Photographic Expressionism: Santa Fe and the Digital Darkroom

In recent decades, a new genre of art known as “photographic expressionism” has emerged, referring to photographers who channel their inner emotions and experiences through abstraction and visual manipulation. Inspired by early 20th-century artists, this contemporary movement includes a new wave of digital creators. While some use in-camera techniques, the possibilities for expression also expand significantly in post-processing. Digital tools empower photographers to transform representational images into narratives of inner depth and emotion by enhancing color, altering form, and adding motion or texture. This workshop focuses on mastering these digital post-processing techniques to create expressive, fully realized works.

Join Shelley Vandegrift in the enchanting landscapes of Santa Fe for a deep dive into photographic expressionism. This workshop invites you to visually interpret and reimagine the world around you while connecting with your inner creative voice. Surrounded by the rich colors and vibrant energy of the Southwest, you learn to photograph intuitively and explore post-processing techniques that craft your vision.

We split our time between photographing in the field and working in the Digital Lab to take our imagery to new artistic heights. Known for her ability to demystify technical processes, Shelley guides you through powerful tools in Lightroom and Photoshop that can be used to enhance abstraction and convey emotion. You learn the post-processing skills necessary to harness light, form, and color to create dynamic works reflective of your inner landscape. 

Whether you are a photographer eager to add a fine-art edge to your portfolio or a creative spirit looking to explore new techniques, this workshop provides you with the tools and inspiration to infuse drama, energy, and mood into your images. 

During this workshop:

• Spend time in the field capturing the images that form the basis of your creations
• Explore various trends in artistic interpretive photography
• Learn creative photo manipulation techniques in Photoshop and Lightroom, including:
  • Using layers and blend modes to create unique montages
  • Using texture and color to evoke emotion
  • Incorporating motion, abstraction, and painterly effects through a deeper understanding of filters and other creative tools
  • Creating texture overlays and custom brushes
  • Experiment with creative plugins to add another dimension to your work

This unique workshop inspires you to craft captivating images that tell your stories in your own distinctive style. Join us and turn your photos into masterpieces that speak volumes!