What are the most loved natural wonders of Chatham County, North Carolina? What do people find beautiful, compelling, or touching about nature here? Let’s find out together, make some images, and share them in a group exhibition!

I will lead a free photography workshop sponsored by the Chatham Conservation Partnership beginning on April 21st. The goal of this workshop is to produce an exhibit to help raise awareness about nature and conservation in Chatham County, and in the process help to strengthen the photographic skills of the participants. The workshop is open to photographers of all skill levels. You don’t need a fancy camera, any camera will be fine. What is more important is that you bring your love of nature, your desire to improve your photography skills, and your passion to serve your community.

I feel people become better photographers when the technical aspects of photography are placed in service of something important to them. Frans Lanting, one of my favorite nature photographers says, “the best way to create more interesting images is to aim your camera at something you are passionate about. Find a project close to home and commit to it until you have a body of work that has some meaning.” That is the idea of this workshop. Together we will create an exhibit of photographs that will help raise awareness of and appreciation for nature in Chatham County.

Participants will have eight weeks to complete the project. We will meet to introduce everyone to the project the afternoon of April 21st. We will have two follow-up meetings to discuss progress and share results and ideas on May 5th and 19th. The deadline for submitting your results will be June 16th. Our final get-together will be at the opening night reception for the exhibit at the Third Friday Artwalk, August 17th, at the NC Arts Incubator Gallery in Siler City.

The workshop is free but pre-registration is required. Pre-register for the workshop by calling 919-545-8044 at the Central Carolina Community College Continuing Education department. Download the workshop and exhibit flyer for more information or Contact Gretchen Smith at gretchen_smith@bellsouth.net.

It will be a fun and fulfilling experience and I look forward to seeing your results!