Sight and Insight, A workshop on Seeing in Photography with John Wimberley

[Robert Brummitt]

Sight and Insight
A Workshop on Seeing in Photography
with John Wimberley.
October 6-8th 2006 Tuition $250. limited to 10 students

The most important aspect of photography is seeing. While equipment and techniques have their place, it is the quality of seeing that determines whether a picture is successful or not. The most technically and aesthetically perfect photograph is a failure if the photographer didn't perceive the subject with insight. Light reflected from objects is recorded by the camera; but it is the job of the photographers eyes to see through surfaces to meaning hidden within.

In this exciting new workshop we will examine seeing from a number of perspectives including the differences between the visual scene and the photograph, how to best use one's eyes in photography, and the roles played by cultural and personal factors. We will learn exercises designed to relax, free and energize the eyes. Because all parts of the body and psyche are interconnected, we will examine the important roles played by posture, movement and the breath in seeing. In addition, strategies for breaking through personal limitations will be presented. The difference between the physical eyes and the third eye - the energetic organ of insight - and how to use both together when photographing will be explored. The goal will be to have our pictures reflect an ever deeper, richer, more meaningful experience of the world.

This workshop is open to anyone with a camera, regardless of format or whether film or digital.

Please visit his web site at www.johnwimberleyphotography.com. For more information of this or any other PPF workshops? Visit www.portlandphotoforum.org or call or email robert at 503-614-0161, robert8x10@hotmail.com.
Thank you.

 

[johnwimberley]

What is more fundamentally important in photography than seeing? And what has less attention paid to it than seeing? There is a plethora of workshops on virtually every possible photographic technique or piece of equipment, but precious little about what is most important - our eyes.

The eyes have been called "The Windows of the Soul" for good reason. They are not only one of the most expressive parts of the body, they account for about 80% of our total perception of the world. Many factors affect how we respond to what our eyes see such as expectations, moods, past experiences and the status of our health, among others. To see "with ones' own eyes" is the goal of all photographers, but how is that to be accomplished?

I want to thank Robert Brummitt of Portland Photographer's Forum for making it possible for me to present a workshop addressing seeing. It'll be a joy to pass on to others the results of 40 years of experience and research in this area.