A free four-hour smartphone photography workshop and photo walk is being offered at the Mark Twain Library in Redding on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Art of Phoneography will be presented by Xiomaro, who is the Visiting Artist at Weir Farm National Historic Site. Xiomaro, a nationally exhibited photographer and author, will demonstrate five principles for creating dynamic, artistic photos with any smartphone. Space is limited, so registration is required by calling the library at (203) 938-2545 or submitting an RSVP.
Point-and-shoot cameras and professional dSLRs are welcome, but the workshop is primarily designed to take advantage of the “best” camera – the smartphone that is always in one’s pocket. “The secret to better photographs is not in the camera. It’s in applying the principles used by artists like painter Julian Alden Weir and photographer Edward Steichen” noted Xiomaro. Steichen (1879-1973) lived in Redding and is regarded as one of the most important photographers of the 20thcentury.
Xiomaro explained that seeing and creating a photograph is different than looking and taking a snapshot. His workshop will present five key artistic principles demonstrated with slides of smartphone photographs, paintings and Steichen’s iconic images. “We’ll immediately put what we learned into practice during our photo walk on the grounds. We’ll have fun experimenting and trying out new things,” said Xiomaro.
For Xiomaro, the Mark Twain Library is an ideal setting. “The library’s slogan is ‘books are just the beginning’ – and so is my workshop.” His aim is to make photography accessible by minimizing the technical know-how that is often a barrier. “I’ve seen big expensive cameras set on automatic because the hundreds of choices presented by the knobs, switches and software menus are overwhelming. For many, the workshop can be the beginning to learning the technical complexities.” The Mark Twain Library was founded in 1908 by the most popular American author of the time, Samuel Clemens – best known as Mark Twain – who lived in Redding for a while.
Workshop attendees will have an opportunity to win several giveaways including a smartphone accessory by Xenvo Pro, which manufactures lenses, tripods, and remote shutters. Attendees will also be invited to submit photos for publication on Xiomaro’s blog and a booklet he authored will be available for those interested in learning additional photo techniques.
Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) has worked with Weir Farm since 2011. He is an internationally recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, and News 12. His work has been exhibited at Harvard University and throughout Connecticut at the state Capitol building in Hartford, the Mayor’s Gallery in Stamford, and Congressman Jim Himes’ Bridgeport and Stamford offices. This June, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xiomaro’s history/photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, with the foreword written by Senator Joe Lieberman.
The Art of Phoneography workshop takes place on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road, Redding, CT 06896. The workshop is free of charge but space is limited. Registration is required by calling (203) 938-2545 or submitting an RSVP. Participants need only bring their fully charged smartphone (any brand is fine) or camera with plenty of available storage space for the new photos that will be created. A portable USB phone charger or spare battery is helpful. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are suggested along with some snacks. For more information, visit www.xiomaro.com or www.marktwainlibrary.org.
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