Beyond the Postcard: Creating Compelling Nature Photographs

Most people are able to generate a pretty picture when standing in front of a beautiful scene. In order to elevate our photography to go beyond the postcard it is important to create images that offer a unique perspective, draw attention to what may not be immediately obvious and, in short, create magic from mundane. Creating impactful photos involves deliberate artistic choices that draw the viewer’s eye and establish a strong emotional connection to the image.

This Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society (CVPS) in-person workshop with professional photographer Sapna Reddy will focus on how to select and arrange visual elements, how to shape light through the image and ultimately carve out a powerful visual story.

Concepts that will be addressed both in field and in post processing:

1. Composition
a) Identifying visual elements and arrangement of focal points

b) Avoiding distractions and finding balance

2. Shaping light through the image
a) Observing nuances of light and creating visual flow using light

b) Adding or subtracting light in post processing

3. Conveying depth
a) How do we create a 3d feeling in a 2d image?

b) How to invite the viewer to step into the image.

4. Understanding color harmony

a) The color wheel and influencing mood with use of color.

b) How to avoid distractions produced by color

5. Understanding and using visual tension

a) What is visual tension?

b) How to apply this to create a compelling photograph.

6. Conveying metaphorical meaning

a) A photo can be a visual poem that requires introspection

b) How to create metaphorical images and abstracts.

Additional Details

Participants must be comfortable using their camera equipment and tripod and downloading their images to their laptop for software processing.

The workshop begins Friday evening, Oct. 25 at 6:30pm, then meets all day Oct. 26 and concludes in the afternoon on Oct. 27. Workshop includes field shoots and classroom sessions. Additional information will be sent to participants.

Workshop Fee and Registration

$425 - CVPS member early bird before June 5, 2024

$450 - CVPS member after June 5, 2024

Fee does not include lodging, meals, or transportation.

Not a CVPS member? Join today: https://www.conservancyforcvnp.org/join/cuyahoga-valley-photographic-society/

CVPS Workshop Cancellations and Refund Policy:

We rely on your attendance to make important arrangements, so if for any reason you need to withdraw, refunds will be made according to the following guidelines:

- Cancellations received 75 or more days prior to the workshop will receive a refund of the paid fee minus a $100 cancellation fee.

- Cancellations received 74 or fewer days prior to the event will not receive a refund unless you or CVPS find someone to fill your spot. In that case, you will receive a refund of the paid fee minus a $100 cancellation fee.

- In the event a workshop is cancelled by CVPS, all monies will be refunded. Every effort is made not to cancel an event, but we reserve the right to do so and we are not responsible for any losses you may incur due to a cancellation.

Instructor
Based in Northern California, Sapna Reddy is currently pursuing dual careers as a landscape photographer and a physician. Her work has been awarded in competitions run by National Geographic, USA landscape photographer of the year, Lonely Planet, Popular Photography and Outdoor Photographer amongst others. She has been published internationally and featured on Adobe, Sony, Lonely Planet and Flickr platforms.

Sapna conducts workshops both within US as well as internationally. These workshops are focused on identifying and fine tuning individual creative style and creating meaningful images. To learn more, please visit www.sapnareddy.com