Emotions into Photographs and Text

It is said that a photograph is worth a thousand words. When an image is really successful—like the ones that stand the test of time and ascend to the status of legend—it can tell the story of a lifetime just as powerfully as a great song. But what happens when we encounter emotions and life experiences that are further enriched by coupling a well-chosen image (or images) with thoughtfully composed text?

In this six-session workshop, we discover how words can enhance and deepen our experience of photography, while also allowing us to express our emotions. By considering the circumstances under which you’d add written language to an image, you learn to form a vocabulary—in words and pictures—that serves your artistic ambitions.

As we examine ways to integrate photographs and text artistically, we come up with creative strategies for altering our images using a range of materials and methods. Throughout, we look for inspiration from a great body of work by artists who have successfully combined writing and photographs, including Robert Frank, Duane Michals, Richard Prince, Barbara Kruger, and Shirin Neshrat.

Andrew Southam offers expert guidance and step-by-step support as you create a project that pairs photography with text—and, in the process, deepens your relationship to both.