Poetry of Place (Oct 11-12)
Dates: October 11 - 12, 2025
Meetings: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $780 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Susan Burnstine
Skill Level: Intermediate
What makes an image transform into poetry? And how can we, as photographers relate that to a sense of place? Certain external elements help us develop an intimacy with our subjects, but authenticity and emotional connection are what lie at the heart of every successful image we create, and these elements are only found within.
During our weekend together, participants will discover innovative ways to reimagine the world around. Students will learn skills to uncover and identify their unique interpretations and communicate a deeper meaning of place, irrespective of genre—be it landscape, still life, portraiture, nature, abstraction, photojournalism, self-portrait, or documentary. Through classroom discussions, group critiques, and exercises, we will explore the many ways in which self and place can interact. Participants will learn to connect their personal narratives to their external surroundings, creating meaningful images that reach far beyond the literal photograph
Objectives:
Develop your personal vision and portfolio
Explore, identify, and connect to a sense of place
Reevaluate the meaning of images allowing you to create more meaningful work
Enhance your technical photographic skills
Engage in critical analysis and discussion
Foster creative authenticity and improve your personal practice
Prerequisites:
This workshop is suitable for photographers using any camera model – from smartphones to large format cameras.
Course Prep:
A preparation email will be emailed to the students before the workshop.
Dates: October 11 - 12, 2025
Meetings: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $780 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Susan Burnstine
Skill Level: Intermediate
What makes an image transform into poetry? And how can we, as photographers relate that to a sense of place? Certain external elements help us develop an intimacy with our subjects, but authenticity and emotional connection are what lie at the heart of every successful image we create, and these elements are only found within.
During our weekend together, participants will discover innovative ways to reimagine the world around. Students will learn skills to uncover and identify their unique interpretations and communicate a deeper meaning of place, irrespective of genre—be it landscape, still life, portraiture, nature, abstraction, photojournalism, self-portrait, or documentary. Through classroom discussions, group critiques, and exercises, we will explore the many ways in which self and place can interact. Participants will learn to connect their personal narratives to their external surroundings, creating meaningful images that reach far beyond the literal photograph
Objectives:
Develop your personal vision and portfolio
Explore, identify, and connect to a sense of place
Reevaluate the meaning of images allowing you to create more meaningful work
Enhance your technical photographic skills
Engage in critical analysis and discussion
Foster creative authenticity and improve your personal practice
Prerequisites:
This workshop is suitable for photographers using any camera model – from smartphones to large format cameras.
Course Prep:
A preparation email will be emailed to the students before the workshop.
Dates: October 11 - 12, 2025
Meetings: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $780 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Susan Burnstine
Skill Level: Intermediate
What makes an image transform into poetry? And how can we, as photographers relate that to a sense of place? Certain external elements help us develop an intimacy with our subjects, but authenticity and emotional connection are what lie at the heart of every successful image we create, and these elements are only found within.
During our weekend together, participants will discover innovative ways to reimagine the world around. Students will learn skills to uncover and identify their unique interpretations and communicate a deeper meaning of place, irrespective of genre—be it landscape, still life, portraiture, nature, abstraction, photojournalism, self-portrait, or documentary. Through classroom discussions, group critiques, and exercises, we will explore the many ways in which self and place can interact. Participants will learn to connect their personal narratives to their external surroundings, creating meaningful images that reach far beyond the literal photograph
Objectives:
Develop your personal vision and portfolio
Explore, identify, and connect to a sense of place
Reevaluate the meaning of images allowing you to create more meaningful work
Enhance your technical photographic skills
Engage in critical analysis and discussion
Foster creative authenticity and improve your personal practice
Prerequisites:
This workshop is suitable for photographers using any camera model – from smartphones to large format cameras.
Course Prep:
A preparation email will be emailed to the students before the workshop.
Images: Susan Burnstine
