The fact that there are no universally accepted rules of composition in photography can be frustrating to photographic enthusiasts who want to take their efforts to the next level.

Have you ever noticed that the more you are exposed to articles on photography, especially articles relating to the subject of composition, then more you start to read the same things over and over again. I am going to let you in on a secret . . . the kinds of simplified “rules” of photography that are espoused by those “quick fix” articles are not taught in institutions of higher learning. The “rule of thirds” is not taught in professional art schools teaching drawing and painting.

When I was researching and studying the subject of environmental design in graduate school, I learned something profound:
“If you want to go beyond the body of knowledge in your chosen field of interest, look to other disciplines . . . search for concepts and ideas that you can then adopt and apply to your own chosen discipline.”

In “The Art and Science of Photographic Composition,” we will explore the impacts of the history of the 2-Dimentional Arts of Drawing and Painting along with the Science of Human Vision. Understanding the very basics of how we see and how that differs from how the camera sees, will give you new insights into how to improve your photography. Applying lessons learned from the History of Realism in Drawing and Painting will facilitate you taking your images to the next level.

Consider the following Seven Learning Objectives:

From the Science of Mathematics, you will be able to better understand how to take control of alternative perspectives and angles of view in your images.

From the Science of Neurobiology, you will appreciate how an understanding of human vision will facilitate your ability to create images that more accurately portray the scene that originally compelled you to want to capture.

From the Fine Arts of Painting and Drawing, you will gain a better understanding of how artists have traditionally taken a 3-dimensional scene and then portrayed that scene in a 2-dimensional canvas.

From the Fine Art of Cinematography, you will learn to appreciate how it is possible to control the sense of 3-dimensional depth and then convey your vision on a 2-dimensionsl screen.

From the Art and Science of Architecture, we will learn to photograph and portray “Volumetric Space” with “Varying Degrees of Depth.”

From the Neurosciences and Physics, you will learn the power and importance of photographing “spots and slivers of light” along with the “edges of objects and elements” revealed by that light.

From the Art and Science of Urban Design, you will learn how to recognize and record a “Slice of Life” and “Sense of Place” in your images.

How participants will learn . . .

• Lectures
• Class Presentations
• Hands-on Field Photography in downtown Vancouver
• Photo Evaluations and Critiques
• Image Editing Case Studies using your own RAW Files

Participant responsibilities . . .

• Bring your passion for learning
• Listen, react, inquire, participate
• Share your own knowledge

Desired Gear:

While there are no absolute requirements, in addition to any camera and lens(es) you want to bring, consider bringing a tripod that will ensure a stable platform for your camera and lens… Ideally including a remote release, cabled, delayed, or otherwise.
Whether you have a point and shoot camera, a new mirrorless camera, an SLR, or a camera phone, you need to have a camera that you know how to use.

Level:

Intermediate/Advanced. Must be comfortable with personal camera operation and have a basic understanding of photography techniques and terminology.

Enrollment:

Maximum 10 participants only!

Equipment Needed:

Bring your camera (must have manual controls) and at least 1 lens.
Optional: additional lenses, camera flash and tripod.

We Provide:

Course descripton as above

Early-Bird Discount:

Most of our courses and workshops offer a 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.

Some courses and workshops offer a discount if you're among the first 3 people who register. This discount will replace the 'standard' Early Bird Discount mentioned above, and will be applied automatically during the online registration process (as long as it is available). Check the course/workshop listing page for more details.

Group Discount:

A 5% discount will be appplied if 3 or more people register at the same time for the same workshop. (All 3 tuitions must be paid for by one credit card to be considered a group registration.) Please follow the instructions on the online registration page.

In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.

If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:

For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.

For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

Within 45 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.

For our Photo Tours (national and international), the following charges will apply:

• If you cancel up to 3 months before the tour start date and we can fill your space, your reservation (or deposit) fee will be refunded
• There is no additional cancellation fee up to 8 weeks before the start of your tour
• From 8 weeks to 4 weeks before the tour: 25% of your balance
• From 4 weeks to 1 week before the tour: 50% of your balance
• From 1 week to 72 hours before the tour: 75% of your balance
• If you cancel within 72 hours of the start of the trip, no refund can be paid
• Transaction charges incurred on accepting and refunding payments will be deducted from the refund amount
• In the (unlikely) event that we cancel the Photo Tour, all monies paid will be refunded in full

We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance to guard yourself against monies lost due to unavoidable cancellation by either party.

Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.

Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35

VPW can give no refunds:

If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.

Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.

Course Cancellation:

Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.

Instructor Replacement:

In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.

Liability

In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.

Please note: An administration charge of $50 applies to all refunds

Read complete refund and liability policy

This 4 Day Workshop is taught by:

Richard Hulbert  MAIBA, FRAIC, RCA, AIA

Visit Rick's website for more information and to see his beautiful photography:

www.rickhulbertphotography.com