will vary and will be determined by location and the desires of the group. A minimum of six hours to a couple of days.
  • A Zoom session will follow each workshop to view images and receive feedback on them. 

Themes for Design-Your-Own Workshops:

  1. Composition — In the classroom, learn advanced composition techniques beyond the Rule of Thirds (ROT). In the field, create dynamic, cohesive images that keep the viewer engaged.
  2. Rivers and Waterfalls — In the classroom, learn how to work with water, slow it down for beautiful effects, and see beyond the obvious to the details. Learn to frame your river shots to look for unique opportunities. In the field, we’ll visit several beautiful waterfalls and rivers in the forests surrounding Asheville.
  3. Close-up/Macro of Flowers, both wildflowers and domestic. In the classroom, learn how to capture beautiful, artistic images of flowers — from clear and sharp to ethereal — using a range of techniques and lenses. In the field, we’ll search out seasonal wildflowers and visit gardens with a variety of blooms to give you lots of practice.
  4. Infrared Photography — This program will consist of three stages — Stage 1) In the classroom, a Preparatory Session to learn about Infrared Photography, what is required in the digital age, and all about Infrared effects and techniques; Stage 2) On your own (with help from me, if needed), accomplish the Functional Task of having the necessary modifications to your camera completed; and Stage 3) In the field, explore Infrared, practice creating beautiful images that capture the imagination! This workshop includes post-processing as well as a follow-up Zoom critique.
  5. Abstract Techniques — In the classroom, explore abstract art, learn to see abstractly, and create abstractly with techniques such as Intentional Camera Movement (a range of approaches that include movement and in-camera multiple exposures in one exposure!) and collage compositing. In the field, practice abstract techniques. This workshop includes a post-processing session as well as a follow-up Zoom critique.
  6. Seeing in Black & White with Post-Processing Techniques — They say that color photography is about, well, color. Black and white photography is about everything else! Values, texture, and details that get lost when viewed in color. Explore the beauty and esthetics of the black and white image. Learn to "see" in black and white and to process your images using a variety of techniques and apps to achieve your vision. 

Each workshop includes a follow-up Zoom session to view and (gently) critique images taken during our time in the field.

Additional details and forms for designing your workshop are coming soon! In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!

 

"...Susanna is definitely a superb teacher – giving you just the right amount of information and encouragement;
yet, allowing you to find your own way through the process while
gently giving guidance stemming from her experience and knowledge. 

     “There are two kinds of teachers:  the kind that fills you with so much quail shot that you can’t move,
and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind, and you jump to the skies.”  Robert Frost     

Susanna did a great job teaching how to begin to “see” in infrared, recommending the types of scenes to look for
when creating images and assisting the workshop participants in processing the images they captured,
all while respecting and admiring the individual talent and vision of each of her students.  
     Going into the workshop, I really didn’t know a lot about infrared photography.  
Coming out of the workshop, I feel as though I have begun to jump to the skies with infrared photography." 
—JB

 

 


PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS

Artistry Workshop—Autumn in AbstractScenes from the mountains surrounding Asheville, North Carolina

Autumn in Abstract:

Creatively Photograph the Vivid Colors & Light
in the Landscape 2022

October 17-18-19-20, 2022

at Laurel Falls, Fairview, NC

Autumn in the Southern Appalachian mountains is lovely, and Abstract techniques move images from ordinary to extraordinary! Join us to explore the colorful mountains and valleys and, along the way, learn photographic techniques that will raise your creativity to the next level! Learn to create images that range from painterly to surreal, images that capture the imagination. 

We'll explore how color, light, and other features, such as tree trunks, rocks, or clouds, mix to create images that Wow! You'll use techniques that we'll introduce in the classroom through PowerPoint presentations, including Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), Seeing in Abstract, Lens Effects, and Multiple Exposure & Compositing. Emphasis will be placed on Intentional Camera Movement, which can create a range of beautiful effects. In the field, you’ll capture both “classical” and abstract images, so you can experience both and decide which best expresses your vision. 

You'll find that it's a joy to spend a day or days "playing in the light" using abstract techniques introduced in this workshop.

OUR TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

We’ll learn, work, and play from…

  • 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday — welcome, introductions, classroom
  • 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday — fieldwork,  4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. — classroom and processing
  • 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday — fieldwork; processing; image review; then a little more classroom, and 
  • 9:00 a.m. to noon. Thursday — material review; image review; summary and Q&A

WORKSHOP VENUE — The workshop will be held at Laurel Falls in Fairview, NC. About 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's a beautiful location with its own natural features (waterfalls, cascades, etc.) and comfortable lodging. Click here for more information.

TUITION — $589.00 with a 5% discount for former students of ONE workshop; or CNPA, NANPA, CCOH, and  Spartanburg Photo Guild members10% Discount is offered for former students of TWO workshops or classes. Class size limited to eight. For Registration Details, click hereTo Register, click here!  NOT included are lodging, lunches, dinners, transportation, and personal incidentals.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If after you sign up it is necessary for you to cancel, the Refund dates for "Autumn in Abstract: Creatively Photograph the Vivid Colors & Light in the Landscape 2022” are as follow:

    •    To receive a Full Refund, minus a $50 administrative fee, your request must be received 60 days prior to the workshop.

    •    A Partial Refund of 75%, minus an administrative fee of $50, will be given prior to 45 days before the workshop.

    •    A Partial Refund of 50%, minus an administrative fee of $50, will be given prior to 30 days before the workshop.

    •    No refunds will be made for cancellations 30 days before the workshop.


"Reach for the Sky" One-Day Mini-Workshop

iPhone Photography Magic 2022!
(Basic Workshop)

May 31, 2022

at Laurel FallsFairview, NC

 

CLOSED!

(We're adding another session in August!)
 

Since my iPhone is a constant companion, it has been there when I needed a camera (and didn't have my DSLR) to capture scenes in our beautiful mountains. The image, top, was taken at dusk from the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Asheville. The colors are true (remember, we're in the Blue Ridge Mountains!), and the silhouette effect of the trees was precisely what I was aiming for. The image was captured with the iPhone's native camera! Landscapes aren't the only subject that the iPhone captures beautifully. The range of options makes it possible to use for portraits, architecture, street photography, products, crafts, and much more!

As a professional photographer, my Canon equipment is always in first place for use. Still, the iPhone has been invaluable more than once when I didn't have a camera in the car (as that evening on the Parkway) or was just too lazy to get it out! And sometimes, I just simply enjoy the simplicity of the iPhone. No apologies! (I'm sure you've experienced that, too.)

Even if you're not a "photographer" in the classical sense, we can all be photographers with today's remarkable technologies! Besides the fact that iPhones almost always produce a great image, there are also settings that can be used to control the exposure (brightness and darkness) to a greater degree. And other features of the camera allow one, for instance, to capture portraits that can look professional. The iPhone's range of features is amazing. All of this will be taught in our classroom and field sessions.

If you'd like to become a pro at using your iPhone's camera, this one-day workshop will support you in doing just that! The "iPhone Photography Magic" mini-workshop will feature classroom, fieldwork, processing, and a feedback session. We'll use the basic Apple camera and app (yes! there is a lot to learn!). PS "The Artistic iPhone" will work with a range of creative apps and processing tools (see below).

 

OUR TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

We’ll learn, work, and play from…

  • 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. — welcome, introductions, classroom work
  • 10:00 a.m. to noon  — fieldwork
  • Noon to 1:00 p.m. — lunch with a little more classroom
  • 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. — fieldwork;
  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. — lessons in processing; image review; Q&A and closing

WORKSHOP VENUE — The workshop will be held in the Asheville, NC area, at Laurel Falls in Fairview, NC. About 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a beautiful location with its own natural features (a 40 foot waterfall, cascades, etc.) and comfortable lodging. Click here for more information.

TUITION — $179.00 with a 5% discount for former students of ONE or more workshops or classes; or CNPA, NANPA, CCOH, and  Spartanburg Photo Guild members. Class size limited to 12. For Registration Details, click hereTo Register, click here!

CANCELLATION POLICY

If after you sign up it is necessary for you to cancel, the Refund dates for "iPhone Photography Magic” are as follow:

    •    To receive a Full Refund, minus a $50 administrative fee, your request must be received 60 days prior to the workshop.

    •    A Partial Refund of 75%, minus an administrative fee of $50, will be given prior to 45 days before the workshop.

    •    A Partial Refund of 50%, minus an administrative fee of $50, will be given prior to 30 days before the workshop.

    •    No refunds will be made for cancellations 30 days before the workshop.

 


Eastatoe FallsThe base of the beautiful waterfall. It had so many facets that one could photograph it for hours!

Photographic Artistry Composition Intensive 2022

July 18-19-20-21, 2022

at Laurel Falls, Fairview, NC

Learn to create beautifully composed images as we explore wildflowers, waterfalls, rivers, and landscapes in the Asheville, North Carolina region. 

Composition is the major factor in the success of a photograph. The light may be extraordinary, the colors amazing, but without composition to organize them and the scene’s other elements, they're nearly worthless. Knowing how to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject and keep it engaged in the image’s dynamic makes all the difference. Knowing how to create figure-ground relationships and use design elements and placement tools — along with the light, values, textures, and color — will take your images to the “next level.” 

Classroom work will include Powerpoint programs and discussion about the concepts of composition being introduced. We’ll begin with composition basics, as a refresher, then move beyond the “Rule of Thirds” into advanced concepts that will expand your view and give you tools for “putting together” lines, masses, colors, textures, and values in innovative ways.

We’ll move from the classroom to the field, including Laurel Falls beautiful 18 acres near Asheville, NC, and the national forests in the area — to frame images to which you will apply your newfound understanding of composition to create photographs that inspire! Summer wildflowers, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes will be our subjects. We’ll process images and have image reviews at the end of each day’s work in the field.

OUR TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

We’ll learn, work, and play from…

  • 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday — welcome party, introductions, classroom
  • 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday — fieldwork,  4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. — classroom and processing
  • 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday — fieldwork; processing; image review; then a little more classroom, and 
  • 9:00 a.m. to noon. Thursday — material review; image review; summary and Q&A


WORKSHOP VENUE — The workshop will be held at Laurel Falls in Fairview, NC. About 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's a beautiful location with its own natural features (waterfalls, cascades, etc.) and comfortable lodging. Click here for more information.

TUITION — $589.00 with a 5% discount for former students of ONE workshop; or CNPA, NANPA, CCOH, and  Spartanburg Photo Guild members10% Discount is offered for former students of TWO workshops or classes. Class size limited to eight. For Registration Details, click hereTo Register, click here!  NOT included are lodging, lunches, dinners, transportation, and personal incidentals.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

If after you sign up it is necessary for you to cancel, the Refund dates for “Photographic Artistry Composition Intensive 2022” are as follows:

    •   To receive a Full Refund, minus a $50 administrative fee, your request must be received 60 days prior to the workshop.

    •   A Partial Refund of 75%, minus a $50 administrative fee, will be given prior to 45 days before the workshop.

    •   A Partial Refund of 50%, minus a $50 administrative fee, will be given prior to 30 days before the workshop.

    •   No refunds will be made for cancellations 30 days before the workshop.

 


 


"Reach for the Sky" One-Day Mini-Workshops
at Laurel Falls, Fairview, NC


Back-to-Back — Choose one or both!
Check out this opportunity to learn iPhone basics and
iPhone advanced techniques!

 

CLOSED

DAY ONE—August 15th

 iPhone Photography Magic 
(Basic)

CLOSED

DAY TWO—August 16th

The Artistic iPhone! 
(Advanced)

These workshops are closed for this year. Please check next year's schedule in a couple of months. Thanks!

You can attend one or both. If both, the tuition will be discounted—a “package deal”! See details below. 

But first, let me share a bit about my iPhone experience…

 

DAY ONE — iPhone PHOTOGRAPHY MAGIC! (Basic Workshop)

Since my iPhone is a constant companion, it’s always there when I need a camera and don’t have a DSLR along. Or I may feel too lazy to get the DSLR out and set it up! Sometimes, I just enjoy the simplicity of the iPhone. No apologies! (I’m sure you’ve experienced that, too.) 

The iPhone’s native camera is excellent for capturing scenes in our beautiful mountains and other locations! The image, top, was taken at dusk from the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville. The colors are true (remember, we’re in the Blue Ridge Mountains!), and the silhouette effect of the trees was exactly what I wanted. Landscapes aren’t the only subject that the iPhone captures beautifully. It’s also great for portraits, architecture, street photography, products, crafts, and more! The image, at right, was taken at the Biltmore Estate and combines architecture (a bridge, which I guess qualifies!) and nature.

The iPhone’s range of features is impressive. Many are hidden. These, as well as composition tips, will be taught in “iPhone Photography Magic.” This Day One mini-workshop will feature classroom, fieldwork, processing, and a feedback session.

We’ll use the native iPhone camera and the companion Photo app. NOTE: “The Artistic iPhone,” Day Two, will work with creative apps and processing tools (see below).

If you’d like to become a pro at using your iPhone’s camera, this one-day workshop will support you in doing just that! Consider the companion mini-workshop described below if you want to explore creative iPhone photography techniques! 

 

DAY TWO — THE ARTISTIC iPhone! (Advanced Workshop)

As small as the iPhone is, it is one of the best creative tools for anyone! I keep my iPhone in a pocket and can pull it out when inspiration strikes! It’s great for all kinds of photography, as described above, from standard to artistic. 

Many great apps in the Apple App Store provide tools to create artistic images. This workshop will teach you how to select and use them to create photographs that express your vision. 

To begin, we will have a brief overview of the iPhone’s native camera settings. Then we’ll dive into a selection of apps that you can use to create beautiful painterly and abstract images, including in-camera compositing and Intentional Camera Movement. Using slides and hands-on programs, we’ll walk through the use of the apps in detail. 

We’ll go out onto Laurel Falls's beautiful campus to create images using the apps you’ve learned. You’ll then process your images, in several powerful apps, right on your iPhone or tablet. Note: The tuition does NOT include the minimal cost of these apps. Some are free. You will be supplied a list of the apps we’ll review in the workshop so you can download them ahead of time.

“The Artistic iPhone” will give you the flexibility and tools to create wonderful images!  

 

OUR TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

We’ll learn, work, and play from…

  • 8:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. — welcome, introductions, classroom work
  • 11:00 a.m. to noon  — fieldwork
  • Noon to 12:30 p.m. — lunch with a little more classroom
  • 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — more classroom!
  • 1:30 p.m.to 3:00 p.m. — fieldwork; 
  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. lessons in processing; image review; Q&A and closing


TUITION FOR ONE OR TWO DAYS

ONE DAY (Basic OR Artistic): $179.00 with a 5% discount for former students of ONE or more workshops or classes; or CNPA, NANPA, CCOH, and Spartanburg Photo Guild members. Class size is limited to 12. 

BOTH DAYS: $279.00 with a 5% discount for former students of ONE or more workshops or classes; or CNPA, NANPA, CCOH, and Spartanburg Photo Guild members. Class size is limited to 12.

For Registration Details, click here. To Registerclick here NOT included are lodging, lunches, dinners, transportation, and personal incidentals.


CANCELLATION POLICY

If, after you sign up, you must cancel, the Refund Policy is as follows:

   • To receive a Full Refund, minus a $50 administrative fee, your request must be received 60 days before the workshop.

   • A Partial Refund of 75%, minus an administrative fee of $50, will be given 45 days before the workshop.

   • A Partial Refund of 50%, minus an administrative fee of $50, will be given 31 days before the workshop.

   • No refunds will be made for cancellations 30 days before the workshop.


WORKSHOP VENUE — The workshop will be held in the Asheville, NC, area at Laurel Falls in Fairview, NC. About 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s a beautiful location with natural features (a 40-foot waterfall, cascades, etc.) and comfortable lodgingClick here for more information.