Photographic Impressionism Workshop with Valda Bailey

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

PHOTOGRAPHIC IMPRESSIONISM:

CREATIVE TECHNIQUES IN MULTIPLE EXPOSURE

Instructor: Valda Bailey

September 15, 16 and 17

9:00 – 6:00

$1250

Sign up at Sohn Fine Art

413-551-7353

info@sohnfineart.com

www.sohnfineart.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Today, perhaps more than ever, there appears to be a very real interest in breaking through the boundaries of 'conventional' landscape photography. Millions of people taking millions of images - often at the same honeypot locations - it is harder than ever before to make one's creative voice heard - to forge a path that is unique. Valda Bailey has been making images using alternative techniques for many years. She draws on her training as an artist and has developed her own approach to digital image making using in-camera multiple exposure, blending modes and intentional camera movement. The techniques she uses create abstract shapes, blur extraneous detail and facilitate the creation of an impressionistic image as opposed to a more conventional 'record' shot. This way of image making is controllable to a certain degree but still retains an element of unpredictability. While this process can delight and frustrate in equal measure, it does ensure is that an image is very likely to be completely unique. It's very much a non-prescriptive way of working and requires a curiosity and a willingness to experiment. During the workshop, Valda will explain the techniques she uses to make her images. She will talk at length about why she makes images the way she does, how her creative vision has developed and urge students to break rules and discard convention. The three day programme will offer a varied agenda with time spent processing, critiquing as well as shooting. Valda says "I believe that the opportunity to sit around a table critiquing work, discussing problems and tossing around ideas is every bit as important as time spent shooting".

EQUIPMENT:

Although the practice of intentional camera movement can be achieved with any camera fitted with a suitable ND filter (in order to facilitate a longer shutter speed), making in-camera multiple exposure images is rather more equipment-dependent. Many cameras today offer this option, however not all are able to blend the images in the same way. Valda uses a Canon 5Dsr. Other cameras offering the same options are the Canon 1DX, Canon 5D Mk4, Canon 5D Mk3, Canon 5Ds and the Canon 7D Mk2. The Nikon D5 and Nikon D500 offer similar options. The Nikon D800 series will combine images, but with fewer blend modes. Sony users can purchase a multiple exposure app. Although they offer a wider selection of blend modes to Canon and Nikon, they will only combine a maximum of two images into one composite file (as opposed to nine or ten with the Canon and Nikon). Many Pentax cameras have a multiple exposure option, though offer fewer blend modes; likewise Fuji and Olympus. iPhones can be used with an appropriate app. If you require further clarification on the suitability of your camera please do not hesitate to email.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Valda Bailey is a freelance photographer living in Sussex who first became passionate about photography when she was 14. Her approach to photography is greatly informed by her background in painting and her influences come as much from artists as photographers. She is largely motivated by colour and form and the tension and dynamism that these components can bring to an image. Her objectives are to portray an interpretation of a scene rather than a literal representation. She makes her images using camera movement and multiple exposure - two techniques which help to create abstract shapes and blur extraneous detail. She has spent time in New York under the expert tutelage of noted street photographer, Jay Maisel and has been greatly influenced by his teaching about light, colour and gesture. Her work has been featured in broadsheet newspapers, national and international publications and she has recently been invited to teach for Light and Land Photographic Workshops run by Charlie Waite. She has exhibited most recently in London and in 2015 was the first woman to be invited to join six other photographers to exhibit at the biennial Masters of Vision in Southwell. She has images in private collections worldwide and her work has been purchased by notable members of the art and photographic community.​​