"I wish you could see what I see out the window - the earth pink and yellow cliffs to the north - the full pale moon about to go down in an early morning lavender sky behind a very long beautiful tree covered mesa to the west - pink and purple hills in front and the scrubby fine dull green cedars - and a feeling of much space - It is a very beautiful world - I wish you could see it." Artist Georgia O'Keeffe in a letter to painter Arthur Dove, September 1942.

For decades the extraordinary colors and textures of the New Mexico landscape have captivated poets, artists, painters and photographers – such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams.

Craig will guide participants in the field to photograph, explore and experience the varied and inspiring locations at the ranch. In this workshop participants will learn effective field working strategies for capturing the extraordinary colors and textures of the landscape of Ghost Ranch. You'll be out photographing during the early morning, late afternoon and early evening — the times of day when the “sweet light” is best.

Craig will conduct sessions dealing with the aesthetics of photography as it relates to composition, color, shape, and quality of line. You will improve your technical skills, and begin to learn how to tap into your emotional response to the landscape and how to express that through your photographs. By the time you reach the end of this workshop you will have a greater understanding of the “art” of photography.

Craig has been photographing at Ghost Ranch for many years and the results of this body of work will debut in July, 2009 with a book and major museum exhibition.

Subjects that you will have the opportunity to photograph could include: mesas, cliffs, ponds, desert and mountain landscapes, corrals, trees, rock formations, windmills, creeks, desert plants, sunrises and sunsets.

There will be digital feedback sessions so participants can receive constructive comments about their work.

Workshop participants will be staying at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu for the week.

This workshop is open to all photographers interested in exploring the landscape of Ghost Ranch with their camera. You should have a working knowledge of your camera, film or digital. Digital shooters must bring a laptop computer with editing software and be self sufficient with their computer and software.

INSTRUCTOR: Craig Varjabedian

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, Aug. 10-16: Mark Cox

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, Aug. 24-30: Harold Jones

LIMITED ENROLLMENT: 6 participants only

SCHEDULE: Sunday August 10 at 7:00 pm through Saturday am August 16
     or Sunday August 24 at 7:00 pm through Saturday am August 30

COST: $2995.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:
     • Professional one-on-one photographic instruction/coaching
     • New comfortable Southwestern style lodging throughout the workshop
     • Snacks and bottled water on field trips
     • All meals included
     • All entrance, tour, and permit fees
     • Group and one-on-one feedback sessions about your work

HOW TO ENROLL: FAQ