Water will be the dominant element, as well as recurring backdrop, in this small group figurative workshop. We are made mostly of water. Our planet is mostly water. How may we use this connection to deepen this communion? In what ways can water serve as a metaphorical element in our photos?

This is an opportunity to work on figurative images in a smaller group setting, in various river, creek and pond settings as well as in other natural environments. Learn to work collaboratively with models (all ‘real people’- artists and friends rather than ‘professional’ models) to put intimacy and genuine emotional connection in your photography.

Go past the easy route of putting ‘pretty’ people in ‘pretty’ locations leading to pretty but boring photos. Instead, with Doug and Jenna’s help,  we work towards making photos that delve deeper into the human psyche and spirit.

We start our workshop Wednesday night with a get together to share previously-made photos and get to get to know each other better. Thursday morning we get to work making photos with our models.

This workshop is help in collaboration with Jenna Erickson, founder and owner of Open Air Places, and artist, painter & photographer who specializes in self-portraits in the natural environment.

WORKSHOP LOCATIONS: (all owned and operated by Doug)

• Samsara Ridge, 8 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI and just over a one hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. Samsara Ridge is 44 acres of hills, forests, and fields with a deep swimming hole in the shallow, rocky, spring-fed Wolf Creek. There is also a pond, with one side forested and the other side open. It has a dock and a raft, with canoes and kayaks. There are forests and fields and a high ridge on top looking out over the St Croix River Valley into Minnesota. It is also very close to the St Croix River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River. Visit web site.

• Trade River Retreat, 20 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI. A heavily wooded, very private property set along the banks of the Trade River; a small, protected, sand bottom river with a swift current. Its pristine water, firm sand bottom and shallow depth (allowing you to easily work in the water alongside your subjects without risking getting your gear wet) make it an ideal place for making photos in the water. Visit web site.

WORKSHOP PRICING & REGISTRATION:

Cost: $1,200 plus $250 model fee:Total $1,450(does not include lodging)
Some scholarships or work trade available- please inquire.

Register: call Jenna at ‭(715) 577-6857‬ or email her at jenna@openairplaces.com

Class Limit: Limited to only 8 Students!

DATES:
Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20
• Starts Wednesday evening September 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Thursday September 17 – Saturday September 19, 8:30 am ­– 6:00 pm
• Sunday, September 20, 8:30 am ­– noon

MEALS:
Wednesday evening: hors d’oeuvres provided
Thursday – Sunday: light breakfast provided, lunchtime sandwich bar provided, dinner is on your own
Saturday night: campfire cookout dinner!

Lodging Options:
Doug has one area Airbnb cabin that can be reserved for lodging. The property will be used for exterior locations. Doug is holding these dates so others can’t book them. Call or email Jenna@openairplaces for more info or to reserve lodging.
   – Luxury Eco Tiny House at Samsara Ridge, North of St Croix Falls, WI (sorry a participant has already booked this option)

Lodging also at:
  – Holiday Inn Express, on Hwy 8 in St Croix Falls (Our first choice recommendation for lodging!)
– Dalles House Hotel & Suites, just off Hwy 8 in St Croix Falls (less expensive than Holiday Inn)
  – Also several nearby Airbnb locations
  – Commuting from the Twin Cities also possible (but not recommended as staying away from home will create a more retreat-like experience)