The 2023 In-Person Palm Springs Photo Festival Workshop Program | TIM GRIFFITH: Architecture Photography: Building Relationships

3.5 DAY WORKSHOP

Orientation Monday, October 9th, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Tuesday, October 10th – Thursday, October 12th 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Thursday, October 20th 9:00am – 11:00am Pacific Standard Time VIA ZOOM

In the realm of architectural representation, much is said about capturing the essence of a building. However, amidst the tsunami of images available at every turn, only a handful manage to possess this elusive quality. What is it about the peculiar arrangement of chairs, the convergence of lines, the fleeting shadow—those elements that somehow convey an insight into the physical and emotional experience of a particular place? To answer this question, you need to understand what you’re looking at. Just like individuals, every structure and space possesses a unique character and a story waiting to be told. Some narratives are poetic, others political, while some are purely practical.

All you have to do is listen.

This is how to respond to architecture. This is the key to transcending the mere depiction of bricks and mortar through photography. This is how to give voice to the aspiration and emotion that great architecture can hold. Whether pursuing imagery for art or commerce, the ability to identify and respond to the inherent qualities within a building is the single most crucial skill for architectural photographers.

Workshop Overview:

The workshop will commence with a concise presentation on the history of architectural photography. We will examine the works of notable practitioners, shedding light on the technical and social influences that shaped the success (or lack thereof) of their images. Facilitator, Tim Griffith, will showcase examples from his recent assignments and personal projects. These examples will delve into both the pursuit of aesthetic excellence and the commercial realities associated with architectural photography. Substantial time will be allocated to evaluate and critique images submitted by participants.

Over the course of three and a half days, the workshop will provide access to select locations in Palm Springs. These will offer an opportunity to discuss and put into practice different approaches to illustrating the story of the design. Practical sessions will include in-depth discussions and demonstrations of technical aspects specific to architectural photography, such as selecting appropriate camera platforms and lenses, utilizing capture software and fine-tuning placement of people and furniture.

Participants are encouraged to engage in group discussions exploring the evolving issues that affect the professional architectural photography market. In addition to the practical sessions, ample time will be devoted to evaluating and critiquing participants’ images. The aim of these critiques is to equip students with critical tools for self-evaluation and continuous improvement in their craft.

In the final session, we will touch upon various approaches to issues such as pricing multiple party commissions and image licensing.

Requirements:

Participants working with digital cameras are required to bring their laptops and be familiar with their hardware and software to facilitate the downloading and projection of their work for in-class critiques. Digital projectors with standard VGA cables will be provided. If you require DVI connectors and/or adapters, please bring them to the class.

NOTE: Because of the importance and relevance of getting different perspectives, members of this class will spend 1/2 day with instructor Scott Frances to discuss his process and do class critiques.

PRICE: $2240

plus $55 per day (Monday not included) Daily Registration (included: Model fees, workshop transportation, opening reception, networking dinner, evening presentation and party.

BIOGRAPHY

Tim Griffith has been creating award-winning architecture and design related images for over thirty years. Working from offices in San Francisco and Melbourne, Tim travels extensively on assignments in Asia, Europe and North America for a number of the world’s leading design firms. His iconic and graphic images are widely published in a diverse range of international design journals including Architectural Record, Metropolis and Wallpaper, included in several private and public art collections, and sought after by corporate and advertising clients around the world. With extensive experience in photographing large scale infrastructure projects around the world, Tim has a wealth of specific knowledge and logistical experience of these environments, which contributes greatly to the success and value of the shoot and resulting photographs.

Recent Australian projects include the Shepparton Art Museum and Bendigo Law Courts. Recent local projects include the Seattle Convention Center expansion, Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the Center for Academic Medicine at Stanford University.

Tim is one of the world’s most awarded architectural photographers. In October 2021, Tim was recognized with First Prize (Architecture) by the American Photographic Artists. His photographs have received multiple awards from the AIA Los Angeles and he has been named Architectural Photographer of the Year five times by the International Photography Awards in New York. In the 2022 Architecture Photography Masterprize, Tim’s photographs were winners in the Education, Commercial, Sustainable Exterior, Public Exterior and Urban Design categories.

WEBSITE
http://www.timgriffith.com/