HOME

ARTICLES

CONTESTS
Writing Contests
Photography Contests
Cooking Contests
Sweeps Resources Freebies
Add Your Contest

LOSE weight easily
The Big BLOB Blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Make Web Hosting Easy!

 

BLAIR HOWARD'S
Phildelphia Workshop

Learn How To Take Memorable Images That Sell
Create a Ready-to-Sell Photo-Essay or Round-up Article
Photograph One of America’s Most Historic Cities

June 22-25, 2006

Join Blair Howard and Renate Siekman in Philadelphia for an extraordinary photographic and cultural experience.

Who is Blair Howard? CLICK HERE

This June Blair Howard and Renate Siekman will be conducting a workshop in Philadelphia. Philly is one of the most historic and significant cities in the US. The workshop offers unlimited possibilities for both a photographic and cultural experience.

The Photo Workshop: Philadelphia will take you on a journey through America's most historic area and the birthplace of the US. We will visit and photograph more than 30 sites in the Independence Mall area, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the Betsy Ross House. We will also spend time shooting in Chinatown and in the city’s bustling Southside.

In this workshop:

• You will learn how to shoot great pictures – we all know there’s a lot more to shooting great photographs than just pointing and shooting. What you may not now is that there are three essential, technical components to a good photograph and then there are two more non-technical ingredients. We will show you what they are and how to put them into each and every one of your images. This will enable you to not only shoot great images, but to be able to do it consistently and to order.

• You will learn how to take your photography to the next step – from auto to AP and beyond. Ok, so you can operate your camera in automatic mode, and you can shoot good images most of the time, but that means you have little or no control over the decisions your camera makes for you. The manual and semi-manual controls are designed for you to be in total control of exposure and creativity. We will show you how to use those controls – aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual – to bring an element of creativity to your photography that you may never have thought possible.

• You will learn how to employ the rules of good composition to create stunning images. Composition is only one of the components necessary for a great image. To my mind, it is one of the most important ingredients. If an image is not visually pleasing, it’s just an image. If it IS visually pleasing, then it’s a work of art. We will share with you ALL of the rules and guidelines for perfect composition. By the time you leave Philly you will not only be able to shoot great photographs, you will take home a wonderful collection of memories you can share and, more important, that people will want to look at. And that brings me to my next point:

• You will learn how to build a Powerpoint presentation – a stunning visual essay – from your images. How many times have been on vacation and shot maybe hundreds of images? And how many times have you looked through some of those images, maybe months later, and realized that you have no idea what you are looking at? One more question: have you ever noticed the glazed look on people’s faces when you show them your vacation images? It’s a joke right? Well, no more. We will show you how to put together a stunning visual slide show of the images you will shoot in Philly, a show that will not only grab the attention of your family and friends, but will forever remind you of all the memories you made while you were with us. That’s a bonus you will find offered at no other workshop.

• You will write and photograph a roundup article or photo-essay article that is complete and ready to submit. You will understand how to target your article and develop a list of places that you can submit the article to once you return home. Your article will be ready to go, ready to submit and ready to sell!

The workshop will be limited to only 12 attendees which means:

• There will be plenty of time for individual, hands-on instruction. We will spend all the time necessary with you on a one-on-one basis to ensure that you fully understand what we are teaching. We will be out in the field with you, at your side, as you shoot the sights of Philadelphia. You will be able to ask questions, technical and artistic, and get the answers you need for you to make great images. We are committed to teaching you to become the best photographer you can be.

• Photo critiques will be a detailed learning experience. If you have been to any of the workshops I’ve taught in the past, you will know that a very important part of the experience is the “Photo Critique.” Only through the critique of your own photographs, and those of your peers at the workshop, can you learn, not only from your own work, but from theirs as well. In the past, I have taught workshops of 20 people and more. These numbers men little time can be spent on individuals. By keeping OUR workshops small and personal, we can do great things using the excellent teaching tool that the Photo Critique is. Again, this is part of our commitment to making you the best photographer you can be,

• You will learn how to set up your camera and operate it outside of the Automatic settings. The camera is, by its very nature, a creative instrument. The automatic settings remove all creativity from the process. By the time you leave us, you will know more about the creative settings on your camera, and how to operate them, than you ever thought possible. You will learn how and when to use the Aperture Priority mode, the Shutter Priority mode, and the Full Manual mode, all to create the best possible given the conditions and circumstances at the time. In other words, will give you full control over the entire creative photographic process. By the time you leave us, you will be able to CREATE stunning images using all of the creative tools your camera’s manufacturer placed at your disposal but neglected to show you how to use.

• You will participate in two night shoots – the night lights of downtown Philly are beyond beautiful. And, let’s face it, no photographic essay of Philadelphia would be complete without at least a couple of those stunning shots where the city is ablaze with lights. But, as you probably know, there’s a secret to making those stunning night shots, and you’ll learn all about it. You’ll come away from Philly with images in a presentation format your friends and family envy.

When:

The workshop will run over three days from 5pm on Thursday June 22 through noon on Sunday June 25 th.

Where:

We’ll be staying at The Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia where we have negotiated a great rate for one of Philly’s nicest downtown hotels and it’s only walking distance from many of the city’s most significant attractions: $154 per night, which is $55 per night off the regular rate.

The Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel Philadelphia is rich in tradition, as it has been servicing elite Philadelphians and guests for many years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel was originally constructed in 1926 and features fashionable English Renaissance architecture. It is truly one of Philadelphia’s finest hotels, and we get it a rate one might expect to pay at a Holiday Inn. The 299-room Warwick Plaza Hotel is located just off the world-renowned Rittenhouse Square, the city's most prestigious residential, commercial and business district. Each of the spacious, comfortable and beautifully furnished guestrooms are chockfull of convenient amenities including a large desk, telephones serviced by dual phone lines, voice messaging, complimentary High-Speed Internet Access, complimentary bottled water and coffee service. Hey, this is your chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of Philadelphia for three nights at a rate ordinary visitors could only dream about.

The workshop is just $1,195 per person .

This includes an evening session on Thursday, June 22 nd where you’ll enjoy a special, 2-hour presentation by Blair and learn the secrets of how to shoot stunning images consistently and on demand; how to take your camera out of Automatic mode, and how to shoot night images without using a flash. This will enable you to spend the next 2 ½ days doing exactly that – shooting stunning images.

Three photo critiquing sessions where you’ll discover what you’re doing wrong, and how to put it right, and exactly what you are doing right. You’ll from your own images and from those of the other participants – this is the only real way to quickly learn to how shoot great images.

Two night shoots in and around Philadelphia’s Historic District.

Dinner on South Street as a group on Saturday evening, continental breakfast each morning and coffee breaks during classroom sessions.

And, of course, you’ll have Blair Howard’s expertise and assistance at your disposal during all of the workshop sessions and in the field while touring and photographing Philadelphia’s historic and cultural sites.

The price includes the cost of the workshop only. Your transportation to Philadelphia, meals (other than those mentioned above) and accommodations are extra.

Philadelphia Workshop Agenda

Thursday

5 PM Meet the instructors and the fellow students

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Taking your camera out of auto mode by Blair

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Taking night shots without a flash/capturing motion by Blair

7:30 PM Dinner as a group at a local restaurant

9:30 PM outing practicing night shots in the historic district

Friday

8:00 AM – 9:00AM Group critique of night shots

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Composing the perfect shot by Renate

10:30 AM-12:00 PM Photo shoot Elfreth’s Ally and tour/ photograph Betsy Ross House

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch as a group or on your own

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM tour/photograph Independence National Historical Park

Coffee/tea & cookies at hotel

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Group critique of photographs

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Perfect Focus every time by Blair

Dinner on your own or as a group

9:00 PM Lights of Liberty Show – attendance voluntary

Saturday

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Photo shoot in Society Hill

10:30 AM –11:30 AM The photo essay/power point presentation – putting it all together by Renate

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM lunch – Philly Cheese steak at a local restaurant

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM photo shoot in China town/Reading terminal market

Coffee/tea and cookies at the hotel

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM group critique

6:00 PM Dinner on South Street as a group followed by night shoot

Sunday

Coffee/tea and bagels at the hotel / working breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Group Critique

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Sorting photos/writing captions

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Summarize all that was learned by Blair/questions

Workshop Outings

Society Hill:

One of the most charming neighborhoods in the country, Society Hill dates to colonial times and boasts a delightful mix of 18 th to 20 th century residences. We will explore and photograph an eclectic array of colonial structures and contemporary houses.

Delancey Street, in particular, offers a typical colonial courtyard with tiny houses that were once rented out by merchants who lived in the main house in front.

We will also visit the Hill-Physick-Keith House, the only free standing Federal mansion left in Society hill. The 32-room house was once occupied by Dr. Philip Syng Physick, the father of American Surgery. The adjacent Federal-style garden with a serpentine path and antique cannons will offer plenty of photo opportunities.

Visiting our nation’s first hospital and exploring America’s first medical library and oldest surgical amphitheatre will be an option.

Elfreth’s Ally:

Elfreth’s Ally is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in the USA. We’ll explore this postcard perfect alley of 18 th century brick houses that artisans and sea captains once called their home.

The Elfreth’s Ally Museum, built in 1750, is an example of a classis Philadelphia ‘trinity’ – a tiny three-story-building with one room on each floor and narrow, winding staircases.

Betsy Ross House:

We will visit this historic 1740 Philadelphia rowhouse that has been restored to about the year 1777, when Betsy Ross, as the story tells it, is said to have created the first flag of our nation. The museum commemorates the life and accomplishments of Ross. Her grave is located in the colonial courtyard.

Just down the street we will visit the grave of Benjamin Franklin and numerous Revolutionary war heroes and patriots buried at Christ Church Burial Ground.

Independence Park

Independence Park, encompassing 45 acres, features some of America’s most important historical buildings and cherished sites. We will take a tour of Independence Hall (1732-56), where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed. There are many other treasures to be explored and photographed in ‘America’s most historic square mile.” The liberty bell, a worldwide symbol of freedom and Philadelphia’s most prized icon as well as Congress Hall, where Congress met when Philadelphia was the nation’s capital from 1790-1800, all offer excellent photo opportunities.

Just down the street is Franklin Court, the site where we will be introduced to Benjamin Franklin’s innumerable contributions to our nation and the world.

Lights of Liberty Show

Philadelphia’s ‘sound and light spectacular’ tells the story of the American Revolution, as it happened, where it happened. With 5-story film projections on historic buildings throughout Independence National Historical Park, plus 3-D sound and special effects, we will experience America’s brave struggle for Independence like never before.

To Register: please complete the registration form and send it to Renate with either your deposit or full payment as soon as possible. Space is limited to 12 participants and we are filling up quickly.

Who is Blair Howard? CLICK HERE

2006

Workshop Registration Form

Philadelphia, June 22 - 25

Please complete the form below (copy and paste into an email) and return it with your deposit or fee to:

BLAIR HOWARD & RENATE SIEKMANN, 1273 Brown Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

423-322-5199

E-mail: blair@blairhoward.com or renate@blairhoward.com

Name___________________________

Phone (     )____________

E-Mail ___________

Address: _____________________________

City:_____________________________

State/Prov: _____________ Zip/Postal Code: _______

Camera System: ___________________________

Payment (Circle One): Deposit: Minimum $200.00 Full Workshop Fee: $1,195.00

If you are sending a deposit only, your balance of $__________ (please fill in the blank) is due no later than Monday, May 8, 2006

 Your minimum deposit (you can pay more if you like) is due at the time of your registration. The balance is due 45 days prior to the workshop. Unless you are notified differently, your deposit is refundable in full up to 45 days prior to the workshop. If you must cancel within 45 -16 days of a workshop, we regret that your deposit cannot be refunded, however, we will apply half of your deposit to any workshop you may desire to attend within the next year. Payment in excess of the deposit will be returned. If you must cancel within 15 days of the workshop, we reserve the right to retain an additional portion in excess of the fee if we have costs that we cannot recover. We regret that we cannot refund money for no-shows. In the unlikely event that a workshop must be cancelled for unforeseen reasons, we will, of course, refund all monies paid. We cannot however, be responsible for any other expenses you may have incurred.

Please keep a copy of the completed registration form for your records.

Please complete the release form below and send it to Blair & Renate with your registration form and deposit or full payment

 Release and assumption of risk

 I am aware that during the workshop I am participating in, under the arrangements of  Blair Howard and Renate Siekmann doing business as the American Institute of Photojournalism and their agents and associates, certain risks and dangers may occur, including, but not limited to, the hazards of traveling in mountainous terrain, illness or accident in remote places without medical facilities, the forces of nature, and travel by air, bus, automobile or other means of transportation.

 In consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the activities and food and services arranged for me by Blair Howard and Renate Siekmann, I have and do hereby assume all the above risks and will hold them harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, claims, debts, and demands of every kind and nature whatsoever which I now have or which may arise in connection with my trip or participation in any other activities arranged for me by Blair Howard and Renate Siekmann and their agents or associates. The terms hereof shall serve as release and assumption of risk for my heirs, administrators and executors and for all members of my family, including any minor accompanying me. I have read and agree to these conditions.

 Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _________

In case of emergency, please notify:

Name_________________________________________________________________

Daytime Telephone : ____________________

Evening Telephone: ____________________