Layered Abstractions: Combining ICM, ME & Gathered Elements

Join Stephanie Johnson in Santa Fe this summer for a workshop dedicated to exploring abstract photography and creating layered visual imagery through experimentation and expression.

With the city of Santa Fe and the surrounding landscapes as inspiration, you learn to create individually expressive images using digital techniques, such as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), Multiple Exposure (ME), and creative processing, while also weaving handmade analog processes into the mix. 

With Stephanie’s guidance, you create images and gather elements that can be synergistically woven together to form deeper, multi-layered, and textural expressions of place. Immersion in the abstract process and practical application in the field encourages you to explore new ways of seeing. Being open to the expansive possibilities of abstract practice allows you to walk away with images that stand on their own or can be blended together with gathered elements throughout the week.

Workshop Highlights:

• Dedicated daily time working with creative camera techniques (ICM, ME, and more) in locations around Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico 
• Learning different methods for layering images, textures, and gathered elements to create final artistic images
• Creative processing instruction in Adobe Photoshop, for blending gathered elements into expressive images that convey layered depths of artistry
• Using digital and analog images made during the week to explore the synergy of layering and blending processes together for combined creative effects that are greater than the individual elements alone
• Daily classroom instruction and image reviews to deepen the understanding of your layered and blended visual language

While this workshop is focused primarily on digital photography, Stephanie also shares the creative potential of combining digital and analog processes. As an added bonus, she guides you through the steps of creating cyanotypes and demonstrates how these prints can serve as additional gathered elements that can be layered with digital ICM and ME photographs.  It is not necessary to have experience working with cyanotypes prior to the class, and necessary materials are provided.

Technical notes:

• Camera-Based Creative Work—It is essential that you have a working understanding of ICM principles and techniques. This workshop incorporates the use of ICM principles and techniques with more advanced Multiple Exposure techniques, with the focus of instruction being more on ways to push beyond what can be achieved through single exposure ICMs.
• Creative Processing—Instruction for these processes is given in Photoshop and can be applied similarly in other image processing software applications. A basic knowledge of Photoshop is helpful.

This workshop is designed to inspire creative flow through the process of layering images together to create compelling visual experiences. Our time together is about expanding your knowledge of abstractation and pushing your work in new and creative directions. Join us for a week in Santa Fe to master a diverse range of techniques and processes, and to unlock the creative potential of layering your abstract work.