
More than just a workshop in photography …
I have the privilege of being a photographer. I couldn’t imagine anything I’d rather be doing. But there’s more. I also get to teach photography. And in the process of that, I meet amazing people and I hear stories of how photography changes them.
Chris Harris and I just returned from our first Develop Your Creative Vision workshop of the year (two more coming!). It was an exciting week on Gabriola Island with 7 days of sunshine, stunning scenery, amazing people and openness to change.
We encourage people to build on the photography skills they already have by helping them to see more deeply and create images that more personally express their ideas. It’s new territory for most.
And then we get to hear how people respond to the 7-day experience. Here’s part of one email that came unexpectedly to us a few days after we got home.
I must tell you both that the week has really been more to me than just a workshop in photography. I found it very emotional and at the same time so uplifting. I have had a difficult past five years with health issues, and had not yet really found some stability. With this new approach I can make what suits and pleases me. What joy, what freedom, what hope !! Not only has this week changed my approach to photography, it has totally enhanced my outlook on life. For the latter, I am so grateful !!
Thank you both for your instruction, patience and encouragement. You have given me more than you can ever realize. Hope to see you both again and in the mean time I will eagerly follow your journeys in photography.
Well, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that. Chris and I just do our best to share our ideas, encourage and motivate, support and challenge. Everyone receives it differently and when a response like this comes along, we realize how powerful this stuff is.
We had an overwhelmingly positive response to the workshop and are already looking forward to the next one. Photography changes lives. It’s so much more than taking pictures.
Below are 12 images, one from each of our Gabriola participants. Hope you can feel the depth of their images.












About the photographs …
All of the above images are made within the cameras used by the photographers. Although software is used to crop, adjust contrast and colour saturation, Photoshop manipulation is not the goal here. Rather, the images are made on location so the photographer can use the camera to respond to the visual stimulation.
Each day of the workshop, visual challenges are offered. Then, after working in their chosen locations, each person shares a series of images with the group, receiving feedback, encouragement and suggestions.
The cycle repeats, each time going deeper into personal expression. It’s a process that is not linear, instead, like all creative works, there are periods of dryness and breakthroughs. And, the deeper we go, the more we learn about ourselves.
More information about the workshops is here.
Related Posts
January 2, 2023
Twenty-two from 2022: My Picks from the Year
September 21, 2022
Just fantastic! So glad that the workshop was a success. I often think about why we create photographic images and return time and again to the idea of community built through this creative activity. So, the people behind the camera are the important thing. Having taught for 3 decades I have long known that the students are what keep me going. Dennis, your commentary and the quotation from the participant seem to confirm that sense of community that you, Chris, and people with a positive and open-minded attitude create together. Thanks for sharing the beautiful images and words.
Thank you so much, Chris. You would certainly understand that teaching is an interactive process and it’s so rewarding all around. Really appreciate your comments, as always.
As always people rave about you two and how much they grow as photographers at your workshops.
Totally enjoy reading this post. Fabulous images to get inspired by!
Agreed, our students created fabulous images. Thanks so much for your kind comments, detlef!
Dear Dennis, I have been following you and Chris’s work for a very long time and I should say its extraordinary. Being in the field of teaching I do understand what its is to be a teacher and to interactive with new faces. Every workshop of yours have been an experience and every word scripted along with pictures speak much more.
Thank you for your comment, Nadhiya. Agreed, teaching is a wonderful opportunity to work with others and develop their artistic expression.