As the painter is responsible for every brush stroke on the canvas, the writer for every word on the page, and the musician for every note played, so is the photographer is responsible for everything within the frame. In this workshop, we explore the various ways photographers can compose an image “in camera” while photographing it, thereby keeping darkroom and digital manipulation to a minimum.

We begin by photographing simple two-dimensional spaces, working with normal to moderately wide-angle focal lengths that approximate our own field of vision. By week's end, we learn how to design complex three-dimensional scenes, using multiple elements and details that support rather than detract from the subject. We concentrate on the center and edges of the frame, and pay close attention to what we are capturing in the background. Our assignments are enriched by our study of photographers who are renowned for their sense of composition and design. We examine a variety of genres, including location portraits and street photography, landscapes and cityscapes, and static and action scenes.

This workshop places its emphasis on the development of creative vision, rather than technical expertise. Norman supports and guides our photographic efforts with group and one-on-one critiques.