On Location

–Santa Fe

The Expressive Landscape: Seeing with Intention

with Thibault Roland

October 3 – 7, 2026

Saturday – Wednesday

Tuition $1895.00

(includes meal plan, see below)

Location Fee $205.00

Standard Deposit $400.00

Course Description

This immersive fine-art workshop invites participants to slow down, observe more deeply, and develop an intentional and expressive landscape photography practice. Led by Thibault Roland, this workshop in Santa Fe blends conceptual thinking, technical mastery, and hands-on exploration, guiding photographers toward creating landscape images that are not only visually compelling but also emotionally resonant and personally meaningful.

Each day balances classroom sessions and fieldwork, where we learn to combine the essentials of classic landscape photography with the ideas and techniques of digital contemporary practice. In the classroom, lectures cover essential fine-art concepts such as light and color theory, composition, framing, visual balance, abstraction, what to include or exclude from the frame, and the transition from color to black and white. Group image reviews and open discussions help participants articulate intent, refine visual language, and learn how to evaluate their own work with greater clarity and confidence. Participants also explore in-depth image editing and processing using Adobe Photoshop and selected plugins, learning how post-processing serves as a powerful creative tool for shaping mood, refining intent, and developing a distinctive personal style.

In the field, we explore the diverse landscapes of northern New Mexico and invite the dynamism of the fall season into our imagery. Participants master new techniques through guided photographic sessions, learning how to visualize images before they are made and how to translate perception into cohesive photographic statements. We also learn to incorporate structure and architecture into our landscape compositions, balancing the natural with the human-made.

A strong emphasis is placed on black-and-white photography and long-exposure techniques, using time as a creative tool to simplify scenes, reveal structure, and convey mood. Participants learn how to work with atmosphere, motion, and light to produce images that focus on creation and expression. Depending on interest, Thibault also demonstrates infrared and tilt/shift photography, offering students the opportunity to experiment with alternative ways of seeing and interpreting the world.

Throughout the workshop, creative skills such as visual storytelling within the landscape, developing a personal style, working with intention, and making deliberate artistic choices will be emphasized. By the end of the week, participants leave with a stronger understanding of fine-art landscape photography, a refined visual approach, and practical tools to continue developing a meaningful and authentic body of work.

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 and select images using image editing software for class sessions.

Participants should plan to bring a tripod and ND filters for use during assignments. A full list of recommended gear will be provided prior to the start of the workshop.

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. 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 at a time including off-trail walking on uneven terrain including sand, dirt, and loose rock. Location work is likely to include early morning and/or late evening shoots.

Accommodations:

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

Meals:

One group dinner and daily beverage service are included. All other meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Policies:

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

SPECIAL CANCELLATION TERMS: SFW’s decision to run or cancel this workshop with Tibault Roland is made no later than 45 days prior to the start date.

Withdrawal more than 45 days prior to the start date of your workshop, SFW will refund all payments made, less a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the deposit.
Withdrawal between 45 and 30 days prior to the start date of the workshop, SFW will retain 50% of the workshop tuition or package price.
Withdrawal less than 30 days prior to the start date of the workshop will result in no refund.

about

Thibault Roland

Thibault Roland is originally from France and now based in Portland, Oregon. He is a physicist by training and his background in optics and the rigorous scientific approach supports him in experimentation. Thibault has built a portfolio of techniques that allow him to create fine-art photography images that are unique, poetic, and very personal. He specializes in black-and-white photography with a focus on landscapes, seascapes, and architecture. Previously an instructor at the New England School of Photography, Thibault teaches workshops and gives seminars internationally. His award-winning work has been shown worldwide, and his images can be found in public and private collections, including the Boston Athenaeum.

Website: thibaultroland.com