ONLINE Abstraction, Photography and Play Course with Eva Kalpadaki

ONLINE Abstraction, Photography and Play Course with Dr Eva Kalpadaki

10 weeks, 3-hour sessions

Small group of 6

Online on ZOOM

Note: no class on 26 December

Aim

This course aims at guiding you how to 'see', 'think' and 'feel' more creatively through the lens. Through a number of visual examples spanning the development of abstract photography, you will be introduced to the various categories and aspects of photographic abstraction and you will be inspired to produce your own images. It is open to all with or without knowledge of Photography but with an enthusiasm and imagination to create and learn from it.

Course Themes

Week 1 – Introduction to The EVA Method

Week 2 – First Photograph – Abstract processes

Looking curiously at the world

Week 3 – Reality and Surreality

Unconscious Explorations

Week 4 – Compositional Abstraction

Exercise your eyes in the basics of composition

Week 5 – Subjective Vision

Photography as Metaphor

Week 6 – Generative Reality

Thinking in a programme

Week 7 – Photography as Idea

Conceptual Thinking

Week 8 – Photography as Object

Concrete Photography

Week 9 – Empty Space

Photography of 'Nothing'

Week 10 – Semiotics of photographic abstraction

Sum up

Objectives

At the end of the course you will be able to:

- Reconnect with the joy of playful, intuitive image-making and feel what it’s like to enjoy photography without pressure

- Explore what makes a photograph abstract and learn to recognise the visual elements that create mood, rhythm, and ambiguity

- Discover how abstract photography has evolved alongside key movements in art and visual culture

- Create your own abstract images using both mindful observation and creative experimentation

- Reflect on your process and begin to see the world in a new way—through patterns, textures, emotions, and ideas

General Outline of a Lesson Plan for each Weekly Session

Each week you will be introduced to a new theme to work on based on a particular aspect of photographic abstraction. Each session will consist of mainly three parts:

i) By looking at and discussing the works of famous classic and contemporary photographers this session will provide you with an understanding of some historical developments of abstract photography in parallel with other photographic and art genres and movements. You will be engaging in a critical discussion about them and reflecting on questions about what compositional approach it has been used, what the intentions of the photographer might be, what the images mean to you based on your own interpretation, and any other questions that might be generated by you.

ii) Looking at each other’s photographs, commenting on them, suggesting new ideas, reflecting on your creative process, and articulating it into your own words. This discussion will be the core of each session, as it will provide you with the opportunity to extract ideas from your own work, discuss the process you followed and make decisions for your future explorations on the weekly projects to follow. At the same time, I will be answering your questions, helping you to clarify your ideas, and giving you suggestions and guidance for further experimentation.

iii) Summing up the main ideas, which were discussed during the previous parts and discussing the nature of your homework. This will be based on a fixed theme for everyone or on individual themes that each one of you might choose.

Handouts

After the end of each session I will be sending you e-handouts by email

Camera Guidelines - what you will need

- any camera will do including ipads, tablets and mobile phones

- desire to explore a new activity and learn something new

- open mind to welcome new ideas - enthusiasm to get creative

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Minimum age is 16 years old

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

For any questions contact eva@bright-on-photography.co.uk

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

YES