 |
| Conceptual Photography -
Honest, Emotional Photography |
 |
| Instructors: Dave
Nitsche Duration: 4
Weeks Cost: $195 Starts: Jan 9, 2009 |
Have you ever had someone look at one of your images and start crying? Ever have them smile and say, 'I remember when that happened to me'? Ever have them hug you and say, 'That's exactly what I went through'? True conceptual photography can elicit emotions out of the people viewing it. It can make them feel like a part of the image instead of an observer, stirring up true emotion. Conceptual Photography can touch the very core of what we are and the memories we are made of. This course will bring your thoughts alive, evoking emotion and experiences with your camera. We will show the viewer a piece of ourselves and connect with them and their lives. We open ourselves up without fear, hoping that someone can connect. If the piece is honest, sincere, and well done, it will.
It is evident, as one looks at Dave's photography, that he has an amazing and unique style that favors striking, emotionally engaging, and provocative images. His photography offers few distractions, sometimes using simple backgrounds of black or white to highlight his subject or idea. His collection of work inspires those who view it through his use of color, contrast, and his ability to focus solely on his intended subject or idea.
If you have ever wanted to dive into the amazing world of art or just want to hone you're creative developmental skills then Dave's 'Conceptual Photography' course is for you. This class will give you the necessary skills to develop a colorful, visually honest, and meaningful body of work with a content that resonates deep within the viewer. You will explore concepts, develop ideas, and find inspirational ways to shoot and capture your thoughts. This course is a place where you can develop the creative skills inside your mind. Dave challenges his students to reveal and express themselves, thus creating extremely powerful images and bodies of work. His encouraging attitude and awe-inspiring work will transform everyone in his class. Course Outline:
Lesson 1 - The Thought
In this lesson, we will discuss how ideas are created and how to translate them from a feeling or experience to a tangible concept. The thought process can truly reveal your inner self. Tips and creative techniques will be given on ways to generate ideas and also how to summon experiences that will allow you to fully express yourself.
Lesson 2 - It's all about the light
During this lesson we will take our project and start putting the light to it. We will discuss and explore all types of lighting. Household items such as, matches, flashlights, house lamps, garage lights, as well as camera flashes are all useful in the conceptual photographer's studio.
Lesson 3 - Practice (& composition) makes perfect
In this lesson, we will talk about the camera and its ability to interact with subjects and light. We will engage in exercises that will help strengthen and recognize your understanding of how all elements work together in a studio. We will also discuss how I place objects in a frame for maximum impact.
Lesson 4 - Developing the thought further
We'll take our original concept and expand on it using the creative, and thought provoking techniques that we have discussed, truly developing the concept one step further. Tweaking it. Bringing out the image that is hidden inside the original idea and drawing the viewer into an intended point of view. Will a shallow DOF help bring out the extraordinary idea better or does it distract from your original idea? Maybe some other elements in the frame will help? How does the play of shadows improve your original image?
Course Requirement:
An understanding of your camera (SLR will be very helpful), basic household 'stuffs',
a single flash, with a sync cord, or any off-camera lighting source (flashlight,
table lamp, etc...). A tripod is mandatory, and a cable release for your shutter
would be very nice, but not necessary. Most importantly, an open mind with a
clear focus on your creative vision! Can't wait to see you in class!
Instructor: Dave Nitsche
 Dave Nitsche picked up a camera 20 years ago, but his first journey into photography only lasted a mere 6 months. He consistently had a creative outlet for his thoughts and emotions, having always been involved in the arts as a guitarist, graphic designer, and web developer. But, eventually career changes and life put him in a place where he had never been before. Eighteen years after he had sold his Canon A1 he decided to try photography once again. In 2002, he bought his first digital camera. Dave’s engaging creativity and memorable photos have not stopped since. Dave's goal from the very beginning was to merge human emotion into non-human environments using what ever 'stuffs' (mannequins, glass, guns, fire, etc.) necessary. During that process he strived to be as original as possible. His images are steeped in expressionism, color, and contrast, but cover a wonderful variety of categories that it becomes hard to place them in just one. His work has been admired and praised by critics, photographers, artists and the public in general, via various shows, publications and galleries, for their ability to conjure feelings in people that are very deep, very personal, and usually reserved for living things.
The scope of Dave's work does not stop at conceptualism or expressionism. He is a fan of all types of imagery and is quite fond of moving from style to style. His website includes all forms of innovative imagery for you to view. Enjoy his images and his vision as much as he does. Dave’s colorful and inspiring photography may be viewed at http://www.davenitsche.com.
What students are saying about Dave Nitsche
and his course? |
|
