THE INNER ELEMENTS Registration and details

Exploring the medium of photography as a means of visual expression, this seminar examines a personal and poetic approach to recording the visual world. Presented by Canadian photographer Richard Martin, this inspiring program includes instructional sessions interspersed with inspiring audio-visual presentations. Topics will concentrate on making photographs that evoke and stimulate the imagination, and reveal the magic of the visual world around us. With an emphasis on simplifying the photographic process, there will be discussions on the process of seeing and making photographs, the practical use of visual design, producing clear visual statements, and the use of camera techniques to help translate your ideas through the medium. An absolute ‘must see’ for anyone interested in the visual arts.

Recommended Reading if you plan to attend the seminar Parallel Effects   

PHOTO LIFE Magazine

For the past 15 years Richard's articles have appeared in Photo Life magazine, beginning in May 1994 with a feature Portfolio. At a time of rapid technological advancements in equipment Richard's articles remain relevant to both film and digital, because they address the most important aspect of photography, those concerned with the image itself. The development of such skills as visual awareness and design are key to making a good photograph. Glass plate, film or digital. Does it really matter? Check out his current May 2009 article or recent articles (links below).

May 2009 issue
Richard's article "The Photographer's Eye" is on newsstands now. preview

January 2009 issue "Directed Attention" read article

September 2008 issue "Visual Balance" read article

May 2008 issue "Discovering Pattern" read article

To obtain copies of past or current issues of Photo Life magazine, visit their website at http://www.photolife.com/

WORKSHOPS AND TOURS 2009

INNERSCAPES WORKSHOPS info 
May 8, 9, 2009 Toronto, ON Richard teams up with psychotherapist, writer and photographer, Lee Kraemer for this workshop based on Richard ’s article Wabi-Sabi. Wabi-Sabi Also view link on Richard's home page, which shows examples of location.

June 26-30, 2009 Niagara on the Lake. A two-part workshop beginning on Friday evening with a traditional Vision and Discovery weekend workshop followed by The Digital Darkroom, two days in the classroom utilizing a intuitive right-brain approach to digital workflow. webpage

Richard is currently working on a 2009 and 2010 schedule for workshops and tours and continues to keep up to the demand for customized workshops for individual groups including Digital darkroom. Information will be posted as soon as details are in place. At the moment there are many options to consider, including a return to Sicily and Venice. India is also being discussed for January 2010.

SICILY with Elisa Paloschi
October 22-November 01, 2009
At the centre of the Mediterranean, but on the periphery of Europe lays the island of Sicily. With an exotic appeal that sets it apart from mainland Italy, Sicily has long been known as a "melting pot" of ancient cultures and peoples. Sixteen foreign dominations have touched, changed and marked the Sicilian soul.  First the Greeks and the Romans, then the Arabs and Normans, and finally, the French, Spanish and Italians, all of them contributing to an unparalleled historical legacy. The conquerors have left, not only an abundance of art, architecture and archaeological remains, but have transformed the landscape, fashioned the cultural eccentricities, influenced the mixed appearance of the inhabitants and shaped the social attitudes unique to Sicily and the Sicilians.
Tour Details
read article of previous tour

SOUTH INDIA with Elisa Paloschi
January 17-31, 2010
We will travel to Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Exploring the bustling markets, colourful villages and extreme landscapes. The south is a beautiful gem and a photographer's dream. Further details to come, but please let us know early if you are interested.

APPEARANCES

Tamron USA Learning Center Road Series 2009 info

May 15, 16, 2009 New Orleans (Historic French Quarter), Louisiana

May 29, 30, 2009 Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Amana Colonies)

July 8, 2009 Pro Workshop Seminar, New York City (details forthcoming)

PROJECTS

The Grade 12 Photography class at Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Kingston Ontario recently participated in a month-long workshop with internationally recognized, photographer, Richard Martin.  This enrichment project was made possible by funding and support from the Ontario Arts Council, the Limestone Learning Foundation, the Limestone Board of Education and Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

At the conclusion of this project a 120 page hardcover book was produced featuring the portfolios of 16 students. In addition a gallery print exhibition is taking place at Studio 22 from April 1 to April 12, 2009 with posters and DVDs available.

Excerpt from Preface

When it comes to visual expression, some of the finest examples of imagination, fantasy, emotions, and creativity can be found between the covers of this book. The fresh vision of these young photographers serves to recharge and stimulate our creative perspective and to a considerable degree, restores our attitude towards embracing creativity.

For this project my goals as instructor were reasonably simple. I wanted to share my artistic philosophy and passion for photography, and inspire students to see the world in new, dynamic and genuinely meaningful ways. While teaching I always emphasize that there are no rules.  An individual’s imagination and input is more important than “formulas”.  Ultimately my objective is to help students make better pictures, and to unleash their creativity to the fullest amount that they possibly can.

It is my hope that students leave the workshop with a new way of seeing the everyday world around them and will continue to develop their skills and explore their creativity throughout their life. At the conclusion of this project I have benefited as much from their visual explorations as they have from my teaching.

Richard Martin
Kingston, Ontario
January 2009