Photos can be great inspirations for pictorial quilts. In this workshop, we will discuss the elements of pictorial quilts, review the major features that create interesting compositions, and note the visual differences between photographs and quilts. Through series of class photography exercises, we will compare how various photographs translate into quilt designs. Bring your point-and-shoot camera and join us for a day of visual exploration!
Supply List
Paper and Pencil for notes
Digital camera: Bring a simple, point-and-shoot camera that you are comfortable using. This workshop will focus on composing photos, so a camera with simple zoom capability is ideal. You must already know how to operate your camera – this is not a photography workshop in the use of equipment. Cameras with interchangeable lens are fine but not necessary. Don’t plan on using the camera on your mobile phone. While many such phones now take fine pictures, you’ll likely run down the battery. Make sure you have an empty SD card no larger than 32G, and that your camera battery is fully charged.
Photos you’d like to discuss: Print out on regular printer paper any photos you’d like to discuss as potential subjects for a quilt. We will be sketching on these photos, so don’t bring originals or any photos that would be damaged by writing on them. Bring a variety, including informal family photos.
Flowering Plant: Swing by your garden center and get an inexpensive flowering plant. We will be shooting sample photos in class. If you dig a plant up from your garden, make sure it’s in a waterproof container that will not leak. Also bring a clean bucket, container or box of some sort (12” tall is great); we’ll be setting the plants up on these. Cut flowers in a plastic waterproof container are also fine.
Dress weather appropriate: Depending on the weather, we’ll spend some time photographing outside. Dress accordingly (jeans, appropriate walking shoes, jacket, raincoat, etc.).
