INTIMACY & EXPOSURE:
THE ALCHEMY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA
TBA
Photography is a profound exchange of light energy. The camera is at once receiver of light and giver of light – photographer and photographed in connected relationship, each imprinting on the other.
Yet in this age of unprecedented picture taking and sharing, we're often blind to the ways in which the camera can help us experience truer connection and even transcendence. In a time of virtual and hyper connectivity, how can we bring a deeper awareness to the photographic process to enrich our art and lives?
At every step, photography is a balancing of relationships (light and shadow, time and space, subject and object, seen and unseen), the union of which brings forth a still moment and new creation. In this way, the camera becomes an alchemical tool for both distilling and dissolving duality.
This workshop is a dive into the natural beauty of Esalen and Big Sur, and offers the opportunity for hands-on creativity while challenging basic assumptions about how we see and engage with our environment. Daily photo assignments and group feedback encourage deeper intimacy with place and people, and highlight our unconscious personal patterns. The principles we discover through photography are metaphors and guides for living.
Taught by photographer and cinematographer Andrew Abrahams, this workshop is best suited for people with at least a beginner's understanding of photography, but all levels can find a comfortable fit. Bring your own digital SLR camera and photo editing software like iPhoto. Or, if you'd like to experiment with your iPhone or iPad camera, that's okay too. Enrollment is limited for an optimal and intimate group experience. To see a video collage of work by past workshop participants work, click here.
“I’ve never experienced anything as transformative.”
“Beyond anything I imagined.”
“I’ll never see the world in the same way again.”
Testimonials
"I had no idea what would be revealed to me, and I recognize now the work I did as the most intimate expression of how I approach and love life. I have never experienced anything as transformative. Thank you again and again."
–Susana
"Andy is an outstanding teacher and facilitator. His approach encompasses depth into the personal and transpersonal while exploring photography as art and as a way of connection with others and the natural world."
–Karen
“The workshop was amazing and transformative! Thank you with all my heart! Your passion and depth of thinking about this content is really inspiring. I’ll never see the world in the same way again!”
–Peter
“Still processing the whole week, probably for the rest of my life. The best photography workshop I have attended and one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had.”
–Jack
"Beyond my hopes and expectations, such as deep and wonderful learning experience. So many photography workshops focus on the formal and techniques that the soul and spirit is missing. Thank you for your unique and gifted insights of duality, of connections, and with such presence and thoughtfulness."
–Kevin
“This has been the most meaningful week of my life. Beyond anything I imagined, this workshop had changed my view and perspective on photography. It has also changed my perspective on life."
–Bob
"I loved the workshop. Thank you for being such a gentle, patient, warm and attentive guide in this special journey."
–Einat
"This was a great experience. My whole concept of photography has shifted to a much higher level." –Juergen
"To learn to enter a 'flow state' takes gentleness and finesse, which you exceeded in. This class was a beautiful experience in grounding and opening up to other parts of myself...This class re-awakened an ember of creativity within me. Thank you.
–Steve
"The workshop was exactly what I needed: a safe, inspired space filled with potential."
–Sean
"Thank you Andy for showing me the way to my truth, my creativity, and my joy."
–Deidre
"Awesome experience! Well balanced between technical and experiential." –Phil
"The workshop exceeded my expectations and has set in motion a quest to bring my craft to a new level."
–Michelle
"Learned, efficient, open, inspiring and exceptionally talented, Andy gave more than 100% to the class. He created a good group cohesiveness, and helped each of us through our own barriers."
–Megan
"Fantastic! The workshop was eye-opening (no pun intended), challenging and fun all at the same time!"
–Stephen
“Andy is a wonderful, thoughtful. inspiring instructor. The care he gives to his students and his practice is exemplary."
–Kate
"This class has been for me perfect! It was a celebration of life!
–Richard