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

www.xiomaro.com | Contact

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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