Metaphor and Emotion in Flower Photography

with Kathleen Clemons

July 7 – 11, 2025

Tuition $2195.00

(includes meal plan, see below)

Location and Materials Fee $115.00

Standard Deposit $400.00

Course Description

Bleeding heart, wilting violet, a rose by any other name, lily of the valley, a hothouse flower, forget-me-not, fresh as a daisy, a late bloomer, primrose path, a bed of roses, to gild the lily, wallflower, a rose among thorns, and a wildflower. For centuries, flowers have been used as a metaphor to convey meaning and emotion. They represent growth, change, tenderness, passion, and the beauty that can be found in even the most challenging circumstances.

Join fine-art photographer Kathleen Clemons for this hands-on workshop that explores the myriad ways our images of flowers can convey meaning and evolve emotion. From the delicate violet to the bold sunflower, flowers can be used as symbols to convey a wide range of human experiences. Discover the power of expressing love, joy, sorrow, or any other feeling by using the beauty and symbolism of flowers in your photographs.

Each day includes a presentation, group discussion of assignment photos, and photographing out in the field, where you benefit from hands-on instruction from Kathleen. Throughout our time together, we will explore the joy of using metaphor to add an emotional intensity to our photographs of flowers.

Join us for a week in Santa Fe to take your flower photography to the next level by adding the elements of emotion and metaphor. This added dimension elevates your imagery from the forgettable to the memorable.

Additional Information

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Amateurs, Advanced Amateurs

What You Should Know:

Working knowledge of digital workflow and manual mode on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Participants must be able to download, select, and submit images for class each day. Participants should bring a personal laptop computer for daily edits.

Activity Level:

To get the most from your workshop experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. Come prepared for the high elevation of Santa Fe, long days, and seasonal weather including high temperatures. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times, both on campus and on location. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described.

Participants should be able to engage in moderate outdoor exercise for up to an hour or more while photographing, including light off-trail walking on uneven terrain.

Policies:

View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for domestic workshops.

Accommodations:

Participants are responsible for making their own housing arrangements in Santa Fe. On-campus accommodations are not currently available.

Meals:

Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner before the Friday evening Image Presentations, and daily beverage service are included.

about

Kathleen Clemons

Kathleen Clemons is an award-winning photographer, teacher, speaker, author, and workshop leader from the coast of Maine. Primarily a nature photographer who specializes in photographing flowers, Kathleen is known for her creative use of natural light and unique, artistic photographs.

Kathleen teaches online classes as well as many location workshops and seminars. Kathleen also filmed instructional classes for Craftsy, CreativeLive, and Lensbaby University and is the author of the e-book All About Textures.

With a degree in education and a passion for both photography and teaching, Kathleen loves to teach others how to improve their photography skills and to see beyond the obvious.

Website: kathleenclemonsphotography.com