Photography Classes in Portraiture and Studio LIghting; Workshops in Defining A Personal Vision

GRANT LEIGHTON began his photographic career working at the International Center for Photography in New York where he became passionately committed to fine art photography. In Denver, Grant worked at the Denver Center for Fine Photography where he continued to build his reputation for exceptional black and white printing and fascinating portraiture. Grant is an inspiring instructor who motivates students to explore unexpected ideas. He has been teaching photography for over 8 years, currently with WWA and also at the University of Colorado. Many who have worked with Grant, especially in his Defining a Personal Vision Book & Show classes are now actively working as fine artists, and have developed impressive bodies of photographic works. For information about purchasing Grant's professional photographic services, please visit heirloomweddings.net.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS WITH
GRANT LEIGHTON
Click on each title listed here or scroll down for descriptions.

Dening a Personal Vision I-BOOK CLASS (see below)
Defining a Personal Vision II-SHOW CLASS
Studio Lighting & Portraiture I
Lighting Bootcamp
Fine Black & White Silver Print
Intense Moments: Photographing Sports
(co-instructor Peter Read Miller)

STUDIO LIGHTING & PORTRAITURE I
WEEKEND Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Work with expert portrait photographer Grant Leighton and learn how to photograph subjects in a way that clearly reveals their personality while expressing your own photographic style. This workshop covers the basic essentials of studio lighting and lighting equipment. Whether working with household lamps or with pro gear, the magic and power of controlled lighting awaits your creative eye! Photograph real models in our professional studio. Experience using the [M]/Manual camera settings are required for level one workshop. Bring your digital or film camera with plenty of film/memory. A tripod and shutter release are desirable, but not required.

LIGHTING BOOTCAMP 4 Weeks 6pm-9pm
This 4-week course with Grant Leighton will demystify lighting gear and all its components. You will achieve a comprehensive understanding of situational lighting through a series of assignments on everything from portraits to still lifes. Discover how characteristics of light change mood, beauty and purpose of the image. At the end of the workshop you will have more confidence in lighting anything and anybody! Participants must be competent with their camera, but need no prior lighting experience. Learn on your own equipment or play with something new at our professional studio.

DEFINING A PERSONAL VISION I & II

Times: 6PM-9PM, each class duration is 6 weeks, plus skip 1 week to allow extra time for project completion.

Defining a Personal Vision I (BOOK) is an essential class for those who are seeking a better understanding of their photographic work. It is about exploration and discovery of the “why’ in your photography. Grant will ask you to think about your personal vision and what drives your desire to take pictures. Your final series of images may evolve as a simple or elaborate book, or end up in a very different format. During a series of assignments and in-class discussion by instructor and participants, your final images will surface. They may surprise you or it may simply be a fresh development in your existing work. Beginning through advanced students are welcome. a good understanding of image control in the camera (aperture, ISO, shutter speed, basic metering techniques) along with some basic knowledge of printing, darkroom and/or digital processes. If you need assistance with basic techniques, please consider our Beginning and Continuing camera and printing classes - click here for more information. Maximum class size: 10 students

Defining a Personal Vision II (SHOW) Combine your intent as a fine artist with your best technical effort to participate in a public gallery show. Instructor Grant Leighton will help you take a serious look at your vision and how it relates to exhibiting that work. Whether you are creating a new body of work, adding to your existing portfolio or editing an older set of images you'll discuss the best way to edit it for a cohesive show. Critique from Grant and other participants will enhance and empower your focus. Discuss concepts in gallery presentation including printing techniques, size of work and framing options. We encourage exploration of alternative processes, including installations (3D) and mixed media. Participation in the show requires class approval. Maximum class size: 8 students. Must have taken Personal Vision I (Book) as a pre-req.

Both classes are not for the weak of heart and are intensive. You'll experience a high level of energy for your work as you are challenged to think about it in new ways by your classmates and your instructor. Plan on a substantial time commitment for solid results. Participation in class discussions and completion of assignments are requirements. If you need access to a darkroom, referral to a professional lab, or digital services - contact us for information.

CONTENT
-Reading assignments - handouts and suggested reading from library
-Discussion of fine art masters: techniques, thought processes, results
-Discussion of purpose, philosophy, emotion relating to photographic studies
-Intensive assignments on specific topics between classes
-Critical discussion of assignments during class, group participation required
-Book class purpose is a specific subject development into a cohesive book of images
-Show class purpose is a selection from student work, and can include multiple subjects
-Final discussion and critique of books (Book Class)
-Critique and preparation for juried exhibit (Show Class)

EXPECTED RESULTS
-Identification of individual personal vision(s)
-Discover areas of specific interest and strength for each artist
-Identification of specific technical issues to improve image quality
-Resolve technical problems that might be restraining image quality
-Production of a cohesive series of photographs presented as a series (Book)
-Production and selection of a strong final set of images to be presented in a public exhibit (Show)

INTENSE MOMENTS: PHOTOGRAPHING SPORTS
Co-instructor with Peter Read Miller Spring 2009
Join Peter Read Miller, Max Morse and Grant Leighton along with participants from across the country for our popular all digital workshop in Denver. Photograph team sports including the Colorado Crush, college track and field, professional mountain biking, high school basketball and more. Work with top of the line Canon cameras to perfectly capture amazing athletic endeavors. Peter will share his incredible experiences photographing the world’s most famous athletes and help participants create well-constructed and properly exposed photos that capture intense moments in the world of sports.