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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Women’s Rights National Historical Park Celebrates Independence Day with “The Diary of Theodosia Ford – Photographs by Xiomaro”

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Women’s Rights National Historical Park celebrates Independence Day with the debut solo exhibition The Diary of Theodosia Ford – Photographs by Xiomaro.  The 12 images tell the dramatic story of a young widow’s unsung role in the American Revolutionary War by giving up her family’s New Jersey home to George Washington for use as his headquarters during the worst winter of the century.  Admission is free and the photographs will be on view from July 1 to August 31, 2018 at the Visitor Center’s gallery on the second floor.

General Washington spent the winter of 1779-80 at the home of Theodosia Ford, who persevered through the deaths of several family members including her toddler.  Her 12-room Georgian Revival mansion became Washington’s headquarters as it was strategically located between Philadelphia and the British stronghold in New York City.  Conditions were harsh.  The house was crowded with the General’s assistants, servants and slaves, his wife Martha, and other historical personalities such as Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, Philip Schuyler, and Benedict Arnold.  It was also the worst winter of the century with more than 20 snowstorms, described by a soldier as “cold enough to cut a man in two.”

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.

The artist used only existing window light with a sparing use of a technique called “light painting” to create ethereal photographs with rich color, detail, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.  In addition to the framed images, two are presented as “photo ceramics.”  Xiomaro applied adhesives and finishes over photographic prints to fuse them onto black 12” ceramic tiles giving the images a luminous textured surface.

Xiomaro is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography 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.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing his photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

The gallery at 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, 2018.  For visiting hours call (315) 568-0024.  A free limited edition exhibit ebook of photographs can be downloaded at www.xiomaro.com, which includes free entry into a giveaway of a softcover book about the Ford Mansion and a 5”x7” print.

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Free Photography Workshop at Beautiful Weir Farm

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WILTON/RIDGEFIELD – Want to take better smartphone photos?  Weir Farm National Historic Site is offering a new workshop titled The Art of Phoneography, led by Visiting Artist Xiomáro three times this year. Xiomáro, a nationally-exhibited photographer, aims to provide tips and tools for participants to create dynamic, artistic photos using their smartphone.  Registration is required for the free workshops – held on June 16, July 7, and September 23 (all from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm) – by calling (203) 834-1896 ext. 28.  Due to the overwhelming popularity of the series, a fourth workshop has been added for October 7.

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 ready to capture a fleeting moment.  “The secret to better photographs is not in the camera.  It’s in applying the principles used by artists like Julian Alden Weir” noted Xiomáro.  “This is why Weir advised a young painter to throw away his brushes, go out in the country and paint with a stick.  In the workshop, we’ll go out on Weir Farm to observe nature at spots that inspired masterpieces.  And our phones will be our sticks.”

 

                    

Xiomáro 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 smartphone photographs and paintings.  He and the group will walk the park grounds with the challenge of rediscovering the beauty of light and color in the everyday world.

“Weir was big into experimentation.  So we’ll have fun trying out new things and viewing the images we produce,” said Xiomáro.  His 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 the knobs are overwhelming.  He believes that, through the workshop, some will learn enough to turn their sticks into brushes and be ready to handle f-stops, ISOs, and other technical settings of a dedicated camera.

                    

There is a close historical relationship between painting and photography with each influencing the other.  For Xiomáro, Weir Farm is the ideal place for such a workshop, the first of its kind at the park.  Art has been continuously created there for the past 137 years.  The unique landscape has inspired three generations – Julian Alden Weir, Mahonri and Dorothy Young, Sperry and Doris Andrews – as well as the park’s Artists-in-Residence and visitors of all ages.

Xiomáro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) began as Weir Farm’s Artist-in-Residence in 2011 and, starting in 2012, continued his relationship with the park as its sole Visiting Artist.  Since then, he has become 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, the Mayor’s Gallery in Stamford, and Congressman Jim Himes’ Bridgeport and Stamford offices.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site.

The Art of Phoneography workshop is free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required.  To register or for more information, call Weir Farm at (203) 834-1896 ext. 28.  Workshop dates are June 16, July 7, and September 23 (all from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm) at Weir Farm, 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897.  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.

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