After exhausting efforts to finally solve the mystery as to why Chicago is nicknamed ‘The Windy City’, I now bring you absolutely no conclusion…as of yet.

Why you ask? Does anyone besides me really care? Why did I waste so much of my time searching for the answer?

Well, my fellow photographers the reason is because Chicago is the site of my next workshop beginning with the “meet and greet” on September 4^th, 2024, ending on September 11^th.

Since most of my recent workshops have been in Europe, I have been asked by several of my past workshop attendees to do one in the good old U.S. of A.

The main reason is the outrageous cost of airfare. I have looked at several fares from several departure and return dates for cities throughout the states, and there are several that have doubled since last year.

Having said that, I have also heard from a lot of you out there that they have never been to Chicago. It seems hard to believe, but it’s a fact. Also, so many have wanted to come to one of my workshops but couldn’t afford the entire cost.

So, as is usually the case, I started to look up potential photo ops there and found enough amazing locations to fill at least two workshops.

Below are the ones I have narrowed it down to, and after I have scouted all of them before the start of the workshop, I will make my final selections.

It will be based on the days together, the logistics involved in getting us from one location to the other, and most important, places where all of us can shoot without tripods tripping over one another. If possible, I will try to fit in all of them!!!

But first of all, to get you in the mode, I give you this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vE2FmiBHCg 

The Magnificent Mile: Given its nickname in the 1940’s, is an upscale section of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. It serves as the main thoroughfare between Chicago’s business district and the Gold Coast. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35805-d109779-Reviews-The_Magnificent_Mile-Chicago_Illinois.html

Chicago Union Station: “An iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century, Chicago’s Union Station was originally designed by Daniel Burnham and completed by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. A grand building worthy of the city’s status as a national railroad hub, it is a treasured part of Chicago history and a valued asset for Chicago’s future.”

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=chicago+union+station&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

Chicago Navy Pier: A 3300-foot-long pier running along the North side of Chicago. Opened in 1916, it was originally used as a dock to serve freighters, passenger ships and indoor and outdoor recreational events. Now, it’s one of the most visited attractions in the entire Midwest. That said, September will be considerably quieter…no families and kids!!!

https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=navy+pier+chicago&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images 

Gold Coast: A wonderful ‘historic district’ that grew in the aftermath of the famous Chicago Fire in 1871. The district was added to the Historic Register of Historic Places.

Nestled close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Gold Coast is luxury and romance personified (as the name implies, this is one of the country’s most affluent neighborhoods).

Streets are lined with historic mansions, designer boutiques, celebrated restaurants, and historic hotels.

Gold Coast is also known as an architectural jewel box. It features rows of 19th-century homes designed in various historical revival styles. Th most famous is the Former Playboy Mansion, legendary for Hugh Hefner’s star-studded parties.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Gold+Coast+Historic+District+(Chicago)+Chicago&ia=images&iax=images&atb=v336-1

For those looking for photo ops a little out of the ordinary, I give you:

Wells Kinzie Garage Metro Station: Although the entire location offers great photo possibilities, the elevated level of a parking garage, will give you a fabulous vantage point offering a unique S-shaped view of a glass-paneled bar and the “L” as it passes through the city. At night, the light illuminates and reflects a captivating blue glow that’s complemented by the light trails of the traveling train.

Sounds like a sunset/blue hour location to me!!

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=overlook+metro+trains+at+Wells+kinzie+garage&t=newext&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

 Millennium Park: Millennium Park is a can’t-miss attraction for any Chicago visit. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown, is home to the iconic statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.

https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=millennium+park+chicago&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

Chicago Water Tower: The ornate Gothic Revival structure was only built to hide a simple standpipe. Even so, its intricate design serves as a perfect illustration of the value and importance the city put on infrastructure and water supply during the late 19th century. Today it’s seen as an investment made to solve crucial water supply issues brought about by the city’s rapid growth.

https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=chicago+water+tower&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.britannica.com%2F44%2F93844-050-F5931FD7%2FWater-Tower-one-buildings-Great-Fire-North-1871.jpg

Chicago Riverwalk: The Chicago Riverwalk is a multi-use public space located on the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, extending from Lake Michigan and DuSable Lake Shore Drive westward to Lake Street. The Chicago Riverwalk contains restaurants, bars, cafes, small parks, boat and kayak rentals, a Vietnam War memorial, and other amenities.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=chicago+riverwalk&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

Milton Lee Olive Park: Simply a public park in the middle of Chicago: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=milton+lee+olice+park&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

Buckingham Fountain: One of the largest fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain is a major landmark in Chicago.

While in operation, the Fountain produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour.  During the major display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air.

Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major display, beginning every hour on the hour for 20 minutes.

Looks like another sunset/Blue Hour location to me.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Buckimngham+fountain&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

North Avenue Beach at sunset/blue hour: After checking it out, during the scout, it might be a good location for a sunset shoot.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=North+avenue+beach+skyline+pictures+at+night+in+chicago&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.fineartamerica.com%2Fimages%2Fartworkimages%2Fmediumlarge%2F2%2F12-chicago-skyline-at-sunset-viewed-from-north-avenue-beach-miroslav-liska.jpg

Rookery Building: As far as photo ops go, the Rookery Building is a gem.

As one of the most historically significant buildings in Chicago, The Rookery is a unique enclave for businesses that value a prestigious presence. An icon in the center of Chicago’s downtown Financial District,

The Rookery seamlessly combines the flair of an era gone by with state-of-the-art building systems and technology. Designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972 after being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, The Rookery is universally considered an architectural wonder.

A great place to shoot during the middle of the day, or if it’s cloudy while we wait for the sun!!!!

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=rookery+building&atb=v336-1&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

Well, my fellow photographers there you have it. This trip promises to be one of the best visually stimulating experiences you’ll have in one of my workshops. Great memories that will be remembered by you as a photographer or as a tourist while visiting the great sights of Chicago. An extraordinary set of locations, and something for everyone!

The cost is $1900.00 for the photographers and $900.00 for your spouse, cousin, mother-in-law, partner, friend, and significant other. Sorry, no service animals.

The workshop will be limited to ten shooters so if you’re at all interested, I strongly suggest you reserve a spot as soon as you can.

The critiques in the mornings are for just the shooters. They have become more of an interaction review where I’m not the only person doing the talking. Everyone becomes involved which makes it a more productive morning.

For those that would rather not submit, that’s fine. They can just sit in on the discussions. Or if you would rather not attend, that’s also fine. I want these workshops to be enjoyable and filled with the least amount of stress. We’re there to have fun and take some great photos. As usual, I will always make myself available for any private one-to-one discussions.

My workshop fills very fast, and to have one in the States will make it that much quicker.

It’s entirely possible these days that we can be there for the turning of the leaves. Wouldn’t that be spectacular?

As far as Chicago being called the “Wndy City”, we’ll talk about it over wine during the meet and greet at the famous Gino’s East:

https://duckduckgo.com/?hps=1&q=gino%27s+east&atb=v336-1&iax=images&ia=images

This is a destination that’s not only for photographers, but anyone that loves to just walk around and see wonderful sights in Autumn.

Last, but not least, there’s also my final dinner!!!

For more information or to reserve a space, email me at: joe@joebaraban.com

For those of you that have never attended one of my workshops, here are remarks by some people who have:

Ed

Joe, I just attended my first workshop. It was amazing on every level. I can’t say enough about all the amazing historical locations we visited. I absolutely loved the workshop.

We visited villages that were founded by Romans in the 4th century. Can it get any better??? I appreciate the quality of the critique interactive reviews and look forward to bringing my photography to the next level. I absolutely loved the chemistry with all the participants. It was a spectacular week.

Alain

I recently completed my third workshop with Joe Baraban, and all I can say is that I will be coming back for more. All aspects of the workshop were fantastic. Joe’s approach to teaching, the shooting locations, the daily reviews, the accommodations, the planning and organization, and the communications were all at the highest level.

From the “meet and greet” reception the first night, to the final dinner, Joe paid strict attention to every detail to make sure we were well taken care of…all the time. Joe’s selection of locations is always diverse and challenging and present many, many opportunities for great shots and learning.

The daily reviews are a wonderful educational experience as you discuss your own work as well as the work of the other photographers. Joe teaches how to “make pictures”, not just take them. The quality and creativity in my images continue to ratchet up a notch with every workshop as I continue to learn from Joe.

I highly recommend Joe’s workshops and online classes.

 Nick

I recently completed my 12th workshop with Joe and his team, and I find myself returning for more, drawn by numerous reasons. Firstly, the photography lessons and critiques are exceptional, significantly contributing to my growth as both a photographer and an artist. Joe’s approach to photography, viewing it through an artist’s lens, has profoundly altered my perspective on the world, enabling me to convey stories through my images. Joe serves as an outstanding and supportive teacher and mentor, and the workshop’s structure perfectly facilitates these objectives.

Secondly, the workshop destinations and locations have consistently been spectacular, meticulously planned and well executed. Every detail is thoughtfully taken care of, and the communication is exceptional. Joe and his producers conduct thorough research, scouting, and organization for each location, ensuring a seamless experience for participants to not only immerse themselves in local sights and cultures but also to return with a stunning collection of photographs to share and display.

Furthermore, the line from a Joseph Parry poem “make new friends but keep the old” rings true in each of Joe’s workshops. I eagerly anticipate reuniting with friends from previous trips and forming new connections with like-minded individuals from across the globe. We collaborate in shooting and exchange creative thoughts and ideas.

Lastly, each workshop has been an absolute blast. It’s fun capturing images, exploring, learning, and simply enjoying the company of friends. It’s been an all-around great time. The lingering question remains: where to next?

John B

I wanted to learn more about Joe’s approach to visual design and making great photos after taking one of his online courses.  As a former painter, I really relate to his focus on visual design elements as his artist’s palate and it all came to life in this workshop.

He is an excellent teacher, and it was wonderful to experience this with a group of very talented photographers who supported each other and did some great work.  The format of learning the design principles and discussing them in relation to Joe’s images and the work from the class was a great way to learn – I look forward to future workshops.

Murray

I attended Joe’s Paris workshop and received a lot of valuable information in less than a week.

Joe’s workshops begin with an informal meet and greet where all the participants and spouses can meet each other with food and wine.

Usually, each day start before dawn with an air-conditioned private bus trip to a pre-scouted shooting location. Joe gives suggestions for shooting before and during each shoot. He moves around to each photographer during the shoots and gives “hands-on tips” and suggestions that are wonderful and instructive.

Each day there is a very constructive review of the work that was shot the day before. Joe has everyone involved and he asks people their opinions.

I have not attended many formal workshops and I was happy that the comments of the other shooters and those from Joe were very helpful and allowed everyone to get real feedback so soon after shooting.

I can truly say that the workshop immediately helped me, and I believe that my photos have much improved. It was a wonderful experience and made me a better photographer. It also gave me a chance to make friends with the other photographers.

I would recommend it to everyone that has a camera.

I was going through some of my videos and came upon this one. It gave me so many great memories that I wanted to share it with you. It was a workshop I did years ago in Sonoma and Napa Valley. I have to say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve had teaching. I had a full class and all of them were good photographers, which made it even more fun when it came to the classroom critiques. Every day I looked forward to seeing everyone’s photos and I was never disappointed.

Some of the class had taken my online course with the BPSOP and wanted to actually shoot with me, and some had taken other “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops and wanted to shoot with me again. Since I rarely shoot myself, I spend all the time walking around to see what others are doing. I’ll offer advice or talk to them about what they’re thinking, give them different ideas, and suggest alternate points of view.

Russ and Pat Johnson, who live in Sonoma, had taken one of my workshops and since I  had always wanted to do this workshop I had asked Pat if she would be willing to produce it for me. She agreed, and we virtually spend a year putting it together with Pat doing all the legwork and making contact with the vineyards. We shot at several of the top vineyards in Napa and Sonoma and they were gracious enough to give us a private tour and wine tasting before and after the shoots for the class. Pat also arranged for this years farewell dinner that was hosted by the Michelin rated Sante’ Restaurant in the fabulous Fairmont Sonoma Mission Hotel. It was a perfect ending to a memorable week.

I had a very hard time picking the photos for this post, as there were at least twice as many as I’ve shown here. For the first time I had a photographer who just happened to be Russ Johnson who is also a videographer, create a short film on the workshop. It will give you an idea and show the flavor of what goes on in one of my workshops.

Here’s just some of the images shot during the five days. Enjoy the show!!!

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Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/barabanjoe. Be sure to watch for my workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Cone shoot with me sometime.

JoeB

I teach an online class with the BPSOP, and I also conduct my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops around the planet. One of my Springtime Workshops, I conducted was in Tuscany. We were based in Sienna, and each morning and afternoon we set out for various locations that I had scouted before the start of the workshop.

For most of the week we had great weather, but one morning we set out to capture the beautiful rolling hills and rows of Cedar trees indigenous to the Tuscany landscape. As we drove farther away from Sienna, on a very narrow two-lane highway, the skies became darker and darker, and rain was imminent. Katka, the woman that produced the workshop for me knew of a small pull out where we could park the van and cars. The morning light wasn’t going to happen, and then the rain came. Not a downpour, but even the light rain falling was enough to totally bum out my group.

We had parked  about fifty feet from a major curve that had arrows pointing around it, so I immediately began thinking of a way to turn the overcast, gloomy, rainy day into something positive and fun for the workshop. That is the ones that wanted to get out into the rain, which by the end of the shoot included almost everyone.

I had Petr, the co-producer get in one of our cars with one of my walki-talkis. I had him drive slowly around the curve, directing him via the walki-talkis to keep his foot on the brakes so we could introduce some color; while the workshop shot long exposures.

After a while we hardly noticed the rain and my fellow photographers were able to create several pretty damn good photos… I’m proud to say.

So, as I’m often heard saying, “You gotta do what you gotta do”.

Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/barabanjoe and check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog

JoeB

One of my annual workshop, I conduct every year was in Tuscany, Italy. I have to say that it was one of the best workshops I’ve been to since 1984 when I conducted my first one at the Maine Media workshop. Although several had taken my online class with the BPSOP, and some had taken my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops, several people had just read about it on this blog.

We based out of Siena and traveled to various locations in and around this medieval town. I had arrived a few days in advance so I could scout all the locations with Katka, the woman who lives in Prague and produced not only the one I just finished in Tuscany but the one in the Czech Republic as well. Without her expertise my workshops would not have happened; certainly not as smooth and professionally run.

Katka took me to several locations where I used my Sunpath program and my Morin 2ooo hand bearing compass to determine which ones I should take the class to at sunrise and/or sunset. When the workshop participants arrived, they were picked up in Florence and driven to Siena. After a get together over wine and cheese, we were all set and ready to shoot in the next morning’s sunrise.

For the next five days we shot at other medieval towns, as well as vineyards in Chianti and of course fabulous late afternoon and early morning landscape opportunities scattered around the region.

It was a full class and I have to say that it was not only a great time meeting and working with all of them, but the level of work was and is impressive for people that are not professionals. Their work actually surpassed a lot of working pros I see out in the commercial and corporate world.

Walking up to the top of towns like Volterra and Pienza was quite an exercise, but the class took it in stride and never faltered. The payoff was well worth it as you’ll see in the following slideshow of their work. You’re sure to be as impressed as I was when we had class every day to discuss and critique their work shot the previous day.

Enjoy the show!!!

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Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com and follow me on Instagram. Check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog.. I’ll be working on my next for 2023 somewhere in Europe so be sure to watch for it. My workshop in Tuscany filled in five days so when the time comes, don’t wait too long to sign up.

JoeB

I constantly see my online students with the BPSOP and those that attend my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” standing too far back from their subject. Most of the time it’s because they just don’t think about it. I’ve also been told that they are afraid or intimated to get too close. Then there are those that have admitted to being a touch on the lazy side.

There are two ways to look at it: If you’re content in making your goal to become a “halfway decent photographer” (as is the case of one of my students I talked to), then by all means continue on the path you’re currently on; you’ll be fine! On the other hand, if you’re goal is to become the best photographer you can be and work hard at taking your photos “up a notch”, then you’re going to have to get over the ‘hump’ concerning getting toooooo up close and personal.

Here’s what it can do for you: first, by getting up close and personal, you’re anchoring your subject in the foreground which in turn will create “layers of interest”. This is a key ingredient in Perspective by creating Depth. This is just one of the items you’ll find on the Artist Palette that I share with my students.

Second, by getting up close and personal, you can generate Visual Tension (another item on my Artist Palette) in one of two ways: Putting your subject close to the edge of your frame and minimizing the Negative Space between the subject and the edge of the frame. And last but certainly not least, by getting up close and personal you can hide the fact that you might be shooting on a gray day.

All these suggestions will keep the viewer looking at your photos longer by taking control of what he or she processes and perceives while they’re hanging around.

Andy, one of the students that took my workshop was shooting along with the rest of the class on a fishing pier, It was right after sunrise and the light was not very strong as it was hidden by clouds filled with water vapor. The water vapor that makes up the humidity is usually not a photographer’s friend.

 Andy was taking a photo of a fishing rod and reel, but was too far back to create anything worthwhile…by his standards, not mine! Just too much gray and uninteresting environment. I walked up to Andy and reminded him of our discussion back in the classroom about getting close to his subject. He took my advice and was able to walk away with a fairly interesting photo. By getting close he was making pictures, not taking them.

Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/barabanjoe come shoot with me sometime.

JoeB

One of my all time favorite ‘Pearls’ that I constantly refer to in my online class with the BPSOP, and in my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshop I conduct around the planet, is called my “Fifteen Point Protection Plan”. I want to introduce you to it because it could be the most important tool you’ll have in your ‘camera bag’.

I can’t remember when I came up with this tool, but I’m guessing over thirty years ago, and I have done well by it.

Imagine a clear piece of acetate in your viewfinder with fifteen evenly spaced (imaginary) black dots on it. After I’ve decided what my final photo is going to be, and it’s framed in my viewfinder, I look at each of the black imaginary dots and all four directions around them. Remember that these dots cover the frame, so I look all the way from the dot to the edges of the frame they’re next to.

What that does is it helps me check to make sure everything in the photo I’m about to take is the way I want it. I don’t want to be surprised when I get back to the studio and wonder why I didn’t notice the tree growing out of someone’s head, or why I cropped out something important…or put in something not so important.

Give it a try. Once this becomes second nature to you and a permanent part of your thought process, I can guarantee you that your imagery will go “up a notch”.

Here’s the diagram placed over a photograph:

Visit my website at joebaraban.com, and check out my upcoming workshops at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.

JoeB

Besides conducting my personal “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops and teaching online with the BPSOP, I just returned from my workshop in Cuba as part of the Santa Fe Workshops, and it was a wonderful experience. Good as my other four trips, and in some ways better. This time we based out of Remedios, which is mostly East and a little South of Havana; very close to the coast.

Remedios couldn’t be more different than the three workshops I have done in Havana. Where Havana is full of energy (and tourists), offering a diverse set of photo ops, Remedios is on the other end of the spectrum. It’s a lot closer to the feel of Santiago.

Here is the program Kip put together of all the participants: https://youtu.be/Pli8lOkJCX4

Being less considered a tourist destination, Remedios is a centerpiece for what would be the old and traditional colonial town one might think of when talking about Cuba…after Havana, that is.

The group of people was absolutely great as well as talented. When you mix that with a fun, friendly, accommodating, and very professional staff of very good Cuban photographers, I just can’t think of a place I would have rather been. Thank you Jorge, Claudia, and Sandor for your help and friendship.

Special thanks to Kip who is the program director and after at least a hundred trips, he still approaches it as though it was his first; he’s in love with Cuba.

Here are a few of my images, including the one at the top:

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As I have said, When I’m out shooting I don’t expect to see everything I want to photograph. I look for different pieces of the puzzle and try to put them together to form the finished one. Right after the last piece has been put in, that’s when I shoot.

That’s not to say that I’m not always looking for ‘moments’ because I am; my background includes shooting for the wire services. For me, those “rare special moments” are elusive and don’t come easy, so I fill the time taking pictures of what I’d like to see. Having a background in painting and design, a camera on a tripod is just like a blank canvas on an easel.

That said, virtually all of my images were actually shot as I saw them, which is sort of rare for me; not planned, just a coincidence. Besides showing a few of my photos, I have also included a short program we put together to showcase all the photographers in my group.

Visit my website at www.joebaraban.com, and check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.

JoeB

I recently returned from my amazing workshop in San Miguel, and it was everything I had read about.  I had seen beautiful images shot by other photographers that had been there before me, but it’s just not the same as seeing it with your own eyes.

Sponsored by The Santa Fe Workshops it was, as usual, professionally run and no attention to detail was spared.

Besides San Miguel, I have also participated in four workshops in Cuba with Santa Fe, and I always look forward to fully committing myself to working with my fellow photographers and not having to worry or think about anything else; they always have the students in mind…and my back!

I spent a week shooting alongside and working with a great group of people, looked forward to seeing their work in the daily reviews. I also enjoy putting together a post highlighting their art, and I’m confident you’ll be as impressed as I am at the level of work submitted by everyone.

These photographers either represent students that have taken my online classes with the BPSOP or have been with me in other “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops…or both.

Enjoy the show:

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Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and check out my upcoming workshops at the top of this blog

I wanted to send out this post dedicated to the new 2018 workshops I have coming up.

I want to share two new workshops I have planned this year. The first one is the Maine Media Workshop beginning July 29th. I will be celebrating my 30th anniversary there and after all these years, I still love going there. I’ve always had it the same week, as it’s the week of the Lobster Festival just down the road in Rockland. The reason is that it offers a completely different set of photo opportunities than the Maine coast, fishing villages and lighthouses. At the festival there’s color, design, energy, people watching, and being able to shoot various environmental portraits of people (sometimes in costume) willing to be photographed.

Here’s the link: https://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/item/stretching-frame-mind-jul-29-aug-4-2018/

Here’s a couple of links from past workshops images taken by students:

https://joebaraban.com/2016maine-media-workshop/

https://joebaraban.com/workshop-stuff-maine-2017/

https://joebaraban.com/2014-maine-media-workshop/

The second one is in conjunction with the Santa Fe Workshops. Beginning October 2nd, I’ll be leading a workshop in San Miguel de Allende. This is not a city you might think of when considering Mexico as a destination. San Miguel is an oasis high up in central Mexico.

Here’s the link: https://santafeworkshops.com/workshop/Light_Color_People_San_Miguel/

Here’s what Lonelyplanet has to say about this beautiful city:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/northern-central-highlands/san-miguel-de-allende

Also Wikitravel: https://wikitravel.org/en/San_Miguel_de_Allende

I hope some of you will join me in the fun well as shoot alongside me.

JoeB

I recently returned from my photo tour/workshop I conducted with William Yu. To say that it was an experience/adventure is putting it mildly. We visited places in rural China very few westerners will ever see; sometimes as close as a few miles from the northern Vietnam border.

We went in January because that’s the time of year the thirteen hundred year old rice paddies are flooded, in preparation to the planting. Thanks to William and his very good friend and local guide Junyong Ma, we were able to view the fields from several lookouts both early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Although we were hampered by an unseasonably cold front, gray skies, and fog almost every day,  we still managed to take some great photos; especially in the tribal villages where we shot both close-up and environmental portraits.

We were also very fortunate to be there the same time as the yearly festival where the various local tribes bring their specialty dishes for all to taste; placed on over four hundred tables that run throughout one of the villages.

With me were photographers that had taken both my online classes with the BPSOP and several had taken as many as 2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and even nine of my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind Workshops” I conduct around our planet.

For those that are seeking “new horizons where few men have gone before”, I can recommend William to be your captain.

These are not mine, but represent my fellow photographers that were with me. I know there’s a lot of photos, but you should have seen the list I first began with. Just sit back and click on the slideshow at your own speed.

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Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and check out my new 2018 workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.

I have just added two new workshops for 2018. The first one is my next Maine Media Workshop to begin the end of next July. It will be the 30th anniversary there so come celebate with me. I’ve always held it the same week as it’s the week of the Lobster Frstival down the road in Rockland. It offers a completely different set of photo ops than the beautiful coast, lighthouses, and fishing villages where we shoot at. You’ll be surrounded by color, lights, design, energy, people watching, and food.

I have just received the link to my next workshop in conjunction with the Santa Fe Workshops to be next October 2nd in San Miguel de Allende. A fabulous oasis and artist community.

JoeB

I wanted to repeat some of my earlier posts that dealt with photos taken from my Maine Media Workshops to show you some great images that are taken during the week. This coming July marks my 29th year there and I look forward to teaching there every year.

There’s several workshops going on that week so the energy level is way up there. All classes eat all three meals (great food) at the homestead so there’s constant photography chatter and you see people taking pictures all around the campus. Each year starting from the beginning I’ve picked the same week because it coincides with the Lobster Festival just down the road in Rockland; the reason is simple.

Beside what my fellow photographers have come to expect as far as small fishing villages, lighthouses, flowers in peak season, and landscapes in general, the Lobster Festival offers a completely different set of photo opportunities: color, light, design, great people watching and portraiture, and lots of movement; not counting the variety of foods including seafood and plenty of lobster.

As I do in my online classes with the BPSOP and my own personal “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops I conduct around the planet, I show photographers how to incorporate the elements of visual design into their photography. I go out with the class in the mornings as well as the sunset shoots to see what people are thinking and I’ll always talk to each one individually offering advice and perhaps a different way of looking at the same subject.

Here are some classes:

2015 is not shown because of the recovery of hip replacement surgery.

Since I know that so many photographers have to plan so far ahead for vacation time, I wanted to send a link out now so people have a chance to read the description and sign up:

https://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/photography/stretching-your-frame-mind

Visit my workshop at: www.joebaraban.com, and watch for new workshops at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.

Send me a photo and question to: AskJoeB@gmail.com, and I’ll create a video critique for you.

JoeB

One of the posts I look forward to writing is right after one of my workshops. As most of my followers know I recently wrote a post on my last “Springtime” workshop, this time in Paris this last May. It was followed by a second post on the Eiffel Tower competition where everyone went out to capture the famous structure as creatively as they could.

The end of this last July, I conducted my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” class at the Maine Media Workshop, and it was the twenty-sixth year I had done so. The Maine Media Workshop is the granddaddy of them all and it’s where many of the know-famous workshops got their beginning. It was a great time with a great class, and the resulting images they took are among some of the best I’ve seen in all the years I’ve taught there. The lasting friendships and experiences all of us came away with, are indelibly etched in the minds of not only all my fellow photographers who took my class, but mine as well.

As I trek towards my thirtieth year teaching in Maine, next summer I hope I’ll have an opportunity to meet some of you that have followed my blog over the years. FYI, I also teach this same class with the PPSOP, probably the top online school out there.

Meanwhile, enjoy the slideshow created solely by all my recent students.

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Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and be sure to watch for my 2015 workshop schedule coming out in a couple of months. Although my workshop, in conjunction with Santa Fe, to Cuba is full, you can still put your name on a waiting list. I still have two spots open for my workshop with Epic Photo Tours to Myanmar next February.

Don’t forget to send me a photo and question to: AskJoeB@gmail.com.

JoeB