VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Smartphone Storytelling

This immersive workshop invites participants to delve into the art of handmade papermaking and the alternative photographic process of cyanotype. Participants explore the natural world as a source of both materials and inspiration, emphasizing the inherently place-based nature of these techniques. The first part of the workshop focuses on collecting and processing local plant materials, including invasive species, to create handmade paper. Participants learn essential papermaking techniques, such as fiber preparation, pulping, sheet formation, and drying, while discovering which plants are best suited for papermaking. In the second phase, participants investigate photographic imagery through the lens of place and connection. Using cyanotype—a historic photographic process known for its vivid blue tones—participants design image-based compositions that integrate seamlessly with their handmade paper. By merging organic materials with photographic imagery, the workshop creates a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of craft, nature, and storytelling. Ideal for artists and creatives interested in sustainable practices, alternative photography, and the expressive potential of handmade paper, this workshop fosters innovation and a deep appreciation for place-based artmaking.

For kids bursting with curiosity about the world around them, a camera is the perfect tool to capture that excitement! This workshop is a fun-filled photographic adventure packed with hands-on lessons and activities, helping students discover how photography can tell amazing stories and frame the world in new ways. From the fascinating history of image-making and practicing cool techniques like cyanotypes all the way to today’s digital photography, this course is a journey through time and creativity. Using the beautiful Anderson Ranch campus as inspiration, students create one-of-a-kind photographs and prints that might just ignite a lifelong passion for image-making.

Making a photographic portrait is an intimate endeavor, requiring both photographer and subject to work together to create a compelling image. In this workshop, participants investigate their motivations for making portraits, strengthen their skills working with people, and engage deeply with issues in contemporary photography through lectures, demonstrations, and critique. While we address some technical aspects of photography, this workshop focuses primarily on the emotional and conceptual elements of portraiture.