Tuscany Workshops by Bryon Paul McCartney

In 2009 I did a workshop together with Bryon Paul McCartney from Switzerland. It was a great day with many impressions and many many good results by the participation Photographers! Now Bryon will do 2 workshops in Tuscany in a wonderful location this year and i would like to focus your eyes to his site.

- Light, Form …and Expression, 20-26 June
- Cultivating a Unique Style, 27 June – 03 July

Each workshop will feature shooting demos, individual coaching, group exercises, and daily shootings both indoors at our rustic Tuscan estate and outdoors in several locations in Southern Tuscany. Some of the confirmed models include UK-based Iveta Niklova and Colleen Deary, among others. Class size for each workshop is limited to eight students and he plans to have one model for every two students.

ViewFinder Center returns to Tuscany in June 2010 for a  second season of photography workshops, led by award-winning fine art nude photographer Bryon Paul McCartney. Two different six-day programs share a focus on fine art nude photography, with beautiful experienced models, stunning Tuscan landscapes, and expert hands-on guidance.

LIGHT, FORM & EXPRESSION

June 20 – June 26, 2010

Light, form and expression are the foundations of fine art nude photography. This workshop is designed to give students a better understanding of how to work with these key elements to “design” their images. Workshop activities will include shooting assignments and demonstrations that focus on using natural light, how to control and modify light, and post-processing techniques. We will discuss how to communicate your ideas to effectively work with and direct models, where to find inspiration for poses and how to encourage great expressions. (Workshop Fee: € 2250)

CULTIVATING A UNIQUE STYLE

June 27 – July 3, 2010

A photographer’s individual style does not happen by accident, it develops over time and grows with confidence and experience. Students will explore and investigate a variety of styles and approaches to fine art nude photography. Daily shooting assignments and demonstrations will focus on different genres and techniques to help each student discover and refine their own unique style, as they build up a portfolio or personal work. (Workshop Fee: € 2250)

“Photography workshops are a great way to re-energize your creative approach and dive deep into your hobby or craft,” says Bryon Paul McCartney, founder and director of ViewFinder Center for Photography. “We’ve developed each week to provide focused and intensive study, with hands-on instruction and interactive projects that give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in their passion for photography.”

Against the backdrop of a stunning location that offers unlimited inspiration, each workshop is designed to provide a dynamic learning experience. Students will be challenged to explore their personal creative expression and master new technical skills. Students will take on several assignments and be responsible for delivering a portfolio of images for the closing night’s student showcase.

The Workshop Experience

Each Amore Toscana 2010 workshop is limited to eight (8) students to ensure that participants and the instructor have every opportunity to work together and create personalized learning experiences. Workshops include portfolio review sessions with the instructors, hands-on shooting and assignment work, group discussions, and instruction. “All the students will prepare a presentation of their work from the week and participate in the final evening’s student slideshow,” says McCartney. “It’s a chance for everyone to share their work and celebrate their accomplishments.”

In addition to providing an inspiring and rewarding learning experience, the workshops create a community of photographers. “We focus on small group workshops, with a mix of individual and group activities. Planning each day together over breakfast cappuccinos and exchanging stories while dining on local specialties and Italian wines in the evening adds to the community atmosphere and give workshop students opportunities to create a network of photography colleagues,” McCartney explains.

Comments from Tuscany 2009

Why Attend a Workshop?

Having attended several workshops himself, McCartney takes the workshop experience seriously. In short, you can be assured that Bryon will challenge you, teach you and guide you through this experience. No portfolio or previous experience with models is required for the workshop. Past students have included intermediate amateurs and working professionals. Students are asked to bring their best photos to share with the group at the beginning of each week.

Through shooting and post-processing photos, observing others, group discussions and reviews and individual feedback sessions with Bryon, each student will develop their fine art nude photography skills and vision. “At the end of the experience, students pack up fantastic memories, new skills and a wealth of ideas and inspirations for new projects,” says McCartney, “but most importantly, they leave with their own personal portfolio of amazing new images from their time in Tuscany.”

The Location

San Quirico d’Orcia is in southern Tuscany, just off the beaten tourist path, but in the center of the famed region that produces Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano wines. This area includes some of the most stunning landscapes and views in all of Tuscany, painted sunsets and rustic Etruscan cooking. The workshops explore several locations beyond its residence at il Poggiolo, including the hot springs of Bagni San Filippo, an abandoned terra cotta factory in Pienza and the beaches of Marina d’Albresse.

“We selected this location especially to inspire our students,” says McCartney. “il Poggiolo provides an ideal creative environment, comfortable and spacious rooms for meeting, relaxing and, naturally, for taking great photos. To make the Amore Toscana workshops truly special, we add a high level of service and attention to detail so every student can relax and enjoy the week while they explore and develop their own photographic point of view.”

More details and registration online at www.viewfindercenter.com/tuscany2010