A masterpiece is the product of an artist’s individual authentic genius. That authenticity forms presence, the result of light working on form. An examination of the great master painters and photographers reveals that this relationship—light on form creating presence—is the key element of a genuine masterpiece. This workshop lays out the perceptual and technical skills necessary to practice and create presence.

We begin with a detailed study of presence in Old Master paintings and photographs. Then we head out on location to make our photographs, applying the perceptual and photographic skills necessary to achieve presence. Back in The Workshops state-of-the-art digital lab, we learn about perceptual correction skills and image manipulation tools. For simplicity, we use no more than five specifically relevant tools—our emphasis is on the organic process of perception and presence, not the complexities of imaging tools and techniques. We complete the workshop by printing inkjet photographs that reveal the presence we have given life to in our images.

This is an opportunity for photographers to hone their perceptual skills, while learning how to use a minimal number of highly effective tools to create the essential element of presence.