DOUGLAS BEASLEY & JENNA ERICKSON
CREATIVE SUMMIT: BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
November 6-10, 2024
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Join internationally recognized photographer Douglas Beasley along with Open Air Places founder and photographer/painter Jenna Erickson for a five-day workshop immersed deep in Spearfish Canyon, the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
This is an opportunity to delve into the pursuit and betterment of your own personal projects, in a natural retreat-style environment with other photographers. This will be an opportunity to both share your projects, whether in-process or still under development, for feedback and discover new ways to move these forward.
While we embark on day trips throughout the Black Hills we’ll be traversing our own internal landscapes and making images that further our own style of personal expression.
This is an opportunity to join a group of likeminded photographers while strengthening our creative vision. Lots of discussion around the fireside will take place while we look at our work and share our successes and challenges as image-makers in a modern world.
Our workshop starts with a Wednesday night informal get-together with hors d’oeuvres and a bonfire, where we can decompress and get to know each other better. Each day, after a delicious breakfast, we embark on explorations to locations that Doug loves within the Black Hills, making photos guided by your own unique process.
Evenings will be spent with image sharing of past and current work, and discussions with the group surrounding topics listed below:
· Presentation of your work
· Next steps for your journey in sharing out your work (shows / websites / social media / video)
· Community building for the photographic artist
· What’s next for your photographic journey
· What is your unique medicine within your existing work or process of creativity
· Find new ways of deepening your connection to your creative practice
Presentations include a discussion led by Jenna about her unique personal creative process and the ‘Art of Titles’ and how this often overlooked element of your work can add a new layer of meaning and mystery to your work. Jenna and Doug will also give a presentation about working in collaboration with others and will provide numerous examples of their unique multi-faceted collaboration over the years.
The spirit of this gathering is one of open collaboration and lots of one-on-one time guided by Doug and Jenna who will also be actively creating images during this workshop.
ABOUT DOUGLAS
Douglas Beasley’s personal vision explores the spiritual aspects of people and place and is concerned with how the sacred is recognized and expressed in everyday life. He has a BFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has had several books of his photography published worldwide.
As founder and director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops, Doug provides workshops around the world that emphasize personal expression and creative vision over the mechanics of camera use. He believes in helping each student find their own voice rather than making anonymous ‘pretty pictures’. Doug has recently become the owner and publisher of Shots Magazine, a printed quarterly of eclectic fine-art photography.
Doug continues to explore the notion of what is sacred in his photography and in his own life. He lives in a passive solar home surrounded by trees in Saint Paul, MN and when not out traveling the world he can be found tending his Japanese gardens, at his cabin the woods or enjoying a strong cup of coffee while listening to loud music. Personal heroes include Jimi Hendrix, the Dalai Lama and whoever invented the espresso machine.
CONTACT doug@douglasbeasley.com
INSTAGRAM @dbeasleyphoto
FACEBOOK Vision Quest Photo Workshops
ABOUT JENNA
JENNA ERICKSON is a photographer, painter and emerging cinematographer. Ever intrigued by the pursuit of universal symbols that transcend language, her work is informed by relationship, a deep appreciation for the natural world - and a practice of observation. She is passionate about nurturing the creative process in herself and others, and embracing authenticity.
Her paintings are swatches of color, layered with text and imagery pulled from sketchbooks. Her photographic work is an exploration in self-portraiture, found objects tied to place and the passage of time, informed by poems and writings that seek not to explain her work, but rather imbue it with another layer of meaning and mystery.
CONTACT jenna@openairplaces.com
INSTAGRAM @jennajerickson
FACEBOOK Jenna J. Erickson
SPEARFISH CANYON LODGE
“Doug and Jenna - what an amazing experience it was on so many levels. After s-o-o many occasions where it is all about cameras, lenses, f-stops and software, etc. it was so incredible to talk about creative spirit, intentions, creative tension, creating mystery, images that create questions and so much more. Five days of having my photographic soul and belly so well fed! ”
PRICING & REGISTRATION DETAILS
WORKSHOP COST: $850
A $450 deposit will secure your space in this workshop. You can register online, or by calling Jenna at 715-577-6857. Final Payments are due 30 days prior to the workshop.
LODGING: Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Spearfish Canyon, SD
Or stay at a local hotel or Airbnb of your choosing in the town of Spearfish, about an hour away.
Not included in the cost of workshop.
MEALS: Meals not included
There is a restaurant at the lodge, across the street, as well as a separate bar inside the grand lobby of the lodge. Most rooms have microwaves.
Please review our workshop policies and guidelines prior to placing your deposit.
