Free Photography Workshop at Mark Twain Library

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REDDING – A free four-hour smartphone photography workshop and photo walk is being offered at the Mark Twain Library in Redding on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The Art of Phoneography will be presented by Xiomaro, who is the Visiting Artist at Weir Farm National Historic Site.  Xiomaro, a nationally exhibited photographer and author, will provide tips and tools for creating dynamic, artistic photos with any smartphone.  Space is limited, so registration is required by calling the library at (203) 938-2545 or submitting an RSVP.

Point-and-shoot cameras and professional dSLRs are welcome, but the workshop is primarily designed to take advantage of the “best” camera – the smartphone that is always in one’s pocket.  “The secret to better photographs is not in the camera.  It’s in applying the principles used by artists like painter Julian Alden Weir and photographer Edward Steichen” noted Xiomaro.   Steichen (1879-1973) lived in Redding and is regarded as one of the most important photographers of the 20^th century.

Smartphone photo of a spider web | © 2019 Xiomaro.com

Xiomaro explained that seeing and creating a photograph is different than looking and taking a snapshot.  His workshop will present five key artistic principles demonstrated with slides of smartphone photographs, paintings and Steichen’s iconic images.  “We’ll immediately put what we learned into practice during our photo walk on the grounds.  We’ll have fun experimenting and trying out new things,” said Xiomaro.

Smartphone photo through a frosted car window | © 2019 Xiomaro.com

For Xiomaro, the Mark Twain Library is an ideal setting.  “The library’s slogan is ‘books are just the beginning’ –  and so is my workshop.”  His aim is to make photography accessible by minimizing the technical know-how that is often a barrier.  “I’ve seen big expensive cameras set on automatic because the hundreds of choices presented by the knobs, switches and software menus are overwhelming.  For many, the workshop can be the beginning to learning the technical complexities.”  The Mark Twain Library was founded in 1908 by the most popular American author of the time, Samuel Clemens – best known as Mark Twain – who lived in Redding for a while.

Smartphone photo of a horse’s eye. | © 2019 Xiomaro.com

Workshop attendees will have an opportunity to win several giveaways including a smartphone accessory by Xenvo Pro, which manufactures lenses, tripods, and remote shutters.  Attendees will also be invited to submit photos for publication on Xiomaro’s blog and a booklet he authored will be available for those interested in learning additional photo techniques.

Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) has worked with Weir Farm since 2011.  He is an internationally recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, and News 12.  His work has been exhibited at Harvard University and throughout Connecticut at the state Capitol building in Hartford, the Mayor’s Gallery in Stamford, and Congressman Jim Himes’ Bridgeport and Stamford offices.  This June, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xiomaro’s history/photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, with the foreword written by Senator Joe Lieberman.

The Art of Phoneography workshop takes place on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road, Redding, CT 06896.  The workshop is free of charge but space is limited.  Registration is required by calling (203) 938-2545 or submitting an RSVP.  Participants need only bring their fully charged smartphone (any brand is fine) or camera with plenty of available storage space for the new photos that will be created.  A portable USB phone charger or spare battery is helpful.  Comfortable walking shoes or boots are suggested along with some snacks.  For more information, visit www.xiomaro.com or www.marktwainlibrary.org.

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The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the October 7, 2018 Workshop

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A tripod as fashion accessory.  Photo by Luis.

The last workshop of the season could not have been on a finer autumn day.  The cool morning mist and overcast sky imparted an extra burst of color to the leaves and lichen.

As with the prior classes, The Art of Phoneography — a free workshop I designed and Weir Farm’s first one ever on photography — had full attendance with participants driving well over an hour from New York City and northern Connecticut.

New material was presented including specifics on setting focus, exposure, and hidden tricks buried within smartphone menus.

Based on the interest I sensed after showing some of my images from Times Square, I asked whether attendees would be interested in a private follow-up workshop on street photography in New York City or Brooklyn.  I was hardly finished asking when I heard a resounding “yes!”  I will be sure to let everyone know if and when such a workshop becomes available.

Demonstrating focus points and depth of field.  Photo by Silvio.

Until then, please enjoy these photos taken at beautiful Weir Farm.  Encourage each other by posting a comment or clicking “Like.”  Be sure to post the link to the blog on your social media accounts with my hashtag — #xiomaro — so that your photos can be searched and found by attendees from my prior workshops.  If you’re not on social media, then consider sending the link to your friends via email.

In the meantime, I look forward to staying in touch with you all.  I hope to see you again with your friends at next year’s workshops.

Alice

Alice

Alice

Alice

Leading the group on the Photo Walk.  Photo by Alice.

Bonnie

Bonnie

Bonnie

Bonnie

Bonnie

Bonnie

Bonnie

“We’re here!”  There’s so much to photograph that it’s easy to get separated.  Photo by Cecilia.

Cindy

Cindy

Cindy

Cindy

Cindy

Explaining why even a small tripod can be very useful.  Photo by Heather.

Heather

Heather

Heather

Heather

Heather

Extolling the beauty of the Burlingham House and Potting Shed in front of me.  Photo by Janice.

Janice

Janice

Janice

Janice

Janice

Janice

Janice

Janice

Demonstrating how to adjust exposure.  Photo by Silvio.

The U-shaped barn behind me is a rare sight in New England.  Photo by Linda.

Linda

Weir painted many of his famous masterpieces in this studio.  Photo by Linda.

Luis

Luis

Luis

Luis

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The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the September 23, 2018 Workshop

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I get very excited and energized when I teach.  Photo by Elsie.

The Art of Phoneography — a free workshop I designed and Weir Farm’s first one ever on photography — keeps getting better thanks to the positive feedback I receive from attendees.  An additional workshop is available for October 7 to meet the demand.  Interested participants should register with the park as soon as possible at (203) 834-1896 extension 28 as the class is sure to be a big draw — the Columbus Day weekend is when the autumn leaves are often at their peak of color.

The September workshop included new material such as HDR and slow exposures.  Black and white photography, photo selection, post processing, color calibration, and other new topics were also discussed.

It was an overcast day, which created a different kind of beauty to the landscape than the last two sun-filled workshops.  The light was cool and even.   So I was happy to see that two past attendees returned for a refresher.  They got to photograph these historic grounds in literally a whole new light.  The creative possibilities encouraged several others to remain in the park after the workshop to continue photographing.

Please take your time viewing and comparing these creative and interesting images.  Proudly promote your work and encourage your fellow attendees by posting a comment and/or clicking “Like.”

Better yet, share the link to this blog via email and social media.  Add my hashtag — #xiomaro — so that your photos can be searched and found by attendees from my prior workshops.

In the meantime, don’t just take a photograph.  Make one!

Bonnie

 

Bonnie

 

Bonnie

 

Bonnie

 

Bonnie

 

Bonnie

 

Elsie

 

Elsie

 

Elsie

 

Elsie

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Ann

 

Mary-Kay

 

Mary-Kay

 

Mary-Kay

 

Mary-Kay

 

Nancy

 

Nancy

 

Nancy

 

The park and I hope to offer a multi-day workshop next year.  Photo by Paula.

 

Paula

 

Paula

 

Paula

 

Paula

 

I love teaching in the cozy comfort of this historic barn.  Photo by Rich.

 

Rich

 

Rich

 

Rich

 

Rich

 

Rich

 

Rich

 

Attendees survey all the creative possibilities.  Photo by Victoria.

 

Victoria

 

Victoria

 

Victoria

 

Victoria

 

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Morristown and Morris Township Library Acquires Photographic Prints of George Washington’s Headquarters

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A portfolio of fine art photographic prints of George Washington’s Headquarters has been acquired by Morristown and Morris Township Library for their North Jersey History and Genealogy Center.  The photographs were selected from a collection that is on exhibit now until December 28, 2018 at the Morristown National Historical Park museum.  The National Park Service commissioned New York artist Xiomaro to create the collection.

Left to Right:  James Lewis (Head of the North Jersey History and Genealogy Center), Xiomaro (fine art photographer), Chad Leinaweaver (Director, Morristown and Morris Township Library)

The photographs artistically document the 12-room Georgian Revival Ford Mansion, which served as Washington’s headquarters during the winter of 1779 to 1780.   During their encampment, Washington, his wife Martha, Alexander Hamilton, and other dignitaries braved more than 20 snowstorms described by a soldier as “cold enough to cut a man in two.”

The photographs of the interiors are unique because “the domestic aspects are easily lost in the presence of Washington, but Xio has managed to capture the mansion’s essence as a home,” explains curator Jude M. Pfister, the Chief of Cultural Resources at Morristown National Historical Park.  The photographs were commissioned by the park for publication in an accessibility book to enable physically challenged visitors to “experience” Washington’s headquarters as done on a visitor tour.

The 15 photographic prints acquired by Morristown and Morris Township Library will be available to the public in its North Jersey History and Genealogy Center, a department within the library.  “We’re very happy to add Xio’s photographs of Washington’s headquarters and look forward to sharing them with everyone,” said James Lewis who heads the Center.  “The photos of Washington’s headquarters would help a local historian or a genealogist to give them an idea of what a house in the area would look like, although Ford’s house was one of the bigger ones in town.  It would provide them with some context of what it would have been like to live in colonial Morris County and in the early Federal period.”

Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by CBS Eyewitness News, Newsday, and The New York Times.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, a leading innovator of American Impressionist painting.

His photographs will be joining the many artistic works in the library’s collections such as those by Thomas Nast and Arthur Burdett Frost.  Nast was the preeminent political cartoonist of his time who lived in Morristown from 1872 to 1902.  The library’s collection includes his original sketches, drawings, paintings, engravings, and published prints.  A. B. Frost was an artist who lived in Convent Station and is probably best known today for his iconic illustration of Br’er Rabbit, which was reproduced in a 2001 postage stamp issued in his honor.  The library also has over 10,000 prints and glass plates by photographer Frederick Curtiss.

Xiomaro’s photographs can be seen at Morristown and Morris Township Library, 1 Miller Road, Morristown.  They are on exhibition now until December 28, 2018 at Morristown National Historical Park Museum, 30 Washington Place, Morristown.   A free photo eBook of the Ford Mansion photographs can be downloaded at www.xiomaro.com.

 

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The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the July 7, 2018 Workshop at Beautiful Weir Farm

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Me.  Photo by Pete.

The Art of Phoneography is a free workshop I designed and Weir Farm’s first one ever on photography.  Word spread quickly in the newspapers and on social media.

As a result, the classes filled quickly resulting in a waiting list.  Even the final workshop for September 23 is already nearing capacity.  So the park and I agreed to add another workshop for October 7, which is during the Columbus Day holiday weekend when the autumn foliage is pretty much at its peak.  Interested participants should register with the park as soon as possible at (203) 834-1896 extension 28.

As with the first workshop in June, the attendees of the July workshop mostly brought smartphone cameras with at least one point-and-shoot and one DSLR.  The majority of the smartphones were iPhones but Android phones were also represented.  Once again, at least one participant drove over an hour to attend and several of the Weir Farm park staff were also present to learn.

Me with Anna, one of the workshop attendees

I was so impressed with the group’s eagerness to learn that I asked for feedback on an idea — would a three-day intensive workshop be of interest?  Every hand, or nearly every hand, was quickly raised in approval.  Subject to budgeting and scheduling, the park and I will be exploring the possibility of offering such a program for next season.

Here, alphabetized by first name, are some of the images that were created during the photo walk.  Please like, comment and share to your social media accounts.  Not only will it showcase the work created that day, but it will also make more people aware of the beauty at Weir Farm.

I had asked everyone to send me one or two of their best photos.  But in many cases I received up to a half dozen!  I’m glad that the application of the workshop’s artistic and technical principles resulted in a productive day.  Plus, even though we only stayed within a small area of Weir Farm’s 60 acres, the park is very rich with interesting subject matter.

So, for those of you who have fewer than four photos posted here, you are welcome to email me additional images.

Anchi

 

Anchi

 

Anchi

 

Anchi

 

Anna

 

Anna

 

Anna

 

Barbara

 

Barbara

 

Barbara

 

Bonnie – A still life at Weir Farm

 

Bonnie

 

Bonnie – Reflections of a beautiful day

 

Bonnie – Stonehenge at Weir Farm

 

Carol

 

Carol

 

The barn is a cozy place to learn.  Photo by Pete.

 

Jan

 

Jan

 

Jean

 

Jean

 

Jean

 

Jean

 

Judy

 

Judy

 

Judy

 

Judy

 

“L L C M & S.”  If you attended the workshop, you’ll know what that means.  Photo by Anna.

 

Kathryn

 

Kathryn

 

Kathryn

 

Kathryn

 

Marilyn

 

Marilyn

 

Marilyn

 

Barbara studies her smartphone camera results.  Photo by Pete.

 

Martha

 

Martha

 

Martha

 

Martha

 

Pete

 

Pete

 

Pete

 

Pete

 

Rita

 

Rita

 

Rita

 

Rita

 

Xiomaro

 

Hope to see you at the next workshop.  Photo by Barbara.

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The Art of Phoneography: Photos from the June 16, 2018 Inaugural Workshop

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As announced here, The Art of Phoneography is a free workshop I designed and Weir Farm’s first one ever on photography.  I did not realize I would touch a nerve in the public with my idea about teaching how to see like an artist in order to take better smartphone photographs.  This first workshop filled quickly and a waiting list had to be established.  As of this writing, the July 7 workshop filled up some time ago and the last one on September 23 is nearing capacity.  Interested participants should register with the park as soon as possible at (203) 834-1896 extension 28.

So it was inspiring to work with the very first group, some of whom also brought their DSLRs.  At least one attendee drove over an hour to attend and several of the Weir Farm park staff were also present to learn.  I’m usually pretty outgoing when I teach, but the eagerness and friendliness of the group was particularly energizing.

The first Art of Phoneography workshop at Weir Farm National Historic Site, Saturday, June 16, 2018

The group generously gave input on additional workshops they would like to see offered so that they can continue to improve as photographers, all of which I am discussing with Weir Farm.  One thing I am investigating is an easy way where everyone can upload their photos to a common site that I can access from the laptop in the barn.  This way we can end the workshop with a pleasant time enjoying each other’s images.

Until then, I asked everyone to email me images for posting here on my blog.  Opening each email to see the attached photos was as exciting as ripping the gift wrap off a present.  It’s interesting to see how people experience Weir Farm and what attracts their eye.  Some of the photos are presented here, alphabetized by first name.

If you attended the workshop and would like to have your photos included, email your images to me and I am happy to add them here.  If for some reason you want me to remove your photo from this page, let me know.  I tried contacting everyone for permission, so please forgive me if I messed up.

Alex

 

Amanda L.

 

Amanda L.

 

Amanda L.

 

Amanda P.

 

Ben

 

Christina

 

Ellen

 

Estela

 

Estela

 

Estela

 

Helen

 

Kim

 

Kim

 

Martin

 

Martin

 

Martin

 

Martin

 

Mike

 

Mike

 

Mike

 

Mike

 

Pat

 

Suzi

 

Name not given

 

Name not given

 

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“The Diary of Theodosia Ford” – Photographs by Xiomaro at Women’s Rights National Historical Park

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SENECA FALLS | Ask the average person to name an important woman of the American Revolution and they might think of Betsy Ross, believed to have made the first American flag for George Washington.  A fine art photographic exhibit opening on July 1 at Women’s Rights National Historical Park seeks to introduce a new name into the public consciousness:  Theodosia Ford.

The park celebrates Independence Day with the debut solo exhibition The Diary of Theodosia Ford – Photographs by Xiomaro, on view until August 31.  The images, together with an imagined diary based on factual accounts, tell the dramatic story of a young widow’s unsung role in the colonial fight for freedom.  Theodosia and her four children crammed into two rooms from 1779-80 – during one of the worst winters of the century – and gave up control of her New Jersey home to George Washington and his entourage for use as his military base.

Xiomaro explains that the house was ideal because it was strategically located between Philadelphia and the British stronghold in New York City.  Conditions, however, were harsh.  The house was crowded with the General’s assistants, servants and slaves, his wife Martha, and towering personalities such as Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, Philip Schuyler, and Benedict Arnold.

Yet, Theodosia, persevered with the domestic upheaval, the deaths of several close family members (including her toddler), and the worst winter of the century with more than 20 brutal snowstorms.  Demoralized and weakened soldiers living in a nearby encampment suffered with starvation, nakedness – some only having a blanket – and the agonizing temperatures described by a soldier as “cold enough to cut a man in two.”

Other difficulties included the court-martialing of Benedict Arnold and the death of a Spanish Ambassador from fever.  There were some bright moments, however.  It was at Theodosia’s house that Alexander Hamilton met and fell in love with Elizabeth Schuyler, famously dramatized in the Broadway play Hamilton.

Theodosia never remarried, continued to run the farm, and her husband’s business operations.  She remained in the house until her death in 1824.  “She proved to be as independent as the country that became the United States,” notes Xiomaro.  “Like Washington, she was a resilient leader who fought many personal battles.”

The exhibition of 12 images are drawn from a collection of almost 100 photographs of the Ford mansion that Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) was commissioned to create for the National Park Service at New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park.  Each 17”x25” image is accompanied by a compelling narrative written by the artist.  “The events and dates are factual, but I presented Theodosia’s story as an imagined diary that dramatizes what her feelings might have been as she and her four children lived through this very difficult time in history,” explains Xiomaro.

Xiomaro is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker.  His work has been widely exhibited at Harvard University, museums, and galleries.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing his photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park is the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention on July 19-20, 1848.  The park’s gallery is located on the second floor of its Visitor Center at 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, New York 13148, and the free exhibition runs from July 1 to August 31, 2018.  Visiting hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week.  A free limited edition exhibit ebook of the photographs can be downloaded at www.xiomaro.com, which includes free entry into a giveaway of the book, The Fords of New Jersey by Jude M. Pfister (The History Press) and a 5”x7” print from the exhibit.

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