Dramatic Portrait: People and Nudes
Badlands of South Dakota, with Doug Beasley, May 28 – June 1, 2009
We will meet in Interior, South Dakota, for a five-day workshop in and around the Badlands National Park. This remote, sacred region with its sculpted soil, sweeping vistas and extraordinary light is an ideal dramatic background for figurative image making. We will work collaboratively with our models to connect this sacred land to our own individual vision. We will also work on maximizing light potential, using exposure as a creative control and how to use available light more effectively to create more powerful images with mood and personal style.
There will be a combination of guided assignments and group sessions but the majority of our time will be spent one-on-one with our models doing individual photo shoots, with Doug available for feedback and guidance, if desired. We will gather each evening for dinner to discuss the days shooting and personal focus and goals for the following days.
Workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. on on Thursday, May 28th at The Circle View Ranch, and ends after our morning shoot on Monday, June 1st at 12:00 noon.
See some student photography from this workshop.
Student testimonials from this workshop:
“The Badlands was a workshop I shall not forget for some time. It is rare when you are having a great experience that time stand’s still, but I engrossed myself in the workshop so much that time seemed to be a dimension that didn’t exist. The morning of the last day I was “In the Zone” and didn’t want it all to end. The people, the setting, the Circle View, and your inspirational discussions all made it positively unforgettable. Here’s to good wine, good food, good chocolate, and most of all good people.” — John Olson, Plymouth, Minnesota
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“The Badlands was a workshop I shall not forget for some time. It is rare when you are having a great experience that time stand’s still, but I engrossed myself in the workshop so much that time seemed to be a dimension that didn’t exist. The morning of the last day I was “In the Zone” and didn’t want it all to end. The people, the setting, the Circle View, and your inspirational discussions all made it positively unforgettable. Here’s to good wine, good food, good chocolate, and most of all good people.” — John Olson, Plymouth, Minnesota
“I’d say these were some of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. They brought me back to some core aspects of myself and helped me expand my photographic vision so it better connects to who I am.” — Ray Remiszewski, Vancouver, British Columbia
“I want to thank you so much for the experience you gave to Ray. I can hear in his voice that his soul and spirit were so moved by the space you created. This has had such an impact for Ray at a personal level and in his work as a photographer. With what you gave to him, you have also so given to me and there are no words to truly articulate my gratefulness.” — Bernadette Barton, Vancouver, British Columbia
“I had such a wonderful week with you and everyone in the Badlands. It was by far the best workshop I’ve done. I felt I really did learn some things out there. I gave myself the freedom to shoot, even if that ‘little voice’ was saying ‘no’. By the time the last day came the ‘no’ was barely audible. It felt good to have that freedom. Thanks again.” — Michelle Blair, Minneapolis, MN
“Thank you for another surreal experience. I will have to get used to going back to Texas and waking myself up from the dream that your workshops create.” — Tillye Kamin, Austin, TX
“The time I spent in the Badlands was truly one of the most powerful experiences I have encountered so far in my life. I thank you for creating such a safe space for that energy to flourish. — Ilia Horsburg, Vancouver, British Columbia
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Accommodations:
We will stay at The Circle View Ranch, a real working cattle ranch. The Circle View, owned and operated by friends Phillip and Amy Kruse, is located high on a bluff with a spectacular view of the White River and the Badlands National Park.
Doubles are $70 a night per person (we will help pair you with someone), bunk rooms for three guests are $60 per person, and singles are available for $80 a night. If you prefer a single room, please let us know upon registration. Singles will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. If you prefer a more romantic option, you can set up your own tent on top of the bluff or near the fire pit for only $40 per night and watch the sun rise over the majestic Badlands.
Meals
For those staying at the Circle View a great homemade breakfast is included each morning. Lunch will not be with the group, but there a couple of local restaurants that you won't want to miss. We will have homemade dinners prepared by Amy Kruse two nights during the workshop, for a small additional fee. Other dinners can be prepared ourselves at the ranch, where they have a full kitchen for us to use, if we stay out to shoot in the beautiful late afternoon light. Plan to bring food with you to cook especially if you have specific dietary needs. It's also an awesome place to hang out at night and discuss the day's shoot or just listen to the coyotes howl. Going into town and visiting the Wagon Wheel Saloon is a must, where you can visit with local cowboys, eat homemade pizza and play pool.
Dates:
9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, to noon, Monday, June 1
Cost:
$495 ($200 deposit). Models fee: $235. Meals and lodging are not included but rooms will be held at Circle View Ranch upon registration.
Class limit:
12
