The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the August 3, 2019 Workshop at George Washington’s Headquarters

 

The inaugural workshop at Morristown National Historical Park.  Photo by Rita.

It was exciting to bring my phonegraphy workshop from Connecticut to New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park — the site of the Ford Mansion, which served as George Washington’s headquarters from 1779-1780.  This was the first time the workshop was offered at the park and the 20 attendee maximum was filled quickly with an additional 10 on the waiting list.  As a result, a second workshop was added for October 5.

Photo by Mike

The spacious auditorium at the park’s museum provided a large sharp projection of my examples from the masters of photography, film, and painting.  Thunderstorms threatened to drench us during our walk from the museum to Washington’s headquarters.  But the weather does not heed the predictions of our apps and we were pleasantly greeted with a bright sunny day.

The park agreed to my request that we have the mansion exclusively to ourselves for the hour without having to compete with the guided tour groups.  For most of the attendees, it was their first time at the park.  Many said they were planning to return to explore the museum, Ford Mansion, and grounds at their leisure.  In addition to giving away a copy of The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion authored by Jude M. Pfister, I also gave away a print from my photographic collection of the Ford Mansion that was commissioned by the National Park Service, and a Xenvo Pro smartphone lens kit.

It was pleasing to find out that the majority of the workshop attendees came from New Jersey camera clubs and photography clubs that promoted my event.  They were eager to expand their learning beyond the scope of my class.  Indeed, several went online to purchase  my booklet, The Art of Phoneography:  Book One, for step-by-step instructions on the techniques of artistic cropping, dodging and burning, and artistic black and white photo conversion.

I’ll be speaking with park officials toward the end of the year about scheduling more of these workshops for 2020.  Until then, these are some sample images submitted by several attendees.

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Carol

Inside Washington’s headquarters.  Photo by Linda.

David

David

Judi

Delirious.  Photo by Linda.

Judi

No, he’s not part of the museum display.

Linda

Linda

The second floor at Washington’s headquarters.  Photo by David.

Photo by Mike

Photo by Mike

Photographing a replica of a portable folding camp bed.

Tom

Tom

In the servant’s quarters.  Photo by Carol.

 

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Xiomaro Presents Free Smartphone Photography Workshop at Morristown National Historical Park

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Morristown National Historical Park is offering a free smartphone photography workshop, The Art of Phoneography, on Saturday, August 3, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Registration is required by calling Jude Pfister at (973) 539-2016 x204.  The workshop – taught by Xiomaro, a nationally-exhibited photographer and published author – includes an exclusive photo-tour of the Ford Mansion, which served as George Washington’s headquarters.

Xiomaro

“Smartphones have millions of times more memory than the mere 66 kilobytes on the Lunar Module, which landed people on the moon,” explains Xiomaro.  “The cameras have gotten so easy to use that almost 100 million photos are posted to Instagram alone – every day.”  But ease of use alone does not make for a good photograph.  “The secret to better photographs is not in the camera.  It’s in applying the principles of seeing used by artists for centuries,” noted Xiomaro.  For that reason, point-and-shoot cameras and professional DSLRs are also welcome to the workshop.

Smartphone Photograph by Xiomaro

Xiomaro explained that seeing and creating a photograph is different than looking and taking a snapshot as many people do.  His workshop will introduce five key artistic principles demonstrated with slides of photographs and paintings.  He and the group will walk the park grounds and George Washington’s headquarters to create unique images using workshop techniques.

Smartphone Photograph by Xiomaro

Xiomaro’s aim is to make photography accessible to more people by minimizing the technical know-how that is often a barrier.  “I’ve seen expensive DSLRs set on automatic because their complexity is overwhelming.”  He believes that, through the workshop, some will become better prepared to one day handle f-stops, ISOs, and other technical settings of a dedicated camera.

Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) is an internationally recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, Star Ledger, and News 12.  His work has been exhibited at Harvard University, Fraunces Tavern Museum, as well as galleries, and public spaces.

For Xiomaro, Morristown National Historical Park is an ideal place for such a workshop, which is the first of its kind at the park.  He was commissioned to create an artistic photographic collection of the Ford Mansion and selections are being published as a booklet by the park.  He is also the author of Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing) with a foreword written by Senator Joe Lieberman.  The historic site is in Connecticut and features his photography, which Xiomaro explains was created using the same principles he teaches at the workshop.

The Art of Phoneography workshop will be held at Morristown National Historical Park, 30 Washington Place, Morristown, New Jersey  07960 on Saturday, August 3, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The workshop is free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required by calling Jude Pfister at (973) 539-2016 x204.  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 are suggested along with some snacks.  For more information visit http://www.xiomaro.com.

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The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the July 6, 2019 Workshop at Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton, CT

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Photo by Farrol

I was surprised anyone showed up. The forecast called for thunderstorms that morning. It was overcast and the humidity seemed thick enough to cut with a knife.

But we had a full house nonetheless. The attendees at this workshop were a dedicated group. In fact, several had attended before and were back as a refresher – and to learn more since no two workshops are ever exactly the same.

Indeed, I changed up the photowalk a bit. It was so hot, that some of the attendees took me up on my suggestion to photograph in the woods where the shade of the trees brought the temperature down a bit.

Others followed me so that I can show them a photo-worthy spot that I’m sure many visitors don’t even notice. The area is a bit off the beaten path where the grass is tall. But if you look hard, nestled within, are the remnants of an old wagon. The wheels and rusted parts are featured in my book about Weir Farm.

Wagon Wheel from page 32 of Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing) by Xiomaro, Foreword by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman

Miraculously, despite the threatening-looking skies and occasional rumblings of thunder, we did not get rained on.  We returned to the barn for Q&A, prize giveaways, and to wrap up for the day.  But then, suddenly, just as we were ready to leave for our cars, the torrential downpour finally came.  So we spent another 30 minutes chatting in the cozy barn while enjoying the sounds and smells of the rainfall.

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Bonnie

Bonnie

Bonnie

Chuck

Chuck

Chuck

Doing my best Pavarotti impersonation.  Photo by Linda.

Doris

Doris

Doris

Farrol

Farrol

Farrol

Janet

Janet

Janet

Linda

Linda

Linda

Linsey

Linsey

Linsey

TM

TM

Me and some of the attendees.  Photo by Farrol.

 

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Women’s Rights National Historical Park Memorializes a Founding Father’s Slaves

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Women’s Rights National Historical Park presents the solo exhibition The Other Side – Charles, Caesar, Harry, Sam, Pompey, Lon, and Isaac, a series of photographs by New York artist Xiomáro.  The 12 large prints will be on view from July 1 to August 31, 2019 at the Visitor Center’s gallery on the second floor.

The Other Side is the first artistic photographic collection to examine the slave cemetery at the William Floyd Estate in New York.  The estate is part of the National Park Service, which commissioned Xiomaro to create the images.  William Floyd (1734-1821), is a founding father and general who served under George Washington.  Floyd represented New York in the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where he set his signature to the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

The photographs on exhibition show the undated wooden crosses of the little-known slave cemetery on Floyd’s estate.  The crosses bear generic slave names and are set apart on the other side of a fence from the elaborate individualized stones of the Floyd family cemetery.  The exhibition is intended by the artist to serve as spiritual memorials to the laborers—both enslaved persons and paid servants of color—who worked on Floyd’s plantation.  The photographs have a wistful, dreamy quality that evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection.

In addition, the crosses, put in place sometime in the 1870s, represent in part the Floyd family’s evolution from slave ownership to active military service in the Union army during the American Civil War.  The photographs were first exhibited at African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City.

Xiomaro (SEE-oh-MAH-ro) is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography of the National Parks has been covered by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and CBS Eyewitness News.  His work has been widely exhibited at venues such as Harvard University and New York City’s Fraunces Tavern Museum.  He is the author of Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing)—with a foreword by Senator Joe Lieberman—that tells the story of Julian Alden Weir, a leading innovator of American Impressionist painting whose farm will be commemorated on the US quarter in 2020.

The gallery at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on the second floor of 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, New York 13148, and the exhibition runs from July 1 to August 31, 2019.  For visiting hours call (315) 568-0024.  A free print and limited edition exhibit ebook can be downloaded at www.xiomaro.com.

 

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Photographs Illustrating New Book About Weir Farm on Exhibit at Mark Twain Library

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To celebrate the new book, Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing), a select number of the photographs showcasing the park are on view now until July 31, 2019 at the Mark Twain Library in Redding.

The photographs were created by the book’s author, Xiomaro, who is the Visiting Artist at Weir Farm and an alumnus of its Artist-in-Residence program.  The book tells the story of Julian Alden Weir (1852–1919), a leading innovator of American Impressionist painting, and chronicles his farm’s rescue from residential development to its establishment as a park.  The farm’s landscape inspired countless masterpieces created by Weir, his famous painter-friends, two subsequent generations of artist-owners, and contemporary artists who continue to create at the park.  The book’s historical narrative unfolds with well over 100 photographs, most of which were created by Xiomaro under commissions from the National Park Service.

The foreword was written by Senator Joe Lieberman who introduced legislation in 1990 to establish Weir Farm, located in Wilton and Ridgefield, as Connecticut’s first national park.  Weir Farm is also the only one in the nation dedicated to painting.  In 2020, the park will be depicted as part of the US Mint’s America the Beautiful series.  The Mint’s website says the series “captures the breathtaking beauty of America’s natural landscapes that have inspired countless poets, adventurers, and artists.  Today, these hallowed sites are… enshrined” through the quarters designed by the Mint.

The large photographic prints, measuring 17″ x 25,” offer immersive and detailed views of Weir’s studio, his brushes, his home, and the landscape.  The photographs have been widely circulated throughout Connecticut at venues such as the Capitol building in Hartford, the Bridgeport office of Congressman Jim Himes, and the Stamford Mayor’s office.

Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) 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, museums, galleries, and public spaces.

The book was released internationally by Arcadia Publishing as part of its Images of Modern America series, which the company website describes as uncovering “amazing aspects of American history that are all too often overlooked by standard texts” and “filled with expertly penned content and stunning full-color images.”  Arcadia, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is the leading publisher of local and regional books in the United States with a library of more than 14,000 titles.

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.

The Mark Twain Library is located at 439 Redding Road, Redding, CT 06896 and the exhibition runs until July 31, 2019.  For more information and a free Weir Farm print, visit www.xiomaro.com.

 

 

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The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the May 26, 2019 Workshop at Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton, CT

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Photo by Mike

I began these workshops at Weir Farm last year and they very well received.  Beginner’s luck?  This time around, I did not do any media promotions.  So I was pleased that the workshop filled faster than ever.  Again, there were attendees that traveled a long way.

One of the things that I found particularly gratifying was the level of development, especially among those who had attended before.  I could definitely see a more artistic approach to their smartphone photography.  The images had interesting perspectives and their compositions were clearly based on one or more of the artistic principles I teach in the workshop.  It was evident that some thought and care was employed in creating their vision.  Attendees felt confident about experimenting and taking chances.  Indeed, they were no longer taking snapshots.  These were making photographs.

Although I am not permitted to sell at a National Park Service event, there was keen interest in my book Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing) as well as in my smaller books.  The Art of Phoneography:  Book One was a popular purchase at my Mark Twain Library workshop.  In it, I explain how to apply the techniques of dodging and burning, creative cropping and conversion to an artistic black and white finish using any iPhone or Android smartphone.  The booklet is available here.  Attendees also liked the idea of a private street photography workshop in New York City.  Plans are underway and I will announce that workshop as soon as it is ready.

In the meantime, give these photographs a studied look.  Please click “Like,” post a comment or question, and share the link to this blog on social media — you’ll see these option at the bottom of this post.  Also please stay in touch with me.  You can subscribe to this blog at the Sign Me Up link.
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Photo by Anna

Photo by Anna

Photo by Barbara

Photo by Barbara

Photo by Nancy

Photo by Bonnie

Photo by Bonnie

Photo by Denise

Photo by Denise

Photo by Linda

Photo by Linda

Photo by Anna

Photo by Lisa

Photo by Lisa

Photo by Mike

Photo by Mike

Photo by Nancy

Photo by Nancy

Photo by Anna

Photo by Rita

Photo by Rita

Photo by Anna

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The Art of Phoneography | Photos from the March 16, 2019 Workshop at the Mark Twain Library, Redding, CT

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The original library entrance.

It was a thrill for me to conduct the workshop at the Mark Twain Library in Redding, Connecticut, and in the very room where the original library was housed.  In addition to Mark Twain, the community is also where famed photographers Edward Steichen and Paul Caponigro lived as well as other artists of renown.  As was the case last year at Weir Farm National Historic Site, the workshop filled very quickly and a waiting list was created.  To accommodate the demand, we decided to admit five additional participants and the waiting list was closed.

The library, which was expanded some years ago, has a beautiful cozy interior and  interesting exterior architectural features.  There are sculptures on the grounds as well as a wooded trail by a creek and a waterfall across the street.

Attendees with cards announcing the release of my book Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing).  I just wanted my publisher to know that we’re all helping to promote!

As always, I’m impressed by the level of dedication from the photographers in attendance.  At least one drove over an hour within Connecticut while another was in town from Vermont.  Another returned for a refresher after having taken my workshop at Weir Farm last year.

The audience for this workshop was definitely among my most enthusiastic and engaged.  There was a lot of laughter and camaraderie.  They were a knowledgeable group with several coming from the New England Camera Club Council and bringing dSLRs.  In fact, my lips were literally chapped from responding to the many good questions that were asked — what a nice “problem” to have.

An attendee won this flexible tripod – the SquidGrip – made by Xenvo.

There was a lot of interest in the Xenvo smartphone accessories that I brought along.  These were provided to me by the manufacturer, which I have been using for the past year with much success.  The accessories include the combination wide angle/macro lens, the SquidGrip flexible tripod and the Shutterbug wireless remote shutter.  The lens and tripod were passed around to see and try out during the photo walk.

One of my framed and matted smartphone photos, printed on Red River Paper, that was exhibited.

Everyone received sample photo papers from Red River.

Red River Paper provided me with samples that I distributed to the attendees for printing their workshop photos.  I exhibited several of my smartphone photos — framed, matted and printed 17×25″ and 11×14″ — to demonstrate the excellent results one can achieve when using quality papers.  I have been using their papers for many years for my museum exhibits, photo ceramics and print sales.

Although my book, Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing), will not be out until June 3, my smaller books were available.  Many took advantage of the 25% discount I offered for The Art of Phoneography:  Book One, which explains how to apply the techniques of dodging and burning, creative cropping and conversion to an artistic black and white finish using any iPhone or Android smartphone.  The booklet is available here.

I am grateful for everyone at the Mark Twain Library for hosting this successful event.  In particular, I appreciate Victoria Winslow who attended the workshop at Weir Farm and invited me to bring it to the library.  My thanks also goes to the media, particularly Richard Pheneger and Peggy Nelson for interviewing me on their State of the Arts program on WPKN 89.5 FM; and for Gwen Edwards at News 12, Janet Serra at Western Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau and Jean Hebert at the Connecticut Office of Tourism for announcements and articles.

Even with my hat, jacket and scarf on, I could barely coax the “paparrazi” out for the photowalk.  Photo by Rita.

Most of all I thank the attendees who were a very fun and creative group.  Take a look at some of the interesting photographs they created during the photowalk, which actually began with…me.  They took the five artistic principles I taught to heart and I became a canvas for the abstractions projected on me by my PowerPoint.  Once outside, we had a great time taking photos, getting questions answered and discussing more techniques and tips.

A wooded stream is behind us as we engage in some informal Q&A.  Photo by Rita.

So check out these creative images ordered alphabetically.  And consider this piece of advice from the great photographer Minor White, which I will paraphrase:  one should spend at least 20 minutes looking at a photograph.

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Photo by Eva Gryk.

Photo by Eva Gryk.

Photo by Eva Gryk.

Eva Gryk and Xiomaro.

Photo by Jennifer.

Photo by Jennifer.

Photo by Farrol Lauermann.

My famous disappearing  hand trick.  Photo by Farrol Lauermann.

Photo by Farrol Lauermann.

Demonstrating my favorite dance move.  Photo by Farrol Lauermann.

Photo by Marie-Christine.

Photo by Marie-Christine.

Photo by Marie-Christine.

Photo by Marie-Christine.

Photo by Anna Mastrolillo.

Photo by Anna Mastrolillo.

Photo by Anna Mastrolillo.

Anna Mastrolillo and Xiomaro.

Photo by Lisa Morett.

Photo by Lisa Morett.

Photo by Lisa Morett.

Xiomaro.  Photo by by Lisa Morett.

Photo by Darcey O’D.

Photo by Darcey O’D.

Photo by Darcey O’D.

Xiomaro.  Photo by Darcey O’D.

Photo by Linda Ruder.

Photo by Linda Ruder.

Photo by Linda Ruder.

Xiomaro.  Photo by Linda Ruder.

Photo by Karen Weissman.

Photo by Karen Weissman.

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