Newsletter #181: June, 2020
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
Hi everyone,
Two events happened this month which brought about new ideas.
First, I had several 2-day workshops planned which were about to be cancelled by COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, I decided to offer them to small groups of 5 -7 participants where social-distancing could easily be respected.
Second, I went on a photo shoot to a new location with my friend Dennis Ducklow.
Combined, these two experiences took me to a new place; philosophically and photographically.
Yahooo! This is the 16th year of writing this photographic Newsletter without missing a month! Hard to believe!
Workshops and COVID-19
Photographing the marsh
The thought of not teaching a single workshop in 2020 felt very empty to me. When discussing with Rita the possibility of cancelling my 2-day workshops, we came up with the idea of offering them to small groups. The idea would double my workload but the results, we thought, might be richly rewarding. From both the teaching and learning perspective, classroom illustrations, in-the-field demonstrations, and the discussion of creative ideas would all be handsomely enhanced.
We were right! I have just completed two small-sized workshops, and the results were overwhelmingly successful from both perspectives. With the more personalized attention leading to a marked improvement in creative expression, I am going to continue teaching within this format.
“Your 2-day workshop presentation was well beyond my expectations. Going in, I had no idea just what a profound effect your workshop would have on my outlook on photography. You threw the door wide open and gave us an understanding of the endless possibilities that lie within our grasp…….the way you critiqued our images was an encouraging and informative experience. Attending your workshop was a privilege”. – S.J. Bridge Lake Photo Group- 2020
With a growing wait-list, I am offering two more 2-day “Freedom of Expression” workshops for 6 participants only. The workshop description and registration is on this website.
If you enjoy art, and the possibility of interpreting familiar realities into never-before-seen expressions, using ‘in-camera’ techniques, we invite you to join us.
Below are a few images made where we photograph on these workshops.
The Marsh
Back Valley Road, near our home
On our property
On our property (made in the afternoon)
On our property
On our property
On our property
Centennial Park
Bridge Creek
The ‘Why’, ‘What’, and ‘How’ of Expressing Silver Creek
Early last week, my friend and fellow workshop instructor, Dennis Ducklow, drawing on a distant memory, took me to a place of his youth. After a two-hour drive, we entered a deep rainforest valley near Hope, BC.
A magnificent forest greets us as we enter the valley
A short trail takes us to a small quiet lake
Living on a grassland plateau as I do, I was overwhelmed with the energy of a deep forest and rushing water. We stopped beside Silver Creek. With camera in hand, I went to its bank where I could witness the turbulence in play. Photographing excitedly for 90 minutes, I never moved more than 2-meters.
Silver Creek. The images below were all made while standing on the right-hand bank.
Back home, Rita asked me where and what I had photographed, and if I had had a good time. Within that second before answering, I had to figure out WHY I was so excited to be there and WHY it resonated so powerfully with me. The memory of the lush rainforest, mist and spray rising from a powerful fast-moving river, large boulders which radiated gold and green hues as water poured over them, the noise of rapids, and the overall power of nature, flashed through my mind.
I also had to decide WHAT to say, to communicate all those feelings.
Only when I had the answers to those two questions, did I know HOW to answer Rita. Which words (the elements of verbal expression) in my vocabulary, and how can I juxtapose them to express those feelings?
Because we answer these types of questions so many times in our lives, we know the Why’s, What’s, and How’s in seconds.
Likewise, in photography, we know WHY we resonate with our subject, and WHAT we wish to communicate about that feeling, when we decide HOW to make our images.
The following images all began with a resonance between myself and the surrounds of Silver Creek. They are all expressions which speak to the questions; Why, What, and How.
An expression of Silver Creek, I
An expression of Silver Creek, II
An expression of Silver Creek, III
An expression of Silver Creek, IV
An expression of Silver Creek, V
An expression of Silver Creek, VI
An expression of Silver Creek, VII
An expression of Silver Creek, VIII
An expression of Silver Creek, IX
Driving Home
Whenever I drive home from Hope, BC, I always endeavor to capture an image or two to remind myself of the magnificence and significance of this journey. Rich in history, the route climbs up through the mountainous Lower Fraser River and Lower Thompson River Canyons, before finally leveling out on the Cariboo grassland plateau. Its beauty is outstanding to any tourist, but often taken for granted by those who travel it often.
Here are two images from last week’s journey home.
Pine trees in a previously burned forest along the Thompson River
Reaching the Cariboo plateau often offers big skies and dramatic light. Approaching Cache Creek.
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See you next month!
Nice work Chris, and very glad to hear you were able to have a workshop. Great to see your Silver Creek/Hope compositions, a new area to explore and nice work from that outing!
It was stimulating to explore a new area with Dennis…thanks Chris
Great to share the Silver Creek experience with you! Your pictures make we want to go back there and photograph all over again!
I’m ready for another outing Dennis! Let’s go! Fun times Dennis!
All of these so beautiful, Chris! Larry said that you paint with your eyes…
A big ‘hi’ to you both. Great to hear from you. Thanks!
Chris-once again-just love your work-you have the best photos-many do not see the beauty you see. Thanx for sharing! Cheers Helen MacIsaac!
Thanks kindly Helen. Chris
Love your work here Chris.
Appreciated Phil!
I am always inspired by your pictures and comments, Chris. Seems long ago that Liz and I came up to your corner of BC to shoot with you, Dennis and other enthusiasts, but that remains a highlight of my photo journey. Looking forward to doing much more with this wonderful method of expression.
I remember you both and the images you made here! Hopefully we meet again. Have fun with your expressions. Chris
Always enjoy your work Chis, thank you for sharing
Thanks John.
Delightful work Chris. V5 at Silver Creek, my favorite!
Mine too!!! Thanks Lynda
Love this Chris! Thanks! Thanks!
Hi Martyn! How amazing to hear from you! I’ll write you soon. Love!
As always a delight to see your work..very enjoyable.
Likewise…a delight to share!
Hi Chris, Glad to hear that you were able to adapt to the New World changes to continue offering your workshops. The river images are wonderful expressions of the vibration and sensations you were feeling from the vital flow of water. Thank you, Love and Light. Be Well.
Hi Adbhuta. I always appreciate your expressions of appreciation. I think of you often…lover of nature and all things spiritual. Chris
I love the creek work. Energy! I’m trying very hard NOT to be envious. Looking foreward to seeingyyou again in Montreal….someday!
I’m not sure about Montreal…but as you say…someday… I hope!
I’m intrigued by your “on our property” in-camera blends Chris! Are they all really in-camera? Amazing!
Absolutely all in-camera. Having a blast!
Another beautiful rendition of what you see. I am always amazed.
When the border gets opened up and the spread of the virus lessens I want to sign up for one of your 2 day workshops. Joan
Hope you are doing well Joan. As you know, you are always welcome here. Take care. Chris
Thanks Chris for so generously sharing your insight into the art at the recent Freedom of Expression workshop. And as always for sharing your images, thoughts and experiences in these monthly newsletters…I always look forward to their arrival.
Thanks Fred. It was wonderful to see you again and to share some creativity!