Put your art down and grab your camera!
It’s time to immortalize your artistic efforts with a visual record of your work. Having quality, well-lit, color-accurate photos will get your art noticed and promoted while creating a lasting record. Your image can make or break your Call for Entry submission.
In the hands-on, two-day workshops, you will learn how to take great photos and go home with images of 3-6 of your own artworks. Day One is all about lighting, the set and capturing the image. On Day Two, it’s your turn to take the shots while having the instructor by your side. This allows you to customize your photo techniques to meet the particular needs of your artwork while working under the guidance of the instructor.
The Learn To Manage Your Image Files workshop is a one-day session on the basics of organizing your image files for efficient retrieval and safe archiving. No camera work here — just a day of creating an organizational system that will work for you. Bring your laptop, or just follow along.
The Open Lab periods are available to graduates of the workshops. No teaching — just a studio facility where several sets will be ready to produce photos of 2D (flat) artwork or 3D (dimensional) artwork or jewelry. Bring your own work and your camera gear to the studio, and use our lights, sets, and space to photograph your work.
Your instructor, Scott Miles, is a graduate and teacher from Brooks Institute. He loves teaching, and has taught for over 15 years at the college level and has been teaching photography workshops for over 30 years. Now, you have the opportunity to participate in workshops in his studio in Ventura, California.
Click on the headings below for more Workshop details:
We begin with discussions of basic principles and methods. The procedure for photographing your work will be covered in a step-by-step manner. Equipment options will be presented. Questions are welcome throughout the workshop.
After covering the fundamentals, we will set up to photograph in groups of 2-3 participants. This allows you to help each other to achieve the best results, under the direction of the instructor. There will be a discussion of basic image processing at the end of the first day.
At the beginning of the second day, we will review the photos you produced the day before. We will discuss solutions to technical problems and help everyone to refine their technique. We will rotate through the artwork so that each participant could photograph 3 — 4 pieces. We will wrap up the day with a discussion of proper archiving and backup of image files.
You will need a camera with appropriate media cards (SD or CF cards). It’s best to bring your own, or borrow a suitable camera for the workshop. A tripod is required for this type of photography. Again, bring your own, borrow one, or let us know if you need to use one of our tripods.
We will help you determine proper camera setting for your camera, but the manual would be very helpful. Go online and download your camera manual if you do not have the printed copy.
Do not purchase equipment prior to the workshop since the workshop will include discussions of equipment considerations. Used equipment is often a good choice.
We will provide printed handouts and a drive with digital documents. Bring a laptop if you have one and like to use it during workshops.
This workshop has been specifically designed for artists who wish to achieve high-quality results photographing their artwork. These methods cannot be used with mobile phones or overly simple point-and-shoot cameras.
You can successfully use these methods with most digital cameras that allow manual controls, and a tripod. Please email or call Scott — he’ll be happy to discuss camera needs and answer any questions you may have.
- Camera & Manual
- Charged Battery
- Memory Cards (camera media cards — SD or Compact Flash — for your specific camera
- A notepad and pen
- A USB thumb drive (2 gb or larger)
- Tripod
You will have the opportunity to photograph 3-4 art pieces during the workshop, possibly a few more. We will provide subjects to photograph. However, you may wish to bring some of your own work. Be sure to carefully pack and protect your artwork during transport.
Your artwork is valuable — please treat it carefully! If you bring your own artwork to the workshop, please package it carefully and transport it with care. Avoid placing wrapping materials on the face of flat art – paper and bubble wrap often adhere to the surface of artwork. Wrap 3D work carefully.
1996 Eastman Avenue
Suite 111
Ventura, CA 93003
We will provide bottled water, iced tea, coffee and snacks throughout the workshop. You may bring your own lunch for each day, or you may purchase lunch. A menu will be available at the beginning of the workshop and we will pick up everyone’s order in time for lunch.
Because class size is limited, every registration counts. While we hope you do not cancel, things happen to make it unavoidable. Our policy is:
- Cancellations before 2 weeks prior to the workshop start date — full refund
- Cancellations 13 to 7 days prior to the workshop start date — 50% refund
- No refunds less than 7 days prior to the workshop start date
- Regardless of cancellation date, if someone on the wait list chooses to take your place, then a full refund will be given