Peter Angelo Simon: Workshops

Shoot new work and consider all aspects of the art and craft of photography in this safe haven. The small group size of the workshop allows participants to focus intensely on the work of each member. Photographers of all proficiency and experience — advanced, intermediate or beginning — can develop their personal photographic vision, hone their skills, and bring their work to the next level.

The Frame — Where the outer world intersects with the inner life of the photographer

Photoshop, Prints and Presenation — Render your work so it does justice to your vision and can be shared with others

Contact workshop leader Peter Angelo Simon to discuss your current level of proficiency, and for details on how this workshop will improve your skill and joy of photography.

Location: 287 Adelphi Street, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York
(short walk from Lafayette Ave on the C train)

To register: call 718-797-9689, or send email to psimon1234@earthlink.net
Register Early … space is limited

Thoughts on the Workshop Experience

People who have taken my photography workshops vary greatly in occupation and experience but they all share one thing: a sense that within themselves lurks a more accomplished photographer wanting to emerge — the Photographer Unknown. There have been scientists, students, bureaucrats, retired businesspeople, artists, teachers, photographers, a plumber and just plain folks. Some come advanced in their craft, others as complete novices; most somewhere in between.

Without exception they harbor a gnawing hunger to express themselves visually in a more satisfying way and a desire to show their observations of the world to others and, perhaps unknowingly, to themselves.

The basis of the workshop is shooting and looking at the pictures; it is the very best way to learn. Black & white, color, film, digital, what kind of camera you use - these are not important. Seeing, shooting, looking at what you're doing as we go along, editing and critiquing the work: these are the essentials. And learning to click the shutter when you are truly excited by what you see, ideally something never before seen.

Two years ago I gave up my studio in SoHo and consolidated my photographic life in the Fort Greene brownstone where I have lived for 26 years. This is where the photography workshops are held.

The young woman's email said

"I'm a complete novice, definitely a beginner, I don't even have a camera yet but am really interested in taking your Photography Workshop. I'd like to know how advanced it is."

When I suggested she stop by and bring a few photograph she said

"I don't have any photographs." — Nothing? …

"Well a few I've taken on my iPhone." — Then bring your iPhone! I told her.

There were more than a hundred pictures on her iPhone and they showed me that she had a good eye, a personal way of looking at the world and a passion for taking pictures.

I explained that I don't distinguish between beginners and advanced photographers. A natural mix of personalities and visual interests enriches the experience for everyone. The workshops are a safe haven where strangers quickly come together and respond to each other's challenges and strengths.

Participants learn to see, shoot better, lay claim to their vision, become more committed to the quality of their images and prints, and to take themselves and their photographic interests more seriously. Members have found projects to explore, clarified their artistic and business intentions, learned the demanding and essential discipline of editing their work.

In my own work I strive to create conditions which will encourage the emergence of my own Photographer Unknown: that most valuable and mysterious character who dwells within in me. It is a matter of listening to the feathery voices on the edge of consciousness that try to get my attention and of remaining, in the broad sense of the word, available.

In the end what we do — our goal — is to indulge the deep pleasure of seeing and sharing our visual experience of the world.

Workshops and Consultations

Peter Angelo Simon teaches creative photography workshops several times a year. He also works with some photographers individually and gives lessons in Photoshop and printing.

The Workshop

This is the spirited workshop that Peter has been conducting on Martha's Vineyard for several years. It offers a safe haven where photographers advanced, intermediate or beginning can develop their personal photographic vision, hone their skills and bring their work to the next level. There is serious consideration of Seeing, Shooting, Editing, Printing and the organization of work for portfolios.

Fresh work is brought to each session for discussion. New or on-going projects are explored. Technical issues are dealt with as they arise. Film and digital formats are welcomed.

The groups are small and meet one evening a week for eight weeks. Prior to the workshop Peter talks with each participant to review their work and identify areas to address during the workshop.

Selected Workshop Quotes

"Peter has a gift for guiding each person to a clearer understanding of their own point of view and how to express it in their work. The workshop helped me see my images in a more critical way, edit my existing work, take better pictures and focus more clearly on my photographic goals." – Elizabeth Ruml, Workshops, 2001 & 2002

"Peter teaches you to see that your efforts as a photographer are part of the timeless enterprise of human beings employing the arts to reflect on their experience of life." – Larry Cardwell, Workshops 2002 & 2003

Workshop Schedule

Contact the studio if you would like to receive email announcements about future workshops. See the
Contact Page for specifics.

Private Photography Consultation

In a private consultation in Peter's studio or in your home, Peter will analyze your personal photography and advise you on ways to improve your craft and realize your photographic goals.

Contact the studio to set up a private consultation. See the Contact page for telephone and email information.