Deposit: $320 (includes $25 registration)
Balance: $680 (due 60 days ahead of workshop)
Total cost of Workshop: $1000

When can a blurry photo be compelling? When you intentionally create blur by moving your camera, lens or both during a long exposure. Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) embraces the power of play, flexes creative muscles, and can lead to fascinating and unusual images. Join travel photographers John and Lisa Merrill for a fun and inspiring 4-day workshop exploring ICM and abstract photography on beautiful Whidbey Island.

The Merrills will help you add creative blur to photos of still subjects by shaking, twisting and/or zooming during long exposures. You’ll also learn to freeze a moving subject against a blurred background by panning – a great technique for wildlife, sports, outdoor recreation, and vehicles. Photographers of all experience levels are welcome, with any camera (including mobile phones with SlowShutter, FV5 or another app which enables long exposures).

At the start of the workshop, John and Lisa will share tips and techniques using example images created in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Then you’ll have 4 days to apply what you learned at beaches, towns, artists’ studios, markets, gardens and farms, and at Port Townsend after a short ferry ride.

Hands-on photo coaching can be transformative. With the Merrill’s’ demos and on-the-spot guidance and encouragement, you’ll harness the transformative power of light, compose for impact, and dive into the powerful and playful world of intentional blur. You’ll also explore mysterious abstract photography and experiment with in-camera multiple exposures. Throughout the workshop, the group will reconvene in the PNWAS classroom to optimize and share images, give and get supportive feedback, and be inspired by what others have created.

Join John and Lisa to discover new ways of seeing and photographing, expand your visual toolbox, and nourish your creativity!

Instructors’ bio: John and Lisa Merrill create images to evoke wonder, inspire action and strengthen communities. Their work is used by travel destinations, outdoor adventure companies and non-profits, and featured in books and magazines around the world.

John and Lisa are inspiring educators who nurture photographic creativity through online coaching, Pacific Northwest photowalks, workshops and international photo tours. Learn more and view their work at Merrill Images. Merrill Images is a Transformative Travel Council Ally and a member of the North American Nature Photographer’s Association.