Online

The Fine Art of Still-Life Photography

with Kimberly Witham

Course Description

Still lifes have intrigued artists since the beginning of recorded time. From ancient Egypt, where they adorned the walls of tombs, to the Renaissance, which introduced the genre into the cultural mainstream, the still life has been continually explored and refined, a process that continues today. For photographers, the still life presents unique challenges, as technical lighting skills merge with composition and design to bring an image to exquisite life.

This online workshop is scheduled over four Saturdays from 9:30 am- 12 noon MT beginning on April 30 and finishing on May 21. These sessions will be live-streamed via zoom from Kimberly’s studio.

Kimberly begins this four-day workshop with a review of the history of the still life, providing context and inspiration for our creative endeavors. From her studio, she discusses and demonstrates techniques for building a still life photograph, from conception and propping to composition and lighting, through to the final image. We explore sources of inspiration—finding objects, selecting surfaces, and building sets—while paying close attention to prop positioning and color theory. A keen focus is placed on lighting, to ensure that we heighten the desired emotional impact of our imagery. This workshop is taught entirely using natural light. No artificial lighting equipment is required.

Each Saturday’s demonstrations and discussions build on the previous session. Kimberly leads image reviews of your assignment work at the beginning of each class and shares the work of contemporary artists working in the still-life genre. Weekly assignments take the group rummaging for subject matter. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers are sure-fire options, but we also seek out more exotic alternatives.

Challenge yourself to achieve a higher level of craft and a deeper understanding of your personal aesthetic as you immerse yourself in the venerable art of the still life.

Additional Information

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
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 transfer images to their own jump drive for class each day.

Policies:

View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.

Categories
Creative Vision, Fine Art, Lighting, One-of-a-Kind
© Kimberly Witham
about
Kimberly Witham

Kimberly Witham is an award-winning fine-art photographer and teacher. Her photographs are strongly influenced by her studies in art history and her interest in the natural world. Her work has been featured in Color MagazinePHOTO+BLOW PhotoFOTO MagazineThe Photo ReviewOrion, The New Republic, and Wired in addition to being used as cover illustrations for books internationally.

Kimberly’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in the United States and abroad and is held in numerous private collections. Kimberly is represented by Klompching Gallery in New York, Spillman-Blackwell in New Orleans, Gary Marotta Fine Arts in Provincetown, MA and Gallery Kayafas in Boston. Her awards and honors include a fellowship at the Center for Emerging Visual Artists, the Feature Shoot Emerging Photography Award, the Clarence John Laughlin Award, and the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.

Instagram: @kimberlywitham

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