My annual Orpheus Island photography workshop is a very special occasion for me. It is not only the joy of being in the relaxing warmth of a North Queensland tropical island at the end of winter, but also the style and substance of this unique workshop.
Orpheus is a five day residential workshop so I get to spend all of that time with those attending, not just photographing, editing, printing and enjoying the beautiful meals prepared by our chefs, but also engaging in and following the conversations that echo deep into the night beyond the lecture theatre and production lab.
It is also the practice component that makes Orpheus so special. In my University lectures and other short courses the emphasis is rightly on the intellectual skills so critical to a successful career in the world of contemporary art. While these important intellectual skills can be understood in a few hours or a weekend or two, it takes a much greater effort to master the practical skills necessary for an informed and enduring practice. In an art school this practice component takes places over three to four years. Short courses by their very nature can’t provide this continuity. While the critical skills can be relatively quickly understood and incorporated, the practical skills require a much more sustained engagement.
On Orpheus the critical skills that I present during the morning lectures, discussions and demonstrations are immediately put into practice in the afternoon and evening, where we practice and interpret the critical distinctions as creative, artistic and productive working practices. It is not unlike a semester of art school compressed into a single week, only without the all too common breaks, distractions, and inefficiency of art school. It is learning at its very best. This is why I love presenting at Orpheus Island, and can’t wait to once again be back there at the end of August.
Another key feature of Orpheus is that each year I co-present with another professional photographer. This year my co-presenter is the wonderful Darren Jew. Darren’s presentations will include specialised underwater photography sessions, a first for my Orpheus workshop, as well as coverage of 3D photography and his artistic and business practices. The snorkeling is always a highlight of being on Orpheus Island, which after all is a James Cook University Marine Science Research Station, but this year with Darren’s expertise we will be inspired by professional photography both above and below the waterline.
Orpheus runs from 28 August to 02 September. Further details can be found under my COURSES tab.
I can’t wait, and hope you can make it as well.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Les, the Orpheus Island workshop is a week I remember with great fondness. I learned so much in that week and enjoyed being with a group of like-minded people in an idyllic setting. Each year I get the invite to return and one day I will, I can’t manage it this year but am looking at Melbourne later in the year. I need a fix of CCP and the galleries over there. Hope all’s well in your world, Bill
I also can’t wait to get there, see you on the island, really looking forward to it.
Wanting to know price for 2012 trip to Orpheus Island per person thank you.