Picture the Life of a Photograph

robert gilka

Veteran photographers and amateurs alike should be excited about Sam Abell's upcoming visit to Erie Saturday, Sept. 12. This world-renowned photographer, artist, teacher, and author who has had a thirty-year career with National Geographic, will be a guest of the Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern PA, courtesy of the Canon Explorers of Light program.

Abell's presentation will be based on his most recent publication The Life of a Photograph. He will discuss the process and techniques of making meaningful photography and offer comparisons of works to discuss aesthetic choices when working. He will also relate some of the adventures experienced while traveling and capturing images from every corner of the globe.

Besides The Life of a Photograph, Abell is author of the books Stay This Moment, Seeing Gardens, and Sam Abell: The Photographic Life.

The Canon Explorers of Light program makes it possible for top photographic artists to present their work to audiences free of charge and especially encourages young artists to explore photography as an art and career.

The seminar is open to all with a $35 fee for adults and free entry for high school and college students (includes lunch). Paid registration must be received by Sept. 6 to guarantee a lunch. Students should send an email by Sept 6 to paraydo2@aol.com. The email should include name and school.

The proliferation of selfies aside, photography at its finest is still a powerful art form. Abell is one of the masters of the fine art photograph; this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to learn from a great. —Mary Birdsong

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. // Zurn Science Center, Room 104 // Adults $35; Students, free // pasnwpa.org/category/workshops, 823-9005