Laurie Klein Photography

Inspiring trip to The Bahama's!

2012-02-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

I flew into Nassau on Sunday January 22. In the short time I was in Nassau I was so inspired and surprise by happenings around me. At the airport the locals would smile at me, say hello while holding eye contact. It had a sweet impact on me. How many times back home do I rush by people and they rush by me and there is no acknowledgement that the other even exists?

Having extra time while waiting for my next flight to Andros Island to visit my Aunt and Uncle I sat outside watching people come and go from the airport. I was witnessing 3 taxi drivers dressed in their Sunday best, colorful ties and firmly pressed shirts and trousers. They were sitting on a colorful bench waiting for fares. Next to them was a pay phone. My 7 year old niece would have asked me “Aunt Sassy, ( she calls me that, I for the life of me can’t figure out why! J) what is that contraption on the wall??????

I felt like I reached back in time, to a slower pace and a time of appreciation.

Night fell, I was at my aunt and uncles and was walking back to my cottage and I looked up. OMG the stars were brilliant, there was no ambient light and I felt like I could reach up and touch a star.

There were many other gifts that happened that week, like my cousins son running to the beach to see the gorgeous Articus, a White German Sheppard. Articus was running in and out of the water and the little boy was trying to catch him. Then Articus just needed to chill out and laid down in the water. I took this with a digitally converted Infrared Camera.

Then the one gift that surprised me the most…….the first full day on the island internet service went down on the whole island. This can’t be happening. I left a message on my work line saying I would be available by e-mail. Now what? No cell service no internet, I was disconnected. Panic mode stepped in. I was finally able to get word to my sons via an emergency line on Andros what had happened and why they hadn’t heard from me. Once I got home that they told me they knew that once I was able to get a message to them I would be able to let it all go, not be distracted and be present with my trip and everything around me. Wise comment, that was so true from my sons who are in their 20's and know what it is like to be uber connected by technology.

I have to admit loosing the internet during the whole time I was down there was an incredible gift, really making me reflect on so many wonderful things and stay in the present moment.

IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS

2011-12-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

I had a meeting this first day of winter at Panera with Darren Wagner. Darren is the Art Director and Photographer for the Newtowner Magazine. His wife Georgia Monaghan is the Editor and Chief of this beautiful inspiring magazine.

The Newtowner is a one-of-a-kind quarterly arts and literary magazine

featuring fiction, poetry, memoirs, essays and features celebrating

local literary, visual and performing artists.

The Newtowner Magazine wants to feature the photographs of my mentoring students whose upcoming photo exhibit "Six Views" will be at The Silo in January.

Darren Wagner is an amazing man. He started by asking me about my story and how I got into photography. I said I would be happy to share and then would like to hear about his story. He is a wonderful listener and acknowledges how everyone has a story to tell and how he loves to listen to other’s. Funny how you put out a statement like that and out of the blue something grand happens.

In the middle of our conversation an older couple come over to the table next to us. You could tell that the older man was a bit anxious. He was trying to figure out how to plug in his phone. As he stated he only uses it about 6 times a year and it was totally dead. He was trying to remember how to plug it into his charger and started to crawl down on the ground to find an outlet. Darren stepped in to help. Turns out he ran over something in his car and got 2 flat tires. His shiny blue mazda was sitting in the parking lot. He was trying to contact AAA to come out and fix the flats. He was having trouble getting the phone to work and then when it did he couldn't hear the AAA agent on the other end. Darren took out his phone and made the call and arrangements, enabling the older gent to and feel at ease and relax. Then he and his wife in all their appreciation because of the help they were receiving starting telling us about their lives, their children and their grandchildren. They lived in Queens and had moved up to Newtown 6 years ago to be closer to their kids. They are both 85 trying to embrace new technology like his cell phone. They have been married 60 years. They love Newtown and find all around them a community rich in talent filled with generous spirit.

I would have liked to have photographed them. Their faces and mannerisms had lifetimes of stories to tell. The gentle demeanor was captivating. The husband said he turned 85 this year and felt old, yet he had this life long smile in his eyes and around his mouth. Darren, a true Samaritan watched out for the man and kept an eye out for the tow truck. Turns out this couple comes into Panera a few times a week and the staff all know them. They too were watching out for AAA to arrive.

Once the tow truck came Darren and the older gent disappeared. The wife began telling stories of their grandchildren and the up coming wedding that she was so excited for. For them, family is everything. They are truly proud of all of their descendents. She shared that she worked behind the scenes with Broadway Shows and also worked with a Congressman. The husband was in the Jewelry business for many years selling to major stores such as Fortunoffs.

Darren and the husband came back in with a plan, the husband was going to go with tow truck to the dealership and Darren was going to drive the wife home. She has trouble walking and was growing tired. We flanked her while she walked so that she woudn’t fall. She stopped to talk to some people on the way out, sharing holiday cheers with them.

Darren is so right we all have a story to tell. On this first day of winter it was a gift to sit still and listen and feel stories that were told. We all inspire one another. Darren and I will have ample opportunities to finish sharing our stories with one another in the near future.

Happy Holidays.

Six Views Exhibit Jan 14^th – Feb 19^th 2012. Opening reception Saturday January 21 3- 5 pm

Artist talk February 19^th 2pm

Featuring Photography Students , Amanda Drake, Connor Cushine, Evelyn Fenick,  Maggie Kennedy, Marissa Nadeau, Tim Ciavara

Susan G. Komen

2011-12-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

I am honored to have had my photograph, "Contours of a Woman" chosen for the
Susan G. Komen For the Cure® Holiday House, to represent the beauty and strength of all women at this important fundraiser. I was a part of the BiTTT room whose theme was less cancer more birthdays. What a wonderful experience it has been.

Design Calendar posted on their blog about the event, check it out, and you can see how my image was displayed.

Be inspired by a 17 year old!

2011-12-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Marissa Nadeau is a 17 year old Brookfield High School senior in my mentoring program this fall. As the students in my program are committing to their theme for their exhibit at The Silo in New Milford, CT. Marissa's passion and clarity is becoming clearer and clearer.

In her words:

"I commit about an hour a day to my work and my theme is multiple personalities/what is reality? I capture the essence of two individuals that are really one and emotions that are found deep within us. I use long exposures and multiple flashes to go even further visually with it."

We can all learn from a 17 year, to reach deep down inside and to commit daily to something we love....our creative passions.

I hope you can join us for the opening reception of the mentoring student's exhibit on January 21st. Their exhibit runs through February 19th and their gallery talk is also on the 19th.

Photograph by Marissa Nadeau

Complimentary photo of you when you take Celebrate The Feminine Worshop.

2011-10-13T14:50:00.001-04:00

Celebrate the Feminine!
Come Celebrate Who You Are and Where You Are in Your Life!
Would you like to let your hair down and have an afternoon of great fun?
Are you ready to embrace your creative spirit and let it carry you away?
Could there be a gentle goddess, naughty nymph, or mischievous mermaid somewhere inside of you?
That's what this playdate is all about celebrating who you are and
exploring alternative sources of creativity all in a safe environment.
Activities include:
· Being photographed by Laurie Klein.
(Bring a variety of outfits that fit your inner persona or your alter
ego, wedding dresses, flowing fabric, solid color bathing suits, lace,
business or party attire, costumes, and lots of wild makeup.)
· Active visioning and relaxation exercises, as well as a guided
journey
· An opportunity to photograph others. Bring your own cameras.
· Applying the Method Acting technique to your own particular
creative endeavors.
Sunday Oct 23 1-4 $100 includes an 8x10 photo of you taken by Laurie

Tillman Crane's October Musing was so amazing that I had to share it with you. I meet Tillman a few years ago at Peters Valley. He is an incredible photographer and photographic educator. Enjoy his Musing!

2011-10-12T21:29:00.002-04:00

FRIDAY 30, SEPTEMBER 2011

October 2011 Musing

The Thin Envelope

We have all gotten them, the long awaited reply that comes in the thin envelope. Replies from committees that arrive in thin envelopes are not, usually, the news we are hoping to hear. The rejection letters are always in thin envelopes, probably because it doesn’t take much space to say “Thanks but no thanks.” Good news comes in thick envelopes, envelopes filled with further instructions and forms needing to be filled with information. A thin envelope means you have been rejected. You’re done. The dream, for the moment, is gone and your efforts deemed unworthy. And boy, does that hurt.

This year I applied for both an artist grant and an artist-in-residency program. The thin envelope for the grant came just the other day. I hope to hear about the residency in a few weeks.

The real question is: How do we deal with the thin envelope? It immediately has us listening to our internal demons, giving in to our doubts, asking ourselves why we continue to do this work we call art when no one seems to care. It is easy to quit if the only things we get for our effort are the thin envelopes of rejection.

We can get angry and spend our time railing against the injustices of a world that fails to recognize our genius or efforts. We can dismiss the work of those who got “our “ grants. We can mock the committee’s choice, we can tell our friends how unjust it is. In total, we can waste our time being angry and hurt.

My graduate school mentor, John Weiss, has a great way of looking at the thin envelopes. He says that all competitions are a matter of selectionand NOT rejection. The judge, jury, panel or whomever, is looking at the work for something specific. They are selecting for their needs and desires, not rejecting everyone else. The secret is to keep applying until you find a group of jurors who agree with you.

So, my work didn’t happen to fit what the group of selectors desired for the artist grant this year. Intellectually, I talk to myself about selection rather than rejection, but the sting of rejection still hurts - for the moment. It makes it a little harder to keep making applications for other grants, fellowships, and residencies - for the moment. But only for a moment. The truth is I make my photographs because I have to. It is who I am and what I do. When the thin envelope comes, I will, for the moment, be angry at not being selected. I’ll be hurt for a short time that my work wasn’t what the jurors were looking for. But I won’t quit making my work because one day it will be exactly what a group of jurors is looking for.

Don’t quit. Keep on working.
Tillman

www.tillmancrane.com

Fall Workshops

2011-10-04T20:10:00.002-04:00

Fall Workshops

Photographic Playdates

One of a kind workshops created for groups, minimum of 5 students,
usually running 4 hours. We design the Playdate together in
advance.

Fee $65 per person time and place TBD

Intermediate Photography Workshop

Lets go beyond the basics together! We will have a model to
photograph
and discover the wonders of portraiture. We will experiment
and discuss
flash, lighting, advance camera controls and aesthetics.

Saturday Oct 22 10-4 $165 plus $15 model fee

Celebrate the Feminine!

Come Celebrate Who You Are and Where You Are
in Your Life!

Would you like to let your hair down and have an afternoon
of
great fun?

Are you ready to embrace your creative spirit and let it carry
you away?

Could there be a gentle goddess, naughty nymph, or
mischievous
mermaid somewhere inside of you?

That's what this playdate is all about celebrating who you
are and

exploring alternative sources of creativity all in a safe
environment.

Activities include:

· Being photographed by Laurie Klein.

(Bring a variety of outfits that fit your inner persona
or your alter

ego, wedding dresses, flowing fabric, solid color bathing
suits, lace,

business or party attire, costumes, and lots of wild makeup.)

· Active visioning and relaxation exercises, as well as a
guided

journey

· An opportunity to photograph others. Bring your own
cameras.

· Applying the Method Acting technique to your own
particular

creative endeavors.

Sunday Oct 23 1-4 $100 includes an 8x10 photo of you
taken by Laurie

The Business Side to Your Art

Do you want to fuel your passion and feed yourself and
your family?

How do you turn your passion into money?

In this workshop we will discuss how to set yourself up
for business

success.

This class with include:

· how to create a business plan

· creating a mission statement

· understanding your core purpose

· how to make S.M.A.R.T. goals

· 3 month, 6 month, 1 year and 5 year goals

· legalities involved in starting a business

· what makes you different will make you successful

· Marketing

· Identifying your clients

· understanding demographics

· how to reach your clients

· position yourself for success

· using social networking

· gonzo marketing

· creating websites and blogs

4 Tues. Oct. 25 - Nov 15th 6:30-8:30pm $165

Creativity Workshop

Got Juice? - Creative Juice That Is.

Do you recall the freedom and joy you felt as a child when
playing with finger paints? Creative thinking was easier then.
Our intuitive right brain functioning was more developed than
our more cognitive left brain functioning. As we grew older and
developed logical thinking, language, and higher education, our
more creative talents fell behind in growth.

Creativity is like a muscle - use it or lose it. It must be nurtured,
fed and exercised in order to grow. When you learn to let your
creativity flow, you become a better decision maker and problem
solver. You gain more energy and stay more focused. Artists
produce better work, businesspersons become greater assets
to their employers.

This workshop will facilitate:

· independent expression

· visual journaling

· greater reliance on intuition

· small group creative 'think tanks'

· will facilitate broader analytical thinking

· renewed energy and initiative

· heightened awareness of new possibilities

Saturday Nov. 5th 10-4 $165 plus $15 model fee

Standing Out ~ How to Photograph and Market a Wedding
Photography Business Like No One Else

Learn/Review the Basics:

Even the most creative endeavor requires a strong foundation.
In this part of the course we will review the important highlights
of the wedding day story. Every wedding has a structure, from
the initial bride-and-groom dialogue until the last dance. Once you
understand the basics, you are free to be more artistic.

Developing Your Own Photographic Style: We will be working
with models to experiment with different techniques, in order to
discover which methods have particular resonance for you the
photographer. Bring in your past photographs to be used in group
critiquing and also for individual mentoring time with Laurie.

Marketing Like No One Else:

Do you want your studio to stand out from the crowd? With a huge
number of competitors out there, creative marketing is more important
then ever. In this section of the workshop we will discuss:

Person-to-person marketing, including mining your past clients
Using social networks (Facebook, Linked In etc.)
Partnering with other vendors
Advertising-dos and don'ts
How to get editorial benefits from print and internet media
Building a better public relations campaign

Sat. & Sun. Nov 12th & 13th 10-4pm $295

Private Instruction available

Workshops will be held at my Lake House Brookfield, CT

www.laurieklein.com, info@laurieklein.com, 203-740-1110

So proud, check out this great work. Not that I'm prejudice since he's my son.

2011-09-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

Kyle Perler Photography

Kyle Perler graduated in 2009 from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, an extension school of Tufts University with a BFA in Photographic Processes. Since then he has been hard at work in the commercial world of photography doing everything from weddings to medical photography........TO READ MORE check out his website at www.KylePerler.com

Join me Tuesday Sept. 27. I will be giving a talk called "Beyond creativity to never-never land." for the Candlewood camera club

2011-09-26T16:35:00.001-04:00

http://www.candlewoodcamera.org/dnn/OurBlog/tabid/79/EntryId/16/Laurie-Klein-to-Speak-at-the-Candlewood-Camera-Club.aspx

Baby Boomers: The Perfect Way to Tap Into Your Creativity

2011-08-01T10:54:00.002-04:00

So wonderful to share young talents' work!!!!! take a moment and feel what has been written below.

2011-07-12T11:14:00.002-04:00

Breanna DeSouto saw a photograph I took of Nicole Cudzilo as the Cheshire Cat. Paige Zeitler was the art director as we photographed Paige in Wonderland. (Great news is we will resume this work in August.)
Breanna, a teenage writer, was inspired to create these incredible poems that I immediately knew I wanted to share with you. I feel so incredibly lucky to be collaborating with these young artist, Paige and Nicole.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1671177346 (Breanna's Facebook page) Go ahead and drop her a note!!!!!! How wonderful for us to be able to encourage such talent.

"I'm going to write a story called 'The Elysium Flower,' I haven't exactly figured it all out in my head, but the word "elysium" is supposedly Greek for a place like Hell, and I'm thinking that a girl (based off the picture of you) somehow comes into possession of a flower from Hell, and the flower brings destruction to whoever has it, or, a demoness or some important figure from Hell (which would also be based off the picture of you) has to deliver the flower to certain people or something along the lines of that, it will be interesting nontheless once I get it all straightened out and start writing it." ~ from a letter between Breanna DeSouto and Nicole Cudzilo talking about the images and poetry.

Of Elsyium:
by Breanna DeSouto

There’s a fire raging deep inside the night
And it shines bright like a burning star…

A man stepped into her lair one day
And threw his soul through the open door
He never counted his blessings
And she smelled the lies on his tongue
She turned his heart inside out
And clutched him tight between her claws
To forever keep by her side
As Heaven and Hell collide in her eyes

******************

"She liked to dance among the barren branches, under a blazing sun. With eyes so penetrating, you might think she could see down into your soul. She speaks no words, but she tells you, I know who you are, and you can't fool me. She lives in a place where Earth and space collide.

When sunlight can't warm the barran branches, she appears like an etheral being. Her eyes hold secrets only dreaming eyes can see. She says, "I know who you are, you can't fool me." She can see straight down into your soul. The forest is her home, and she dances with the leaves, like she's one with the wind. She appears as satin and lace, but you never dare cross her, for she owns the harsh winter winds, and she will consume you inside her anger.

She dances under the grey sky, among the cold barren branches, with eyes that see through the darkest depths, and a grace so warm, the sun shines down in her heart. Her hands are strong and her fingertips are golden, to take life's sorrows, and turn them into beauty."
Breanna DeSouto

Fireworks photography TIPS and I challenge you

2011-06-29T15:07:00.000-04:00

I can't wait for this 4th of July weekend. Saturday night there will be a plethora of fireworks on the lake.
So here is the deal....I wanted to share a few photographic tips for you about getting those great fireworks shots as well as asking you to post them on my Facebook page and wait and see the reaction and feedback you will get. Who ever gets the most comments I will give a free one hour Skype photo session too. You game?????

So first off, remember to go somewhere that fireworks are going to take place. I am sure my sons are rolling their eyes and this comment. I had to start off with a bit of levity.

Really first, have a tripod or a stable place that you can prop your camera up on. Flash doesn't work for fireworks yet it can be an interesting addition if you have other objects, ie people in the foreground to light them up with a back drop of the fireworks. Remember this is a time to explore and sometimes the best mistakes are the most interesting imagery. DIGITAL IS PERFECT FOR LEARNING HOW TO DO LONG EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY.

If you have a remote or a cable release please use it!

Use manual focus.

Try setting up before it gets too dark.

ISO 400.

Try using as close to F 11 or F 16

Shutter speeds at 2 seconds to 10 seconds is great. Different times will yield different results. If you have a bulb setting on your camera that would be the best.

Check you histograms to make sure your exposure is correct.

Start with photographing one burst of fireworks at a time.

Once you get in the groove experiment and try multiple of fireworks rocketing at the same time.

Use different zooms for different results.

Lastly have a blast!

Don't forget to post them!

Finding your visual voice workshop at Peters Valley

2011-06-22T21:51:00.001-04:00

WOW, I don't even know where to begin. What an incredible workshop. The students went way above and beyond. I asked a lot from all of them and the work they produced was amazing. I am hoping to post some of their images soon. Nicole was with me and of course such a huge asset. She is so brilliant on both sides of the camera. The wisdom she brings is amazing. I can't thank everyone at Peters Valley enough for making this such an fabulous workshop for all.

We learned method acting and after a scenario model Nicole Cudzilo,Jackly Scott and Bryce Perler look on.
Kate Lipsky's camera

Yes we were serenaded while we were photographing!!!!

Nicole modeling for the group. This was our first shoot, of course we had to start with a glamour session.

We found this incredible place, where the famous metalsmith Marie Zimmermann, lived and the curator lets us photograph in her house. One of my students let me turn the camera on her. Lizz Codner. What a wonderful model.

The question of the century...does Nicole Cudzilo like being a model or the photographer more? I do know the answer to that...BOTH. She proves that in these self portraits!

I can't thank her enough for all she did to help make our workshop such a successful one! Love you girl.

An afternoon of indulgence at Spruce Home and Garden

2011-06-05T18:49:00.000-04:00

Spruce Home and Garden in New Milford Ct.

Join us at Spruce Home & Garden for
a one-day only special event - Saturday, June 11th from 12- 5.

Learn the art of fragrance combining and create your signature scent
at our Jo Malone Trunk Show.
Receive special discounts and free shipping on this exclusive
collection for the bath, body and home.

Treat yourself to a mini photo session with award winning
photographer Laurie Klein.
Choose a flower as an object of inspiration and empowerment and let
Laurie capture the moment.

Meet Toni Alexander of Olivina - Napa Valley.
Experience this unique skin care packed with nourishing
from - the - earth ingredients like grapeseed and olive oil.
Receive a raffle entry for a deluxe gift basket of Olivina products with
every $50.00 Olivina purchase.

Champagne and light crudités

How to turn water into wine?! I challenge all of you!

2011-06-02T21:45:00.000-04:00

Sunday Meredith Gray http://www.naked-documentary.com came up to the lake for a photo shoot. I love photographing this amazing woman. During the shoot my infrared camera broke down. I was really upset and my emotions were all over the place. I wasn't ready to stop photographing and I had all of these negatives feeling going on inside of me. SO what choice did I have? I could pack up and call it a day or use those feelings to go in a different direction and get out of my box a bit. So I picked up the color camera and decided to channel into those feelings and get close up and personal. Meredith said look at those cobwebs! The light was beautiful and I said here we go. After looking at the photographs when we were done I didn't even recognize the photos as mine. I am really excited about them and the metaphors that have been recorded. This all happened because my infrared camera went down and I taped into my emotions. What a gift.
How about you? Take a negative emotion you felt in the past couple of days and feel it again. My coach Hal Tweedy http://dreambiggercoaching.com/ calls tapping into your sense memory. Then go out and photograph, you never know what might happen. Share the images with me on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Klein-Photography/97469142639.

C'mon, I'm trying a fun new way of creating photography with you!

2011-05-26T16:41:00.000-04:00

Want to have some fun?

I'm going to turn the tables on you!
This time you will be the photographer and I will be your assistant!

This new photo session will be a fun 3 hours and it is just you, me and your subject.
I will be your photographic assistant at my outdoor studio in CT. Bring a model, your spouse, a family member, your special someone, your pet or your child ( I can loan you one of mine! LOL.) You can also use my infrared camera for a few shots.

A different kind of photo session that will be 3X the fun - before during and after!

1. Before: We will have a phone consultation so we can discuss your photographic goals, plan out your session and discuss wardrobe, makeup, props and photo equipment. (Of course your model could end up in the water!!!!)

2. During: We'll begin with a series of calming and centering exercises designed to help you focus. Then grab your camera and start shooting your subject with me, your trusty assistant, right at your elbow. I'll help you pay close attention to lighting, fill flash, lenses, equipment, posing and many, many nuances that will help us create tremendous photos. Get the benefit of my 30 years of experience, and my time with Ansel Adams - right at your side.

3. After: At the end of the session we will happily review, critique and edit your photographs. Together you and I will choose the best.

I cannot offer many of these unique sessions. This special is limited to the first 10 people, so BOOK NOW. The actual shoot is valid through August 31, 2011. Cost $575. Approximate time for session is 3 hours. Only one model at a session.

The perfect creative gift to give yourself or to another photography lover.

Call 203-740-1110
Or e-mail me at info@laurieklein.com.

Please share your favorite iPhone apps with me and others!!!!!

2011-04-30T10:14:00.000-04:00

The power of a wedding

2011-04-29T22:37:00.000-04:00

After spin class was over at Fitness Revolution today, I saw a number of the spinners around the flat screen TV watching the royal wedding. They were talking about the sweet moments, the brides gown her sisters dress, the royal couple's first kiss. Everyone was spell bound.

I had this warmth flow through me. I felt such gratitude to all the brides and grooms that I have photographed over the past 25 years. That I was privy to such incredible moments and bonds in others lives.

Oh, the power of a wedding for all, is a royal one.
We cherish these moments. I know I do.

Peters Valley here we come!

2011-04-25T22:31:00.000-04:00

Nicole and I have been invited back this year to teach at Peters Valley in the Delaware Water Gap. Have you ever been there? It is spectacular, a photographers haven! I hope you will join us for two incredible workshops this summer.

Discover Your Unique Visual Voice
Instructor: Laurie Klein
Workshop Dates: June 17 - 21, 2011
Class Description: Your photographs are trying to tell you something. Can you hear them? They speak to you about your passions, spaces, metaphors, compositions, dynamics, and most importantly your journeys - past, present and future. At Peters Valley the imagination can flourish, and the atmosphere is extremely inspirational. This workshop is designed to enhance both your technical skills and your ability to express your individuality. You will experience guided inner journeys, detailed pre-visualizations exercises, and individually tailored assignments that will unblock your creativity. You will learn to take greater risks. In addition, there will be end-of-day group interaction, group critiquing and an opportunity for one-on-one time with Laurie. Come and have fun and leave with a new body of work. Models will be available.

Tuition: $480*

Studio/Materials Fee: $100

Bodies in Water – The Ultimate Metaphor
Instructor: Laurie Klein
Workshop Dates: August 5 - 9, 2011
Class Description: Photography in and around water presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this workshop we will use the female form in water to explore the many techniques for creating stunning metaphoric images. By conducting daily shooting exercises, you will gain insight and knowledge about reflectivity, exposures in changing conditions, and the pros and cons of b&w, infrared and color photography under these conditions. Best of all will be the fun and unpredictability that only water offers. You will learn special pre-visualization techniques, as well as how to pose your subject and use artificial textures to create organic results. In addition, there will be end-of-day group interaction, group critiquing and an opportunity for individual critiquing of your portfolio by Laurie Klein. Because of the sensitive nature of the subjects, this workshop is limited to serious women image-makers above the age of 18.
Level: Beginner to Advanced

Tuition: $480*
Studio/Materials Fee: $150

Peters Valley Craft Center

Have to share this new book that Alyson Stanfield on her blog today

2011-04-13T14:16:00.000-04:00

A huge challenge for artist is to make their creativity dreams come true and concrete. This book looks amazing and I can't wait to order it and have a terrific read. Thank you Alyson for sharing this with others.

Support Your Goals with a Creativity Brief

A Creativity Brief can help you make any creative project more successful.
Caution: It’s hard work!

In his book Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity, Josh Linkner, founder of ePrize, shares an outline for a Creativity Brief that you can use for any project – a major installation, an exhibit, a workshop, or a new blog or website.

Linker writes:

Warning: the Creativity Brief is intense and will take real work to complete. But that work is a good investment. By taking the time up front to get it right, you will yield an exponentially better end result.

He’s not kidding! It’s an intense process that isn’t for the weak. I’d compare it to writing a grant application.

Defining, in detail, the major components of your project gives you a blueprint to take action. You don’t worry about your next step(s) because it’s all mapped out for you.

I started the Creativity Brief last week to help me define a major workshop in Golden, Colorado for October 15-16. My Brief isn’t completed, but the process has already yielded big results. I’ve gotten plenty of new ideas just by wading through the outline.

The structure of the Creativity Brief supports - rather than limits - your creativity. Without such a structure, you can be too easily distracted and neglect your priorities.

Linkner discusses creativity primarily through an organizational structure, but what he has to say can be applied to the solopreneur. I’ve adapted his Creativity Brief for your use.

You can download my version of The Creativity Brief for Artists on today’s blog post:

http://artbizcoach.com/2011/04/creativity-brief.html

Try it out on your next big project, and let me know how it works for you.http://artbizcoach.com

2011-03-03T09:25:00.003-05:00

Pre-Spring Photographic Workshops

to unleash your creative mojo!

Basic Camera Handling

You will learn camera operation, concentration will be on aperture and shutter speeds, focal length of lens, raw file formats, using your histogram, white balance, flash photography and compositional elements. Through hands-on exercises you will learn the basics of workflow with your digital images.

1 day class: 10:00 - 3:00, Saturday, March 26^th $165

Hand Coloring
This is a wonderful one day, hands-on workshop. It is a favorite of many of Laurie's students of all ages! You will explore different hand coloring techniques, concentrating mainly on the use of color pencils. You will learn the different ways to tone a photograph and which papers hand color the best. By the end of the class you will have a few hand colored photographs completed.

Sunday, March 27th, 10:00-3:00 $165 (FULL)

A Workshop for Photographic Self-Discovery
Your photographs are speaking. Can you hear them? What are they telling the world about you, the photographer? Are they expressing the unique way you look at the world?

Join Laurie Klein for a fun and challenging workshop that is designed to help photographers find and cultivate their own style. The emphasis will be on your unique process.

What makes you different can make you successful and happy. Laurie will inspire and encourage you as she shares her own artistic journey. She will challenge you to develop your personal, signature visual voice.

Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd & 3rd, 10:00-3:00 $295

Intermediate Photography
Go beyond the basics! There will be a model to photograph and you will discover the wonders of portraiture. Here's your opportunity to learn about camera flash, lighting, advanced color controls and aesthetics from a world-recognized fine art and commercial photographer. This will be a really fun workshop and perfect for anyone with a basic knowledge of camera handling.

Sunday, April 10th, 10:00-3:00, $165 plus $15 model fee (FULL)

Private instructions and gift certificates are available.

www.laurieklein.com
203-740-1110

Workshops held at my studio in Brookfield, CT.

Please share these workshops with your friends and receive a free personalize gift from me.
Stay tune to photographic playdates and workshops coming up this spring. I'll see you there!Please share these workshops with your friends and receive a free personalize gift from me.

Stay tune to photographic playdates and workshops coming up this spring. I'

Article in the Brookfield Patch about me working with budding photographers at Whisconier Middle School

2011-02-27T20:54:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun last week at WMS talking to middle schoolers about photography. I hope you read the article to hear more about what we did.
http://brookfield.patch.com/articles/laurie-klein-visits-the-wms-photo-club

Join us for a photographic playdate "The Ice Prince and the Ice Princess." Be the photographer and or the model on Saturday Feb. 5th 1:30- 3:30

2011-02-02T19:29:00.001-05:00

Have a photographic Play date with Laurie Klein, Nicole Cudzilo, Paige Zeitler, Casey-Rose Kearns, Kathryn Scribner, Casey Hill, Alex Sweeney, Olivia Cookfair and Melissa Destefano. Come dressed in costume and be a model and photograph others. It will be a blast. Be adventuresome.
Meet us at the Candlewood Shores Beach in Brookfield Ct, call if you need directions, 203-740-1110.
We will be serving hot chocolate.

Photographing in NYC after the snow fall

2011-01-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Kara Walsh and Paige Zeitler. I asked a lot from these 2 women. In areas, snow was up to their thighs, they never complained, they romped, danced and laid down in the snow. I hope some of these images are selected for book covers. Which are your favorites?

The Ice Princess Cometh!

2011-01-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

Women of all ages you be my Ice Princess Muse? Hauntingly beautiful, dressed in white or black, gliding across the frozen lake, or playing in the snow. Become a ghostly image of a princess past or present?

The possibility is that one of the images of you will be on a book cover. Call me if you are interested. My thank you gift is an 8x10 print from our shoot. All you need to do is have fun, be dramatic, be a diva, be an ice princess and sign a model release. All ages welcome. 203-740-1110. www.laurieklein.com

Are you coming tomorrow, Sunday Jan. 23rd?

2011-01-22T11:26:00.002-05:00

Laurie Klein Photography Gallery talk is tomorrow, come and hear more about how the students created their incredible images that are now on display at The Silo. http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org/

Gallery talk at The Silo this Sunday Jan 23rd 2-4

2011-01-20T15:22:00.000-05:00

Please join me, Nicole and our mentoring students at The Silo, Sunday Jan. 23 rd, 2-4 for a gallery talk and a time to meet the artists. They will discuss briefly how their process together evolved, then Valerie Culberston, who is the gallery curator will talk briefly. We will follow with each exhibiting student discussing aspects of their work, such as; composition, subject manner.... areas of significant personal relevance, etc.

There is a question/answer exchange following.
The Weantinoge Land Trust, Ct Plein Air Painters in The New Talent space will present first.

These young ladies spent the last 4 1/2 creating incredible bodies of work. This is a great opportunity to be inspired by them. Perfect opportunity for any young person that is interested in following their passions in the arts.

Hope you can join us for this informal gathering of artist in an magical location.
Photo by Dennis Yates

Six Views Exhibit, 6 amazing high school seniors and their photography

2011-01-16T18:47:00.001-05:00

Last night was the big night and it was spectacular. So much to share but wanted to post a wonderful photograph of all the girls with Ruth Henderson. She and her husband Skitch Henderson founded The Silo where the exhibit was last night.

Nicole Cudzilo is featured in a wonderful article in The Patch

2011-01-14T16:16:00.000-05:00

So proud of you Nicole. What a talented, giving young lady you are.

http://bethel.patch.com/articles/finding-the-balance

Connecticut Post's article on the mentoring students exhibit, which opens tomorrow, please join us!

2011-01-14T11:04:00.003-05:00

http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Six-Views-Views-and-Vistas-at-Silo-Gallery-951094.php

Two Wonderful articles written about Six Views. Two more days and the mentoring students reveal the magical photographs they have been working on since September! Please join us!!!!

2011-01-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

http://brookfield.patch.com/articles/photography-students-exhibit-at-the-silo
http://newtownbee.com/ (click features and then click Students Preparing for Photography Show At the Silo)

Guess who came on Tuesday to talk with the Mentoring students?

2011-01-06T21:35:00.000-05:00

Tuesday night Paige Zeitler came over and spent the evening with Nicole and me and the mentoring students. (Melissa even made us all fried rice. YUM.) Paige has mentored with me over the years and is an extremely talented young artist, she is in her second year at SVA in the city. Many of you will recognize the photo I have taken with her with the peacock feather. She talked with the students about their work and gave them great feedback. She shared about how much she loves art school and showed us all her new photos that she printed at school with her infrared camera. Paige is going to be able to join us at the opening reception! We all that her so much for your time and input! It brought so much joy to my heart that she, like Nicole want to share their love for art with other students younger then they are. PAYING IT FORWARD!

10 days before my mentoring students exhibit

2011-01-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

We got together tonight and edited work and discussed sizes and sequencing of images for their exhibit. What an honor it is to be such a big part of young peoples lives and watch them grow as artist. The work they are creating is amazing and I am so proud of them.
Please join us. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=177815282252492

Launching a new blog and I need your advice.

2011-01-02T20:58:00.001-05:00

Hi all!
My dear friend @ Carol Andrews suggested that I create a new blog where I post an image a week and tell it's story. I will share the technical piece, as well as the motivation and the inspiration behind its creation. I would love to get feedback on what you think I should call this blog. Many of you may remember when I did the moment of the month that would include a photo of mine as well as an inspirational quote. Do you also think I should include a quote along with the weekly posts?

Thank you all in advance for your feedback.
Happy New Year.
Laurie

Six Views at the Silo Gallery January 15th-25th. High School Seniors mentored by Laurie Klein

2011-01-01T19:26:00.000-05:00

Please join us at the opening reception of Six Views, under the mentorship of Laurie Klein with the assistance of Nicole Cudzilo at The Silo Gallery January 15th 3-5pm. Gallery Talk and meet the artist on January 23 2-4 pm.

Photographs by Casey Hill, Olivia Cookfair, Melissa Destefano, Alexander Sweeney, Casey Rose Kearns, and Kathryn Scribner

Do you have any idea what mentoring a student does?

2010-12-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

So Laurie Klein, she is one wonderful woman. I remember first coming to her place and being so nervous that I might not be a good photographer, and not be able to live up to her standards. But boy, was I wrong, I feel that she has freed me from the chains I put on myself because I always thought I was not good enough, actually, all the girls in the program have truly helped me grow into a better person. I feel that she let me opne up and express myself. Each week I felt better and more confident about my self and I wouldn't be so proud as I am today without this group. I mean, I almost gave up on this and she showed me it doesn't matter what the negative people say, because as long as yur happy their isn't anything else to be needed. I feel this whole experience has opened up my heart and eyes, and I feel so much more in tune with my photography skills, I have found a family in this group, and I feel this experience will stick with me forever. I am so grateful for this group and just so happy with what I have learned. Thank you Laurie, Kathryn, Casey, Casey Rose, Melissa, Olivia, and Nicole. You guys are the best ever.

Mentoring Halloween Playdate

2010-11-02T19:30:00.000-04:00

A few nights before Halloween, we took the mentoring group out to shoot ghost images. We played with long shutter speeds and focused lighting to create a spooky mood that embodied the graveyard setting that we were in. Below are selected images from each of the students:

Casey Hill- This playdate was so amazing :)

Casey Hill- The gray- lit sky works with the orange candles :)

Alexandra Sweeney

"This night walk the dead in a solitary style.."

Alexandra Sweeney

"I'm alive I'm alive like suicide"

Casey-Rose Kearns

"literally the best photos ever taken."

Olivia Cookfair

During this photo shoot it was very interesting learning about shutter speed to make people appear as ghosts. This group of people is awesome and I love being on both sides of a camera.

My Guru taxi driver.

2010-10-30T08:17:00.000-04:00

Two wonderful days at the Photo Expo in NYC seeing friends, students and colleagues I haven't seen in a while, including 2 of my wonderful students from my bodies in water workshop at Peter's Valley, Kate and Mitzi, Clay Blackmore whose energy is contagious and stand alone talent. Tom Curley hung out with me yesterday he always teaches me something new. I stopped by the HP booth and they had a display on digital negatives for Platinum Printing which just blew me out of the water. I have been thinking lately of Platinum Prints for my IR bodies in water photographs.
2 Days of seeing so many people I know and photographic eye candy.

I collected my bag of new information and incredible ideas and thought I was going to walk to grand central, but I didn't realize how heavy all the literature was and new paper samples I was given to try out. So out of the blue there came a taxi and before I left to come to the Expo, my friend and coach Hal Tweedy said pay attention to what is put in front of you. SO I jumped into the cab.

First the driver asked me about the Expo, the a conversation morphed into electronics then how wonderful NYC is and what it has to over, next thing we were talking about politics.

I commented about the amount of traffic for mid afternoon especially with the awareness of the train I wanted to catch. His calming voice said that for a Friday and people getting out of town the traffic wasn't too bad. He then asked me if I wanted to go via Madison Ave, I said which ever has less traffic and he would know better.

Then the conversation shifted. He said AH, have patience. After moving here from India and driving taxi's in NYC for 20 + years he had learned patience and so much more.

He said, never make any one cry.

He asked if I minded if he shared with me some other things he has learned over the years. I was all ears. Have Patience and Faith was what he said. Of course that was exactly what I needed to hear.

We arrived at Grand Central and he turned around and faced me. His right hand with the driving glove became very animated. He looked me in the eye and said he will never see me again. I stopped collecting my belongs and looked into his wizened eyes. He then made the statement that the only thing he doesn't like about this job was that he would meet so many people, take them to their destination and never see them again, and that makes him very sad.

2010-10-11T21:33:00.001-04:00

Dreams can come true!

My muse and friend Amy standing with my other pal, "Halpaca"

I want to send thanks to so many of you for your support. As you may know I have spent the past 2 years exploring and growing my personal fineart. Many of you have become my muses and I thank you for all the time and energy that you have given me and for giving me such wonderful creative license.

I have been traveling and teaching a lot this year and have been holding very exciting workshops, one of my favorites is Celebrate the Feminine! I am in the process of launching a new website and I hope to feature many of you in my galleries there.

Please joinme next year either in sunny Naples, Florida for courses I will be holding, or perhaps beautiful Tuscany for a workshop entitled Empowerment, Creativity, and Listening to your Muse. Perhaps I will see you at one of my favorites places in the northeast, Peters Valleywhere I will be teaching a Bodies in Water workshop for women and an Art of Seeing workshop for everyone. In the fall, I will be in Wisconsin at Dillmans Bay Resort and Workshops for a course entitled Artist Jambalya. These are only a few of the exciting workshops coming up. I will be posting more info on my website.

Finally after many months of preparation, I am ready to launch my new websiteLaurieKlein.com which features my photographic images from these past few years, plus my musings, events, workshops and loads more! I can't wait for you to take a peek and would love to hear back from you.

My event and commission photographs can be found at LaurieKleinPhotography.com.

I hope to see you at one of my classes or on a photo shoot. Would you like to be my muse?
If you see me online, Skype me and say hi.

With great abundance,

Laurie

Fall Mentoring begins and guess where the students exhibit will be?

2010-10-04T19:50:00.002-04:00

Laurie and Nicole Cudzilo are mentoring 6 high school seniors from Brookfield High School and Newtown High School. This year the mentorship will culminate with an exhibit entitled Six Views 2011 Exhibition at are you ready?
At the Silo Gallery in New Milford CT! http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org/.
The opening will be Saturday January 15, 2011 3-5 pm. The exhibit will run through Feb 19th, 2011.

Please join us for The Gallery talk which is scheduled for Sunday January 23, 2011 2-4 pm. You will have the opportunity to hear from the students.

Skitch and Ruth Henderson started The Silo in 1972.
Read more about my mentoring program. http://brookfield.patch.com/announcements/laurie-klein-photographer-mentors-brookfield-and-newtown-hs-seniors

Casey Rose Kearns, Melissa DeStefano, Casey Hill, Alexandra Sweeney, Olivia Cookfair,

Kathyrn Scribner, Nicole Cudzilo

Artsy Girls Exhibit at the Pierce Ball Gallery

2010-09-27T10:31:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth P. Ball
Director
Pierce Ball Gallery

Showcasing works of art from around the world. Paintings, sculpture, multi
media, natural works of art, contemporary to traditional works shown in
specific exhibitions.

9 Webbs Hill Road
Stamford, CT 06903 USA
203-329-1105
By appointment only

http://www.pierceballgallery.com/

Check out the photos taken at our fabulous hand coloring workshop at the Litchfield Historical Museum.

2010-09-23T11:27:00.000-04:00

What a blast we all had at the hand coloring workshops at the Historical Museum in Litchfield last week. The students were amazing. Thanks to all of you that showed up with your creativity in tow and a special thanks to Linda Loveday and her staff at the Historical Museum. The students even had the opportunity to see a few Wallace Nutting hand colored photos.

An article about Laurie - Par Excellence Magazine

2010-09-18T13:38:00.002-04:00

Currently Par Excellence Magazine, is running a story about me, along with a large gallery.

Check out the article:

When you first meet Laurie Klein you might guess that she is a Creative Healer, but you would never guess her method - Infrared Photography

She is known today as both a successful photographer with a signature style, and an instructor of healing workshops that celebrate women by helping them re-discover their core purpose, strengths, passions and joys.

Her life long commitment to the art of photography began 41 years ago in high school. "I didn't really discover my passion, my passion discovered me." Laurie said.
(more)

2010-09-06T12:57:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

Hand Coloring Black and White Photographs at the Litchfield Historical Museum

Please Join me on Wednesday September 15th

Hand Coloring Black and White Photographs

Location: Litchfield History Museum
Time: 10:00-11:30a
Age: Homeschoolers
Fee: $10 for members; $15 for non-members • Registration

Hand Coloring Black and White Photographs
Location: Litchfield History Museum
Time: 3:30-5:00pm
Age: All ages
Fee: Children:$10 members; $15 non-members/Adults $15 members; •Registration

Hand Coloring Black and White Photographs
http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/calendar/event.php?event=253
Location: Litchfield History Museum
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Age: All ages
Fee: Chidlren: $10 members; $15 non-members/Adults: $15 members; $20 non members • Registration
http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/calendar/event.php?event=254

registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org

Rebecca and Marco, continues.....

2010-08-24T10:52:00.001-04:00

I just got back from teaching at Peter's Valley -wait till I tell you about that incredible experience- so Rebecca and Marco have been in a holding pattern.....bummer, but they are back in full passion.
I want to thank all of you for your involvement with Rebecca and Marco.
Hal Tweedy, http://www.dreambiggercoaching.com/, and I continued the story, most came from him with my womanly input.
We still need your help by filling in the blanks to complete these chapters. Enjoy...LK

"Kisses on the Beach"

Rebecca was finally on her own. She stood all of 5’2” in her bare feet. Over her shoulder she had strung several bulging camera bags. Their added weight only made her trek more fatiguing as she came to rest in front of the Uffizi museum. She hadn’t planned to be in this part of Florence that day, but her assignment was to photograph interesting windows in the city. Somehow her heart was leading the way, while her feet followed obediently to where she now stood. Coming from her native France, she was overjoyed at being accepted into the Photography program at Florence’s most prestigious art school the ______________________.

Her 25th birthday was only a week away, and she promised herself that she would meet a special man by then. “Be careful what you wish for!” said a little voice inside her head.

Everywhere she went since arriving 4 days ago, she felt men watching her, taking in her graceful dancer’s body, wavy brunette hair and her dark and sultry eyes. She didn’t mind – this was Italy after all!

Italian men intrigued her. They were so different from the French men she had known. She found Italian males to be more (less) ___________________, ________________________, and ______________________ than her Parisian suitors.

Knowing this gave her the inner confidence that she would have a _________________ guy on her arm, on her birthday.

Little did she know how right she was or how much a new romance might cost her. In a few minutes, her life would change forever.

The Uffizi thrilled and frightened her at the same time. Built as city offices in the late 16^th century, and supported by the Medicis, The Uffizi Gallery contains some of the world’s finest art treasures, but there were also many legends that surrounded the Uffizi, some that were magical and some that were dangerous. It’s said that certain works of art had the power to __________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Another myth that intrigued and concerned her involved the powerful Medici Family. According to common knowledge, men in particular are most vulnerable. It is believed that when a man ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

At the end of that long corridor that makes up the Piazzale degli Uffizi, Rebecca sat on a step looking up at the splendid bridge that connected the two wings of the building. It had three arched windows.

She caught a movement of light across the arched museum windows. “That’s it! That’s the shot I want.” she thought.

Pulling out her Canon5D from one of the bags, she knelt on the first stone stair and angled her camera upwards towards the statue in front of the center window. Click – the first trial picture. She move a bit to her left and followed the line of ancient stone along the arch to the stained glass. Click – the next picture. “Marvelous” she thought. Rebecca had instantly refocused on her greatest pleasure – photography – a passion that would soon bring her trouble.

Moving to the right, she watched as the sunlight bathed the tall windows, the light tripping and running down it’s surface, sparkling as though the stone were a waterfall. At the instant she touched the shutter for her third time, a dark shadow moved in front of her, startling her and causing her to look up into the deepest green eyes she had ever seen - the same limpid pools she swam in all the time, in her dreams.

She felt the ground beneath her start to give way. There was a rumble and a clatter around her, but still those eyes shone back at her.

“Excuse me. I didn’t mean to block your camera,” he said “and oh no, you’ve dropped your camera!” he said. “I am so sorry! I am so sorry! The light was in my eyes and I almost tripped over you” he said.

“Is it broken?” he asked.

Breaking her gaze for a moment she answered: “It will be alright I’m sure.” She picked up the pieces.

He introduced himself: “My name is Marco. I want to make this up to you.”

Regaining some composure, she said “Rebecca”, and accepted his help picking up pieces of the broken camera – a camera that had always been close to hear heart, in more ways than one.

Looking at Marco, you would think he had stepped right out of GQ magazine, the Italian version. Marco was impeccably dressed, but casual – black silk blazer, crisp white shirt open at the collar, tan pants and Italian loafers. He offered wide shoulders that could carry any burden and he had a slightly crooked smile. In his wavy black hair were a streak or two of premature gray. He looked 30 and very experienced. Two features stood out: his incredible green eyes and the dimple in his chin. When he spoke, his voice was calm and reassuring. She thought his voice was seductive.

Rebecca was instantly mesmerized by the cadence of his Italian accent. With little thought, she couldn’t help but imagine how he would make love to her – slow and confidently.

“May I make up for the trouble I’ve caused? Perhaps you will come with me for cappuccino across the piazza?” “Oui” she said. Not needing a second invitation, Rebecca slung her camera bags over her shoulder and they started to walk out of the Piazzale degli Uffizi.

Chapter 2

As they walked away the sky behind them was changing. Marco could be seen taking Rebecca’s camera bags and carrying them for her as they walked toward the “caffe” a block away. Thunder suddenly rumbled from the west and thickening grey clouds began to roll in.

“Do not worry.” Marco said, looking over his shoulder. “It is only a late summer shower. It will pass.”

But Marco was worried. That worry would have to wait though. For now he was totally captivated by his new accidental friend.

Through one of the Uffizi’s upper windows, in the Caravaggio Room, there stood a stunning woman in black, watching the couple leave the Piazzale. She was hiding her face from the rest of the people in the room. Just one single tear escaped her eyes.

“How appropriate” she thought. “I am in the Caravaggio Room.”

On the back wall is the young Bacchus, holding out a goblet of wine in welcome, with a basket of fruit set upon a frugal table. Facing and eloquently counterbalancing each other are the Sacrifice of Isaac, where the cruel gesture is miraculously interrupted, and the Medusa whose head, cut off by the hero Perseus, is painted on a round shield.

The woman in black suddenly laughed loudly, startling the others in the room. “Ha! The Caravaggio Room. I might have known it! she said.

Rebecca and Marco were seated at the caffe and placed their orders. The first thing she noticed about Marco was his hands. Long fingers and a broad palm caused her an involuntary shudder. She had always been attracted to a man’s hands. They told her so much. Right now they were telling her to use her imagination.

“What could he do with those hands,” she wondered. She felt a warm and tantalizing flush begin well below her naval and rise upwards toward her face. Yes, his hands were amazing and yes, his voice was beginning to seduce her, but Rebecca was also a strong and determined woman. She would not give in easily to the stirrings of her loins. Still, without realizing Marco had been talking to her, she allowed her fantasies to wash over her like the rain outside was beginning to wash the city clean of it’s old dirt. Those hands!

“ So, I can see I’ve bored you already. Your head is off in those storm clouds I think.” he chuckled. “Tell me something about yourself and your stay here.”

Rebecca refocused on the present and told him a little about herself: _______________________________

_______________________________________

____________________________________________

In the Caravaggio Room the woman in black stood before the Medusa painting, planning her next moves: ______________________________________

___________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Rebecca and Marco, an anonymous submission

2010-08-12T08:20:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share this person version of " Kisses on the Beach " with you.

Your thoughts??????

Marco is a tall, dark haired man. European chiseled features with a stunning gaze.

They are talking about themselves and decide to leave when a car pulls up and tries to kidnap Marco. She sees a man in danger and just has to help. Rebecca helps fend them off as she studied Tai Bow ( the art of how to tie a bow ). After that he is so grateful, he buys her a box for the bows. ( This is digressing isn't - sorry I can't help myself ). As the passion fo ( no mispelling ) the bows continues, they use more and more unusual bows: string, chains, leather.... It really starts to get out of hand when she decides to knit her own bows taking time away from their relationship.

He has to get her into counseling and can't. He decides to have her kidnapped and brought to a group therapy session. As she is riding in the van ( after being abducted ) she learns the people who are taking her for help originally tried to kidnap Marco for a very similar addiction. He was into Japanese flower disarranging. He could not help himself. He'd see a beautiful bouquet of artfully arranged flowers and have to dismantle it. He sustained several wounds from vicious roses. ( Hey a new movie - Wounds of the Roses ).

After therapy, they both learn they can do what they want through photography. She can take pictures of bows and he can dismantle wonderful flower arrangements in Photoshop. He does miss the battle with the roses though. Life is good for a while until they get bored. On a whim, they decide to start a business. Import-export. Clothes, chocolates, trinkets. They would both wake very early and watch the cargo ships come into port. One day they had a horrible experience. The ship had an accident and the cargo was awash, floating on the waves. As the waves crashed on the shore they saw their entire business get soaked before their eyes. Marco could not help himself when he saw their merchandise on the beach He completly broke down when he saw their chocolates in the sand. They were Hershey kisses. Yes - you saw it coming - Kisses on the Beach.

Marco took the camera and shot Rebecca. He later turned himself into the police.

Rebecca and Marco, please we need your help

2010-08-09T10:53:00.000-04:00

I am blown away by the responses we have gotten from all of you since introducing Rebecca and Marco. We do need more details in order to complete chapter one.

1. Why did Rebecca leave her French roots?

2. What town in France did she come from?

3. Why did she leave France? Is there a deep dark secret she is holding onto?

4. What is her background and why is she studying photography?

5. What is she feeling the first time she sees Marco?

6. Have you ever been to the Uffizi Museum? If so, or even from your imagination, describe the atmosphere of the lobby where Rebecca drops her camera and Marco walks in?

7. What is the exact moment after she drops her camera and Marco walks in that sparked that instant passion or the reason she dropped her camera.

8. Has Rebecca seen or met Marco before?

Have fun and thanks again for being a part of this journey.

Follow the dialogue that others are sharing on facebook.

with joy,

Laurie

Need your help with my new book

2010-08-05T19:43:00.000-04:00

Laurie J. Klein "Kisses on the Beach", is my new book.

Do you like my new pen name "Pandora Passioné"?
PLEASE HELP ME!

There will be at least 10 chapters. The story line for the first chapter reveals that the main character, Rebecca has left her French roots and traveled to Florence to study photography. In her wildest dreams she never thought she would meet a man like Marco. They meet each other for the first time. Marco steps into The Uffizi Museum at the same moment as Rebecca drops her camera on the ground. He comes to her aid which begins a passionate romance. The action then moves to a nearby café where they begin to tell one another about themselves.

Chapter two takes over when they walk into the café.

Now I need your help with details like:
what does Marco look like, what are they saying to each other about themselves, what happens next,
Details please! Feel free to use your wildest imagination, just remember this is a family site. lol

My personal coach Hal and I will incorporate your responses. Your contributions will help us determine whether this book continues as a comedy, a tragedy or a romance.
As the story develops I will be posting more photographs.

So stay tuned to Facebook and my blog as we progress together.
Send to your friends so we can make this go viral!

Almost ready to launch my new website, take and peak and let me know what you think?

2010-08-03T22:53:00.000-04:00

www.laurieklein.com is where my new work resides. I am keeping my old site where most of my wedding and commercial work is located. www.lauriekleinphotography.com.
would love your input before I launch it.
love,
Laurie

Summer Fun

2010-07-21T12:19:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks I’ve been working with Laurie at her studio and on a few playdates. It has been a great experience and a great creative outlet for me. Even if we’re organizing the studio or prepping for a workshop I’ve enjoyed the experience. The playdates we’ve done together are a great opportunity to let loose and try something different. I find they are a great escape from “the norm” and also a good way to explore your own emotions. Laurie’s playdates are unique and something I will miss while I’m away at school, but I will try and carry over the experience with me. Working with people I’ve met through Laurie, my work has exploded in a direction I never thought possible. Here are some shots I took at Laurie’s playdates, and one I took on my own, but bringing her instruction with me.

Photography Exhibit Gives Teens' Work Exposure Students of Brookfield photographer Laurie Klein's mentoring program are exhibiting their work through the end of August at the Town Hall. written by Wendy Mitchell

2010-07-15T10:47:00.000-04:00

Laurie Klein and Matt Valenti

Laurie Klein, a world renowned photographer who studied under Ansel Adams, has built an international reputation as a photographer and educator from her studio in Brookfield. Her career has spanned over three decades and includes artistic portraits, unique fine art nature pieces, and occasionally some wedding photography.

Klein's belief that it is important to give teens a creative outlet in the arts has spawned a photography mentoring program that has been going strong for over 15 years. This month and next, the youths are exhibiting their work on the walls of Brookfield Town Hall.

A Brookfield native, Klein has been mentoring Brookfield and Newtown teens for about 15 years on a one-on-one basis. For the last five years, she added Bethel and Wooster students and began conducting group sessions.

"I found photography as a student in Brookfield High and if it wasn't for some people there encouraging me, I would have fallen through the cracks," Klein reflected.

"Laurie's program confirmed for me that creative outlets are worth the time and effort," Matt Valenti of Bethel said. "Laurie showed me how to infuse my creativity into all daily life. Laurie's mentorship is one of the most positive and influential experiences of my life," he stated.

The program generally takes in 10-12 teens from September through December and hosts workshops and other events throughout the year.

Valenti, a 2010 Bethel High School graduate, wanted to set up an independent study program during his senior year of high school. His photography teacher suggested working with Klein. His works, along with three other local teens, are displayed in the photography exhibit at the Town Hall.

Christina D'Arco (Brookfield Class of 2010), Nicole Cudzilo (Bethel 2009), and Kate Foy (Newtown 2010) also have their work on display.

The show came about when Mary Daniel, Chairman of the Brookfield Arts Commission, approached Klein to ask if her mentees would like to exhibit work. Daniel saw the show they participated in at the Danbury mayor's office, which included an opening-night reception, and thought it would be a great idea to have one in Brookfield.

"We learn how to critique work without saying 'I like something or I don't like something' because that could be very insulting and judgmental," Klein explained. "We use 'This works' or 'This doesn't work' and that's why the kids named their [Danbury] show 'It Works.'"

"Being a part of Laurie's Young Adult Retreat was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had," D'Arco said. "It really opened my eyes to the world of photography."

She continued, "There was a point in the program where I began to doubt myself and my abilities, as I saw everyone else already beginning to put their work together and finalize their decisions. When that light bulb finally went off, I immediately went to Laurie with my photos, and she supported me 100 percent. I had chosen to photograph my Indian friend in traditional Indian saris to show cultural diversity and natural beauty. Laurie's encouragement and faith in me throughout the entire program is what kept me motivated, and I believe my final exhibit was evidence of this. "

According to Klein, next year's program will be different than that of previous years because of their involvement with The Silo in New Milford, now known as Hunt Hill Farm. The owners, Ruth and Skitch Henderson, a conductor for the Boston/NY Pops, invited Klein to do a show in the main gallery, which limits her to only six kids. The students will learn how to produce, exhibit and hang a show.

"This year they will have to figure out what their theme is earlier and images have to be really tight. The kids have to get a letter or recommendation from an art teacher or guidance counselor, send a bio, a statement of why they want to do this, as well as samples of their work," Klein said.

With no youth center in Brookfield there are not many venues for teens to show their work. "It's a problem in the schools, period," she said, "What's the first thing that gets cut?"

Her dream is to obtain a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project for her mentoring program in order to purchase laptops, equipment for a darkroom and infrared cameras.

"Teenagers are incredible. I really don't know who gets more out of it, me or them?" Klein said. "They have infused my business with so much art and energy."

Laurie Klein's mentor program photography exhibit is open to the public for viewing during Town Hall hours. All work is for sale. Contact Mary Daniel at 203-740-9290.

For more information about Laurie Klein Photography or her youth mentoring program, contact herat the studio.

I want to share my wonderful morning with you.

2010-07-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

Michele Prince was my muse this morning. Mark her boyfriend was our anchor and there for her and my every need.
Mark and Michele, both incredible artists brought vines that we intertwined Michele in, total magic.
Best to be told with her words and my photographs.

" At one point, in the water with the vines, once I was feeling comfortable and not like I was going to fall off the chair, it was trancendent, like being all alone, but all at one with everything, the water, the air, the vine, you, Mark, the music. I was one with everything, outside of myself and yet so deeply connected to all, does that sound strange? Aware of you, but so unaware. It was like nourishment. Makes me tearful. I only wish that I was more sure of my footing and balance so that I could have totally let go and lost myself in the air, the water, the moment. Indeed. "

"Mark and I, we had such an amazing and cool morning with you today. Thank you for just being so creative and willing to take risks. Thank you, also, for allowing me the opportunity to express myself through your art. I will have to work at getting better water legs!!! Once again, a magical experience. You are one amazing artist and woman, such an inspiration to be around."

Michele and Mark I can't wait for our next shoot. xo LK

A few more photos of MaleneB

2010-06-28T16:59:00.000-04:00

I love Red Hook in Brooklyn, these photographs were taken in Ikea's parking lot. Can't wait to photograph MaleneB there once again. I am working on a new website that will showcase the new direction my photography is going, so many of the photographs from the session with Malene I love and want to use on the new site. PLEASE let me know which of the images move you the most. Thanks. http://www.ikea.com/

Photo Shoot with the amazing designer MaleneB

2010-06-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was incredible with MaleneB

MaleneB is an uber talented, internationally acclaimed custom rug designer. Her creative energy is so inspiring to me. In the past few years we have done photo shoots on Marco Island, Long Island Sound, and Candlewood Lake, each a waterfront location, which as you know, are my favorite shooting locales. Recently MaleneB moved to Brooklyn so we chose that for our setting this time. I was so excited for something edgy, new and urban. When we were choosing her wardrobe MaleneB suggested we shoot at the water, all I could think was “not another crowded beach”! My only experience of a beach in Brooklyn were my trips to Coney Island as a child so my perspective was a little skewed. When she started to describe Red Hook to me - an urban shore line, artist lofts, cruise ships and water taxis zooming by and then the nail clincher, a perfect view of Lady Liberty - I realized quickly that my assumptions about the Brooklyn waterfront were way off. You know what they say about the true meaning of ASSUME. It was a good lesson for me to remember, keep an open mind especially when you are in the company of another talented creative such as MaleneB. http://www.maleneb.com/
Here are a few photos from our shoot, which is your favorite?
Many of my photographs of MaleneB have appeared in numerous magazines including Interior Design Magazine. http://www.interiordesign.net/
Stay tuned for more MaleneB images from different Brooklyn locations.

Celebrate the Feminine

2010-06-16T20:41:00.004-04:00

it's a PLAYDATE!!With

famed photographer, teacher, and

motivational speaker
LAURIE KLEIN

Celebrate the Feminine!

Come Celebrate Who You Are and

Where You Are in

Your Life!

Would you like to let your hair down

and have an afternoon

of great fun?

Are you ready to embrace your creative

spirit and let it

carry you away?

Could there be a gentle goddess, naughty

nymph, or

mischievous mermaid somewhere inside

of you?

That's what this playdate is all about

celebrating

who you are and exploring alternative

sources of

creativity all in a safe environment.

Sunday July 18, 2010, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Westport CT

Activities include:
Being photographed by Laurie Klein,
both in
and/or out of the water. (Bring a variety
of outfits
that fit your inner persona or your alter
ego,
wedding dresses, flowing fabric,
solid color
bathing suits, lace, business or party attire,
costumes, and lots of wild makeup.)
Active visioning and relaxation exercises,
as well as a guided journey
An opportunity to photograph others.
Bring your own cameras
Applying the Method Acting technique
to your own particular creative endeavors.

Swim and Bask! After a dip in the pool
or river,
bask in the sun and enjoy the marvelous spirited
camaraderie of like-minded women who love
healthy, gourmet snacks and sinful
Bridgewater Chocolates!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

First come first serve, limited to 12 artsy girls.

Fee $100 if register by June 18, $125 after June

18th(value $1500)

Added bonus! Includes a signed 8x10 of your

favorite image.

call 203-740-1110

Keep watching your email for more

information.

Laurie Klein has an international reputation for

her Bodies in Water photography series. She is

also an accomplished instructor in both creative

techniques and unleashing The Brilliance Within.

Her focus is on women. She conducts workshops

throughout the year, and also she herself was

mentored

by Ansel Adams and in turn she now mentors young,

up-and-coming, artists in an effort to give back what

he received from him.

Camera Handling Workshop

2010-06-13T20:09:00.000-04:00

Had a blast in todays Camera Handling class. We worked on depth of field and shutter speeds.
These are some of the photographs that Jody Murray took, she proved that not only is she an amazing acupuncturist but also a photo rock star.
www.acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

Win a Free photo session with Laurie

2010-06-02T21:18:00.000-04:00

Win a Free photo session with Laurie
(value $1,500)
All of my students this summer will be eligible to participate in a raffle.
The prize will be a free 1 hour photo session with me (worth $1500) included is an 8x10 RC print. The photo session will be at my private studio on Candlewood Lake in Brookfield, Ct. On August 30th I will draw the winner's name. Good luck to you all.

2010-06-02T19:15:00.002-04:00

Photographic Workshops & Photographic Play Dates

Basic Camera Handling with Laurie Klein

Have fun learning how to use all the features on your digital or film camera. Gain a clearer understanding of how to take great pictures. Laurie will instruct you on the use of: f-stops, shutter speeds, flash, digital white balance, lenses, diopters, ISO, exposure, metering, continuous shooting, modes, bracketing, manual and automatic focus, and so much more.

Wednesday evenings June 9th and 16th 7-9:30, $165 or Sunday June 13th 10-3:30, $165

Photograph of Nicole at one of last year's summer workshops

Creating Classic B&W and Infrared Photographs

2010-06-02T19:13:00.000-04:00

Creating Classic B&W and Infrared Photographs
with Laurie Klein and Kyle Perler

Do you know how to get that classic B&W and IR photographic look with your digital camera?

This is a jammed-packed one day opportunity to learn how to photograph both nature, and live models. A discussion will follow on composition, histograms, lighting, exposures and camera settings for B&W and IR. (An IR dedicated camera is optional.)

Kyle will show you how to take your digital files and give them the traditional B&W IR look using filters, and a variety of software.

Equipment: digital SLR, laptop encouraged

Prerequisite: basic camera handling experience, knowledge of f-stops, aperture settings and depth of field.

Sunday June 27th, 9:30-5:00, $195

2010-06-02T19:10:00.000-04:00

Dream the dream, prepare the dream, share the dream PREPARING FOR THE “REAL WORLD OF CREATIVE ARTS“ (for young adults) with Laurie Klein

Do you have an unrelenting passion for the creative arts? Are you on a quest to discover your unique visual voice? If so this workshop is for you. Our medium will be photography so you should have some photographic experience. In order to create a body of work that expresses artistic clarity you will learn:

Do you have an unrelenting passion for the creative arts? Are you on a quest to discover your unique visual voice? If so this workshop is for you. click here for more...

Tuesday June 29th - Wednesday June 30th 10-3:30 $295

How to control your camera instead of having your camera control you
How to express your personal artistic vision
The valuable skill of objective critiquing
How to pre-visualize a scene to get the result that you want
The symbiotic relationship between informing and composing

Daily explorations include:

Being on both sides of the camera, the model and the photographer
Becoming aware of the nuances of natural light
How to pose the subject to its greatest advantage
Creating a visual journal
Looking at each other’s work

Developing an artistic vocabulary
Analyzing accomplished photographers work
Developing exciting portfolios

Tuesday June 29th - Wednesday June 30th 10-3:30 $295

2010-06-02T18:58:00.000-04:00

Got Juice? - Creative Juice That Is
with Laurie Klein

Do you recall the freedom and joy you felt as a child when playing with finger paints? Creative thinking was easier then. We relied more upon our intuitive, right-brain functioning than on our logical left-brain functioning. It’s time to bring back that creative child again.

This workshop will facilitate:

• independent expression

• visual journaling

• greater reliance on intuition

• small group creative ‘think tanks’

• will facilitate broader analytical thinking

• renewed energy and initiative

• heightened awareness of new possibilities

This is a hands-on workshop that uses photography as a tool to unblock years of reticent creativity. It does not require any knowledge of photography other than the ability to point and shoot. Laurie’s goal is to have her students leave the workshop with renewed purpose, new perspectives, and the ability to keep growing their creative skills on their own. Get some juice, get ‘out of the box’ and shout, “I’ve got a better idea!”

Friday-Sunday July 30th - August 1st, 10- 3:30 $395

The Digital Side of Photography

2010-06-02T18:52:00.003-04:00

The Digital Side of Photography
with Kyle Perler

Do you know how to make your digital camera work for you?
How do you choose the best settings for your digital camera?
Do you know what all the bells and whistles on your camera do?
Do you know how all this new technology works?
Those are the first questions Kyle will address.

What comes after capturing your image?

If these are questions you ask yourself, then this class is perfect for you.

Come learn the answers to these and other subjects such as file management, resizing, backups and simple photo editing. We will wrap up the class discussing different methods of printing and displaying your finished images.

Prerequisite: basic camera handling experience, knowledge of f-stops, aperture settings and depth of field.

Sunday July 18th, 10-3:30, $150

Playdates

2010-06-02T18:49:00.001-04:00

PLAYDATES - LET LOOSE, HAVE FUN, LEARN.

Running Water at Bulls Bridge, Route 7, with Kyle Perler

There is something magical about photographing water. Join us for this fun play date. Challenge yourself to photograph moving water, often a difficult subject. Learn about exposures, histograms, using neutral density filters, time-lapse exposures, and lighting. Kyle will teach you how to select your cameras features, such as f-stops, shutter speeds, and focal planes in order to photograph water like the masters used to. Kyle will demonstrate compositional techniques with a traditional large format camera. Please bring a tripod if you have one.

Tuesday June 29th 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm $45.00

Glamour and Fashion Photography, on Location and in Natural Light.

Come shoot with Laurie Klein and Kyle Perler along with the spectacular and beautiful model, Nicole Cudzilo. Learn how to utilize a model's body language through posing techniques held secret by professional photographers. Find out how to use natural and available light to add depth and dimension to your images without having to spend a ton of money on expensive equipment. A discussion will follow on composition, histograms, lighting, exposures, and camera settings for color and B&W.

Equipment: digital SLR, laptop encouraged
Prerequisite: basic camera handling experience, knowledge of f-stops, aperture settings and depth of field.

This will be a fabulous, fast-paced playdate, filled with energy and fun.

We will learn how to:
~establish a personal rapport with a model
~encourage a model's emotional commitment
~pose and determine body language
~create great light using many techniques
~utilize the natural environment
~choose proper lenses and camera settings
~use some of Laurie's and Kyle's photographic secrets (you have to promise not to tell anyone!).

We will wrap-up this exciting day with an informal critique and taste test of international chocolates!

Sunday July 25th 10:00 - 4:00, $195 + $15 model fee

Magical Muse Experience

2010-06-02T18:46:00.002-04:00

Magical Muse Experience

Try something new with Laurie Klein

“It’s was a great daycation” H.T.

You will come away……..

Feeling refreshed, excited, and creatively stimulated

Bound book of 20 joyous photos, that we select together that will be cherished, recording that day’s experience,

All of the photos taken that day on a DVD

The opportunity to express the inner child at play

LK will lead you on a 4 hour Alice in Wonderland experience that includes:

Being photographed by Laurie Klein with her many signature styles

Energy work or massage by a wonderful masseuse Arden

Brown bag gourmet lunch and brief tour on Candlewood Lake

Day at the lake

Having fun with Laurie’s youthful assistant Nicole as she coordinates with you wardrobes and make up that brings out different personas for the photographs.

You can bring out your alter ego, try on new persona’s and just play.

Please call to inquire about dates, fees and times. Because this is a custom course, Laurie will work around your schedule.

Laurie Klein and Kyle Perler

2010-06-02T18:42:00.000-04:00

Laurie Klein is a very successful Fine Art and Commercial Photographer and has been teaching and ‘mentoring’ students of all ages for 30+ years. Laurie found her artistic passion in high school, thanks to teachers and professionals that supported her dream! She received a B.F.A. from R.I.T. and her M.F.A. from Ohio U.

Laurie went on to study with the famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams, who in his own words he said:

“Her style is unique, combining a wonderful ability for composition and a sensitivity to her subjects that will carry her to the top of her field. I can’t teach the way she sees and feels!” Ansel Adams

Kyle Perler graduated with a BFA from Tufts University in collaboration with the

School of The Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Kyle currently works at a high-end commercial and medical photographic studio in downtown Boston as a photographer

and production manager. He is an accomplished printer and photoshop technician, and has been showcased in the MFA among other locations in the greater Boston area. www.kyleperler.com

Gift certificates, private instruction in person or via Skype are available.

203-740-1110

www.laurieklein.com

I will be teaching at Peters Valley Craft Center this coming August

2010-05-30T15:10:00.001-04:00

Bodies in Water: The Penultimate Metaphor
with Laurie Klein

Peters Valley 973-948-5200
https://pvcrafts.org/

August 13-16 (4 day)
Level: Beginner to advanced
Photography in and around water presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this workshop we will use the female form in water to explore the many techniques for creating stunning metaphoric images. By conducting daily shooting exercises, you will gain insight and knowledge about reflectivity, exposures in changing conditions, and the pros and cons of b&w, infrared and color photography under these conditions. Best of all with be the fun and unpredictability that only water offers. You will learn special pre-visualization techniques, as well as how to pose your subject and use artificial textures to create organic results. In addition, there will be end of day group interaction, group critiquing and an opportunity for individual critiquing of your portfolio by Laurie Klein. This workshop is for WOMEN ONLY!
Laurie Klien is a protégé of Ansel Adams. She has evolved a unique style that combines her love of photography with the essence of relationships. Author of Hand Coloring Black and White Photography published by Quarry Books she is a member of the Cameracraftsment of America Society.

Join us! Summer photographic workshops and Playdates

2010-05-23T14:03:00.001-04:00

Photographic Workshops & Photographic Play Dates

High school students inquire about discounted pricing

Basic Camera Handling with Laurie Klein

Wednesday evenings June 9th and 16th 7-9:30, $165 or Sunday June 13th 10-3:30, $165

Creating Classic B&W and Infrared Photographs with Laurie Klein and Kyle Perler

Do you know how to get that classic B&W and IR photographic look with your digital camera?

Kyle will show you how to take your digital files and give them the traditional B&W IR look using filters, and a variety of software.

Equipment: digital SLR, laptop encouraged

Prerequisite: basic camera handling experience, knowledge of f-stops, aperture settings and depth of field.

Sunday June 27th, 9:30-5:00, $195

Dream the dream, prepare the dream, share the dream PREPARING FOR THE “REAL WORLD OF CREATIVE ARTS“ (for young adults) with Laurie Klein

How to control your camera instead of having your camera control you
How to express your personal artistic vision
The valuable skill of objective critiquing
How to pre-visualize a scene to get the result that you want
The symbiotic relationship between informing and composing

Daily explorations include:

Being on both sides of the camera, the model and the photographer
Becoming aware of the nuances of natural light
How to pose the subject to its greatest advantage
Creating a visual journal
Looking at each other’s work

Developing an artistic vocabulary
Analyzing accomplished photographers work
Developing exciting portfolios

Tuesday June 29th - Wednesday June 30th 10-3:30 $295

The Digital Side of Photography

with Kyle Perler

Do you know how to make your digital camera work for you?

How do you choose the best settings for your digital camera?

Do you know what all the bells and whistles on your camera do?

Do you know how all this new technology works?

Those are the first questions Kyle will address.

What comes after capturing your image?

If these are questions you ask yourself, then this class is perfect for you.

Prerequisite: basic camera handling experience, knowledge of f-stops, aperture settings and depth of field.

Sunday July 18th, 10-3:30, $150

Got Juice? – Creative Juice That Is

with Laurie Klein

Now more than ever, the global marketplace is demanding higher and higher levels of creative thinking. With the emergence of a well educated, middle class in countries such as China and India, the economic competitive advantage in the future will fall to the society that learns to use new techniques that foster cutting-edge creative solutions.

This workshop will facilitate:

• independent expression

• visual journaling

• greater reliance on intuition

• small group creative ‘think tanks’

• will facilitate broader analytical thinking

• renewed energy and initiative

• heightened awareness of new possibilities

Friday-Sunday July 30th - August 1st, 10- 3:30 $395

PlayDates – Let loose, have fun, learn.

Running Water at Bulls Bridge, Route 7, with Kyle Perler

There is something magical about photographing water. Join us for this fun play date. Challenge yourself to photograph moving water, often a difficult subject. Learn about exposures, histograms, using neutral density filters, time-lapse exposures, and lighting. Kyle will teach you how to select your cameras features, such as f-stops, shutter speeds, and focal planes in order to photograph water like the masters used to. Kyle will demonstrate compositional techniques with a traditional large format camera. Please bring a tripod if you have one.

Tuesday June 29th 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm $45.00

Glamour and Fashion Photography, on Location and in Natural Light.

With Laurie Klein and Kyle Perler and the spectacular and beautiful model, Nicole Cudzilo.

This will be a fabulous, fast-paced playdate, filled with energy and fun.

We will learn how to:

establish a personal rapport with a model
encourage a model’s emotional commitment
pose and determine body language
create great light using many techniques
utilize the natural environment
choose proper lenses and camera settings
use some of Laurie and Kyle’s photographic secrets (you have to promise not to tell anyone!).

We will wrap-up this exciting day with an informal critique and taste test of international chocolates.

Sunday July 25th 10:00 - 4:00, $195 + $15 model fee

Share your work with Laurie and Kyle

This lay back critique session will allow you to get feedback on images you are working on, plus the wonderful opportunity to see other’s photographs.

Thursday July 1st 7:00- 9:00, $ 25.00

Magical Muse Experience

Try something new with Laurie Klein

“It’s was a great daycation” H.T.

You will come away……..

Feeling refreshed, excited, and creatively stimulated

Bound book of 20 joyous photos, that we select together that will be cherished, recording that day’s experience,

All of the photos taken that day on a DVD

The opportunity to express the inner child at play

LK will lead you on a 4 hour Alice in Wonderland experience that includes:

Being photographed by Laurie Klein with her many signature styles

Energy work or massage by a wonderful masseuse Arden

Brown bag gourmet lunch and brief tour on Candlewood Lake

Day at the lake

Having fun with Laurie’s youthful assistant Nicole as she coordinates with you wardrobes and make up that brings out different personas for the photographs.

You can bring out your alter ego, try on new persona’s and just play.

Please call to inquire about dates, fees and times. Because this is a custom course, Laurie will work around your schedule.

She received a B.F.A. from R.I.T. and her M.F.A. from Ohio U.

Laurie went on to study with the famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams, who in his own words he said:

Kyle Perler graduated with a BFA from Tufts University in collaboration with the School of The Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Kyle currently works at a high-end commercial and medical photographic studio in downtown Boston as a photographer and production manager. He is an accomplished printer and photoshop technician, and has been showcased in the MFA among other locations in the greater Boston area. www.kyleperler.com

Gift certificates, private instruction in person or via Skype are available.

203-740-1110

www.laurieklein.com

Where will you find me on Saturday, May 8th? You could be my next Muse!

2010-05-05T13:25:00.001-04:00

"A Homeward Bound Happenin"

www.homewardboundstyle.com

Kathy Walsh, owner of Homeward Bound is one of the most creative people I know, she continually surprises me and has broadened her creative repertoire to videoing taping. I had the pleasure to photograph her beautiful and talented daughter Kara, and guess what? We are now we are on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcRwtu84myU&feature=player_embedded

Photoshoot

2010-05-05T13:24:00.000-04:00

Kicking off our spring summer photo workshops with many surprises to come.

2010-05-05T13:03:00.000-04:00

May 1st I held my first photographic play date of the spring and it was incredible. Stay tune for exciting workshops, playcations and play dates to be announced soon.

This is what one of the students said:
"I love these photos of our workshop. It captures the magical quality of our time together!! Great group of creatives! I look forward to more." H.K.B.A.

Photographic Exhibit in NYC

2010-05-02T19:27:00.000-04:00

New Member Exhibition 2010
May 3 - May 31, 2010

Gallery:

TD Bank
2109 Broadway
New York 10023
646-505-1118

Details:

PWP is pleased to announce this year’s New Member Exhibition. The exhibit will feature work by the following PWP members: Amy Mangano, Asha Agnish, Debbie Miracolo, Deborah Terry, Laura Dwight, Laurie Klein, Linda Sandow, Shell Sheddy, and Trish Mayo. Every year, the newest members of the organization are invited to show their photographs in this special exhibition. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the PWP community, and we hope to see you all there to show your support!

http://www.pwponline.org

Opening Reception: Monday May 3rd, 2010 5-7pm

Bank Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-8:00; Sat 7:30-6:00; Sun 11:00-4:00

A wonderful weekend with my sons

2010-04-25T20:32:00.000-04:00

As most of you know my sons are the most creative creation I have done. I love any and all time I have with them and developing a whole new relationship with adult kids is just the best. Kyle and I are in the process of developing a joint business, will be sharing this very soon, I so can't wait. He and I met in Boston this weekend and then went down to Scituate to watch Bryce in a National Lifting Competition. Since Bryce doesn't let me go to the gym with him (what's that all about???) I have never watched him lift, this has been a passion of his for years and he is diligent with his workouts. The competition was a lot of fun, even watching his face turn bright red and his veins popping. He was awesome in so many ways, he won 2 first places in his division, a gold medal and he was the only lifter to wear white ballet slippers....yes he is my son and has the hair to prove it. Congrats to you Bryce. For more photos from the competition, http://www.facebook.com/laurie.j.klein?ref=profile

Peters Valley Photographic Retreat

2010-04-18T22:03:00.002-04:00

It will take me a few blog entries to describe the incredible photographic retreat I went on this past weekend at Peter's Valley. I will be teaching at the Peters Valley Craft Center this summer. This is a photograph that I took there yesterday. The area is gorgeous and filled with streams, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. Perfect for the workshop I will be teaching http://www.petersvalley.org/brochure/photography.pdf

Bodies in Water: The Penultimate Metaphor

Laurie Klein

August 13-16 (4 day)

Photography in and around water presents unique challenges and op-portunities. In this workshop we will use the female form in water to ex-plore the many techniques for cre-ating stunning metaphoric images. By conducting daily shooting exer-cises, you will gain insight and knowl-edge about reflectivity, exposures in changing conditions, and the pros and cons of b&w, infrared and color photography under these condi-tions. Best of all with be the fun and unpredictability that only water of-fers. You will learn special pre-visualization techniques, as well as how to pose your subject and use artificial textures to create organic results. In addition, there will be end of day group interaction, group cri-tiquing and an opportunity for indi-vidual critiquing of your portfolio by Laurie Klein. This workshop is for women only.

Joanne Conant, an incredibly talented artist is having her first one woman art exhibit displaying her paintings.

2010-04-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

Joanne Conant Invitation
Danbury City Hall Art Exhibition

Come join the artist for the opening reception of
"Tranquility"
Landscape oil paintings by
Joanne Conant
April 22, 2010, Danbury City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue
5:30 to 7pm.The Gallery is located on the third floor.

Joanne has been involved in the arts for over thirty years as an enamellist and metal smith. She studies painting with master painter Ira Barkoff at the Washington Art Association. Joanne has been invited by the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance to show her work at an exhibition at the mayor's office in Danbury.
Joanne cordially invites you to the opening reception. The show is entitled Tranquility. Her inspiration is quiet, peaceful moments shared with nature.
The show runs from April 22 through June 3rd. City Hall is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 to 6:00. The reception is free, and open to the public. All paintings displayed are for sale.

Please visit the H.V.C.A. website, www.hvculturalarts.org to find out more about this wonderful organization.

For additional information please contact Joanne at JSConant@charter.net.
Joanne Conant
www.JSConant@charter.net
Forward email

Shona Curtis' Photo Exhibit

2010-04-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

This evening my friend and incredible acupuncturist Jody Murray www.acupxtherapy.blogspot.com and I went to see Shona's photographs at Bank Street Coffee House, 56 Bank St. New Milford, CT. www.ShonArtPhotography.com. Her photographs will be on exhibit through May9th. If you get a chance go up and see her work. She did a wonderful job grouping her images and has a flare for a quirkiness of structure and metaphors in her imagary.

Behind the scene of April's Moment of the Month

2010-04-05T13:22:00.001-04:00

While I was in Florida I spent a day with the wonderful photographer, Cherilyn Nocera. She is as beautiful inside as out. http://www.noceraphotographic.com/ We photographed on Pine Island on a chilly, perfect infrared day. As we were walking I saw this incredible tree that reached up into the sky beckoning to be photographed. As she leaned into the tree I asked her to look up. The moment came and I acted on it and took this photo. We must have spent 4 hours photographing that day. I love the images I created and having the chance to get to know this gentle spirit.

Self portrait

2010-03-29T17:43:00.002-04:00

I have made a commitment to myself to photograph as much as I can, really challenging my comfort zone....thank you Hal,http://www.dreambiggercoaching.com/. As many of you know, especially Nicole, I hate having my photo taken, of course that is why I am usually on the other side of the camera. This weekend I wanted to do an artist play day and as I was looking for models I realized the only one I could find to model was me. So I took photos of me and found one that I actually like. Of course there is only one identifiable trait.......

The two photographs of mine in "The Point of Departure" Exhibit.

2010-03-24T14:06:00.000-04:00

Awarded second place

Paige and Peacock Feather Point of Departure V.

Kendell in water was also in the top 10 for this exhibit.

"Points of Departure" Exhibit

2010-03-22T14:00:00.002-04:00

I am beyond thrilled to have had 2 of my photographs selected in the "Points of Departure" exhibit at the Visarts Center in Rockville, MD. 743 photographs were submitted, 53 images were selected by 5 Jurors who are Canon's "Explorers of Light": Clay Blackmore, Joyce Tenneson, Steve Inglima, Gregory Heisler, and Eddie Tapp. Both of my images were in the top 10. AND, to my excitement a photograph I took of one of my mentoring students, Paige Zeitler took second place.
On a very personal note their facility includes the Monte Zucker Center for Photography, named after a dear friend of mine who mentored me when I first came out of college. He would have been proud!

Nicole flies solo

2010-03-18T22:14:00.000-04:00

We all had an amazing time last night when we attended the opening of Nicole's first solo exhibit.
A very large crowd came to see her amazing photos. Although I have been mentoring her for the past few years, even I was moved by the emotional maturity that this 19 year expressed. She and her work are an inspiration to many people on many levels.

Seeing Nicole for the first time in MONTHS!

2010-03-15T20:43:00.002-04:00

She came over to the studio today and we talked non stop for 3 1/2 hours. We had a lot of catching up, she is taking 4 classes at college and well I have been in Florida most of the winter.
I hope all of you out there can come and see her first one woman exhibit on Wednesday at the Town Hall in Danbury. She will always remember her first solo show.
We are also planning some exciting events and classes together in the near future.
Congrads to you Nicole!!!!

almost 12 years later

2010-03-10T21:03:00.006-05:00

I loved photographing Gina and Craig almost 12 years ago. Their wedding was at Tappan Hill http://www.abigailkirsch.com, and it was a fairy tale wedding It was late fall and the light was perfect for infrared, there was so much love in the air. Funny, I remember their wedding like it was yesterday. Today Gina and I ate lunch with their daughter Vanessa. How blessed am I to still be in touch after all of these years and to be a part of one anothers life.

Creative Clusters ~ a wonderful opportunity for networking for creatives in all disiplines.

2010-03-09T19:01:00.001-05:00

"Creative Clusters" Networking Forum
Co-sponsred by HVCA and the Center for New Media and the Arts.

Friday, MARCH 19
7-9 PM
Wine & Cheese served
RSVP Requested
See PDF Flyer

Center for New Media and the Arts
186 Greenwood Ave., Bethel/ Second Floor
RSVP via Email
(include your name, address, phone)

This event is a cross-disciplinary and informal networking forum for the free and open exchange of information and ideas related to all forms of the arts, including visual and literary arts, theatre, music and other performing arts, fine crafts and artful fabrications and more!

A few reasons you don't want to miss this!
Connect with other people
Create and/or expand your tribe!
Problem solve
Share ideas -new information
Relax
Munch & Mingle
Explore new Opportunities
INTENDED AUDIENCE: emerging, mid-career, and professional visual and performing artists, designers, writers, film, business professionals, and anyone looking to connect with the creative community

FEE: HVCA members -Free; non-HVCA members $10.00
Wine & Cheese served / RSVP requested via email or call 203-798-0760

Registered participants (partial listing) include: Lionel Bascom, Author & Professor; Vicky Bloch, - Owner/operator of At Home Design, consultant service; Gloria Capone; accomplished singer and teacher; Jill Henderson, President, CT Dance Alliance; Rene Hue -Owner/operator of Willow Designs, Kristen Jenson - Well known Lifestyle Photographer, former International Model; Laurie Klein - Renowned leader in non-traditional Photography, Author, Lecturer, & Teacher; Hal Tweedy -over 35 years experience as a Creativity Coach, Business Coach, and a Life Coach of artists of all types; And more!

Artist Reception at Danbury City Hall

2010-03-02T20:31:00.001-05:00

Artist's Reception for Nicole Cudzilo's Solo Photography Exhibit entitled: "Wakeful Dreamers"

WHEN: Wednesday March 17th
WHERE: Danbury City Hall 3d floor
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm
COST: FREE!!!

Nicole Cudzilo is a nineteen year-old local photographer. She has trained under the professional guidance of Laurie Klein- a protege of the great landscape photographer Ansel Adams. Nicole has been invited to show her work at a six week long exhibition at the mayor's office in the city hall in Danbury CT, in partnership with the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance.

The exhibit is being shown March 4th-April 15th. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 6:00pm.
Invite all of your friends and come down for some light refreshments and some photography!

ALL WORK IS FOR SALE!!!

Contact Nicole at: nicolecudzilo@gmail.com for more information.

Photo session with Gail

2010-02-21T19:36:00.004-05:00

Had so much fun photographing Gail in Marco Island last week. She was wonderful to work with. Actually she took a collage class with me at The Naples Philharmonic and decided to do a muse play date with me. She had on this great top that I had her put over her head and this great pattern occurred. Of course this is Infrared film. I am hoping we can do another photo session this week.

Great story

2010-02-14T17:32:00.004-05:00

Kathleen Limbach was a student of mine at The Naples Phil in my collage class this past month. Her creative energy is infectious! She loves Joyce Tenneson's book, "Wise Woman." She has alway wanted to be a wise woman ( Kathleen you are!) for her collage she decided to do a portrait of herself and put it in the back of Joyce's Wise Women book, henceforth becoming a wise woman!

This is Kathleen with her collage which is a mixed media collage, using hand made paper with Citra-solv ( citra-art ) old eye glasses, her necklace and she even made hair that looks like her own hair.

There is much to learn from an artistic wise woman!

Collage Class at The Phil

2010-02-13T10:37:00.002-05:00

Loved the group I worked with and was blown away by the collages they created. In the next couple of days I will create a gallery of their work and show more Citra-Art, if you haven't tried it you must, as many are saying it is way too much fun. I will explain how to create it.

Back at the Ranch, Wednesday's Wild Adventures in Florida

2010-02-10T20:53:00.002-05:00

Back on the Ranch, we spent a lot of time with a donkey and a horse. Of course the cows and the Emu's couldn't wait to see Manya and me again.

Story behing February's moment of the month

2010-02-01T21:12:00.003-05:00

I met Manya for the first time and we went to this incredible ranch near Ft Myers Florida. The ranch owner is her friend. He was so gracious and left us an all terrain vehicle to go out into the fields. If you have been following me on Face book you have seen photos of the Emu, that pecked at my camera lens and the horses. We went into the cow pasture, as soon as I closed the gate behind me I would say 30 or more cows started charging for us. It was such a sight. Manya was really calm and stopped the vehicle and they literally had to put their brakes on so they didn't crash into us. They circled us, checking us out and they and wanted food, later I found out they are use to being fed by a truck bringing their food in. Manya got out of the vehicle and walked around with the cows. I stayed in the vehicle, at the beginning it was because these cows were so big, so filled with milk, and I wasn't sure what they were going to do. Then I realized it gave me a great angle for the photos. I asked Manya to sit down with them. The cows were really inquisitive, and gave us space. One started charging the other, definitely the alpha cow. That didn't last long.
The experience was amazing, the light perfect for infrared and the eyes on the cows were all knowing. I felt I could have been in Africa on safari, or anywhere in the world. The cows stayed with us and at times made a circle around each of us, almost in a protective, nurturing way. During the shoot I was filled with this incredible feeling of awe over the harmony on this ranch with the animals, people and nature, each flowed into one another, each animal had it's own personality and uniqueness. There was an incredible balance. I watched the cows and the other animals and was reminded how much we can learn from animals and nature.
Manya and I hope to return there soon to create more photos. Stay tuned.

What can I say?

2010-01-31T21:27:00.002-05:00

An incredible day with Manya at Vic's ranch

2010-01-29T21:41:00.003-05:00

I had so much fun photographing Manya today. We even had about 20 cows come charging our way to see if we brought food. Thank you so much Manya for bringing so much of you to our photo session!

Monday Morning Inspiration

2010-01-27T20:31:00.001-05:00

It is a dogs life!

Laurie Klein Photography

Inspiring trip to The Bahama's!

IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS

Susan G. Komen

Be inspired by a 17 year old!

Complimentary photo of you when you take Celebrate The Feminine Worshop.

Tillman Crane's October Musing was so amazing that I had to share it with you. I meet Tillman a few years ago at Peters Valley. He is an incredible photographer and photographic educator. Enjoy his Musing!

FRIDAY 30, SEPTEMBER 2011

October 2011 Musing

Fall Workshops

So proud, check out this great work. Not that I'm prejudice since he's my son.

Join me Tuesday Sept. 27. I will be giving a talk called "Beyond creativity to never-never land." for the Candlewood camera club

Baby Boomers: The Perfect Way to Tap Into Your Creativity

So wonderful to share young talents' work!!!!! take a moment and feel what has been written below.

Fireworks photography TIPS and I challenge you

Finding your visual voice workshop at Peters Valley

An afternoon of indulgence at Spruce Home and Garden

How to turn water into wine?! I challenge all of you!

C'mon, I'm trying a fun new way of creating photography with you!

Please share your favorite iPhone apps with me and others!!!!!

The power of a wedding

Peters Valley here we come!

Have to share this new book that Alyson Stanfield on her blog today

Article in the Brookfield Patch about me working with budding photographers at Whisconier Middle School

Join us for a photographic playdate "The Ice Prince and the Ice Princess." Be the photographer and or the model on Saturday Feb. 5th 1:30- 3:30

Photographing in NYC after the snow fall

The Ice Princess Cometh!

Women of all ages you be my Ice Princess Muse? Hauntingly beautiful, dressed in white or black, gliding across the frozen lake, or playing in the snow. Become a ghostly image of a princess past or present?

Are you coming tomorrow, Sunday Jan. 23rd?

Laurie Klein Photography Gallery talk is tomorrow, come and hear more about how the students created their incredible images that are now on display at The Silo. http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org/

Gallery talk at The Silo this Sunday Jan 23rd 2-4

Six Views Exhibit, 6 amazing high school seniors and their photography

Nicole Cudzilo is featured in a wonderful article in The Patch

Connecticut Post's article on the mentoring students exhibit, which opens tomorrow, please join us!

Two Wonderful articles written about Six Views. Two more days and the mentoring students reveal the magical photographs they have been working on since September! Please join us!!!!

Guess who came on Tuesday to talk with the Mentoring students?

10 days before my mentoring students exhibit

Launching a new blog and I need your advice.

Six Views at the Silo Gallery January 15th-25th. High School Seniors mentored by Laurie Klein

Do you have any idea what mentoring a student does?

Mentoring Halloween Playdate

My Guru taxi driver.

Fall Mentoring begins and guess where the students exhibit will be?

Artsy Girls Exhibit at the Pierce Ball Gallery

Check out the photos taken at our fabulous hand coloring workshop at the Litchfield Historical Museum.

An article about Laurie - Par Excellence Magazine

Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

Hand Coloring Black and White Photographs at the Litchfield Historical Museum

Rebecca and Marco, continues.....

Rebecca and Marco, an anonymous submission

Rebecca and Marco, please we need your help

Need your help with my new book

Almost ready to launch my new website, take and peak and let me know what you think?

Summer Fun

Photography Exhibit Gives Teens' Work Exposure Students of Brookfield photographer Laurie Klein's mentoring program are exhibiting their work through the end of August at the Town Hall. written by Wendy Mitchell

I want to share my wonderful morning with you.

A few more photos of MaleneB

Photo Shoot with the amazing designer MaleneB

Celebrate the Feminine

Camera Handling Workshop

Win a Free photo session with Laurie

Creating Classic B&W and Infrared Photographs

The Digital Side of Photography

Playdates

Magical Muse Experience

Laurie Klein and Kyle Perler

I will be teaching at Peters Valley Craft Center this coming August

Join us! Summer photographic workshops and Playdates

Where will you find me on Saturday, May 8th? You could be my next Muse!

Photoshoot

Kicking off our spring summer photo workshops with many surprises to come.

Photographic Exhibit in NYC

New Member Exhibition 2010May 3 - May 31, 2010

Gallery:

Details:

A wonderful weekend with my sons

Peters Valley Photographic Retreat

Joanne Conant, an incredibly talented artist is having her first one woman art exhibit displaying her paintings.

Shona Curtis' Photo Exhibit

Behind the scene of April's Moment of the Month

New Member Exhibition 2010
May 3 - May 31, 2010