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We just rewatched our favorite Finding Forrester, a film about an African American teenager Jamal (Rob Brown) who is invited to attend a prestigious private high school in New York. By chance, Jamal befriends a reclusive writer, William Forrester (Sean Connery), through whom he refines his talent for writing and comes to terms with his identity.

“The first key to writing,” William Forrester admonishes the young Jamal, “is to write.”

His words remind me of something that has always informed my teaching— that making pictures is necessary in order to learn how to make good pictures.

While sheltering in place we have been spending a little time catching up on reading, watching movies and studying great photography. Here's a few things we have been looking at:

 Movie:  Shades & Sunshine: The World of Ansel Adams (rare)

Movie:   Vertigo

Book:   Annie Leibovitz at Work

Book: Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs by Sally Mann 

Photographer:  Steven Wilkes

Photographer:  Keith Carter

Photographer Richard Silver has traveled the world photographing famous landmarks and iconic interiors. For over 30 years, his camera has been in hand documenting his adventures. His latest series of awe-inspiring images have his lens turned towards historic theaters around the globe. Throughout the course of traveling to 94 cities, Silver has had plenty of time to scout unique photo opportunities. [My Modern Met]

From Dorothea Lange to Walker Evans, the FSA photographers of the 1930s shaped a vision of the world transformed by economic crisis . . . [Aperture]



“

White Sands is a magical place. I had a great time this spring as part of a small workshop group shooting with Eloquent Light in this minimalist place yet so rich in photographic opportunities.Craig Varjabedian, our instructor has a deep knowledge of White Sands, his vast experience in photography, his natural talent for teaching, his laughter, sense of humor and easy going personality made the workshop a success for me. I came home with some great images and made a few good memories in the short time there. Hoping to do this again with Eloquent Light!

~Dan I., New York

We're itching to get back in the field and make new images and we hope you are too. Eloquent Light's Private Photography Workshops are an opportunity to engage with your photography and your work one-on-one with award-winning photographer Craig Varjabedian. Once the CDC gives is the "all clear" sign, we'll begin scheduling private workshops, hopefully this summer. As they say on television, "stay tuned!" 

In this unprecedented time, many artists are struggling because of the COVID-19 virus. It is sad to note that nearly two-thirds of all artists in the US are effectively out of work. There are many efforts underway to help with this problem including the Artist Support Pledge and Photographer Support Pledge.

And here's a short missive on why photographers should support other photographers.

Instagram has gotten a lot of attention recently after a district court in New York dismissed photojournalist Stephanie Sinclair’s copyright lawsuit against Mashable for its use of a photograph she posted on Instagram. The court decided that when Sinclair posted her photo, she agreed to Instagram’s terms . . .



"The mission of photography is to explain man to man and each to himself.  And that is the most complicated thing on earth."⁣ 

~Edward Steichen, Photographer⁣ ⁣

 Aiyanna, Diné, for the NATIVE LIGHT PHOTO COLLABORATION.



“I’ve just participated in Eloquent Light's Falling for New Mexico and I’m very pleased I attended. Craig Varjabedian who facilitated the workshop is personable and very attentive to all participants no matter what skills they bring to the workshop. His decades of professional photography and his intimate knowledge of Northern New Mexico allow him to give expert technical advice and also to show participants the best locations for their landscape shots. My time and money were very well invested in Falling for New Mexico.
-Doug H., CA



“What a fantastic workshop we were treated to at White Sands National Monument. Thank you, Craig and Cindy, for sharing this wonderful adventure with us and for being so patient. We carried home memories that will last a lifetime. Our eyes were opened to things that we had not seen before.
We came home with not only images of the stark beauty of White Sands, but knowledge learned in the classroom and in the field, plus friendships. This was my third workshop with Craig Varjabedian and my husband’s first. It was a wonderful experience for both of us and did not disappoint.”
- Robyn & Walter M., Workshop Participants

Tree at Sunset, White Sands National Park, New Mexico | Photograph
©Robyn M.



I’ve just returned from my second workshop with Craig at Eloquent Light Photography Workshops. I love the small intimate groups which give many opportunities to work one-on-one with Craig and his assistant.

Craig’s extensive knowledge of White Sands National Monument [Park] made the vast landscape manageable as he guided us to the ideal locations at the perfect light to compose and capture its beauty. He shared his viewfinder to teach and train our eye to compose pictures with impact and interest.

The results were beautiful images that expressed the feeling and grandeur of White Sands to me. Craig has renewed my love for photography and taught me a new way of seeing light’s play on the land. I look forward to more. Thank you!

~Leslie H.

“You must not blame me if I do talk to the clouds.”⁣
~Henry David Thoreau⁣
⁣
Salt Cedar Pedestals and Clouds, Spring, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗷𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻. 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀⁣.

The bill to designate White Sands National Monument as New Mexico's newest national park passed the Senate this month due to the efforts of U.S. Senator Heinrich and U.S. Representative Torres Small.

“For the first time since 1930, New Mexico will be home to our newest national park. This prestigious recognition of one of our state’s most remarkable natural wonders is an enormous victory for nearby communities and for all New Mexicans,” said Senator Martin Heinrich.

Adventuring into the surreal landscape of the great White Sands in southern New Mexico for many years, Craig Varjabedian became inspired by the region’s luminous, ever-changing dunes of sand to capture the remarkable images in his body of work entitled “Into the Great White Sands”. The artist skillfully chronicles his immersion into this breathtakingly vast and strikingly intimate world, and reveals the secret stories of this numinous place through emotionally evocative photographs. Varjabedian has suspended in time for the viewer - the many magical moments he experienced while chronicling the unique White Sands landscape.

Into the Great White Sands: Photographs by Craig Varjabedian, is an award-winning book and traveling exhibition celebrating this unique landscape as our newest national park - White Sands National Park. 

White Sands is a place breathtakingly vast, encompassing 275 miles with a landscape entirely made of crystals of gypsum and possibly our next national park. Pure white dunes roll in waves for miles to the mountainous horizon- forming a landscape filled with spectacular color and astonishing light. The park is place brimming with a history both ancient and recently significant, contained in an environment with flourishing vegetation and wildlife - whose days begin in vivid sunrise and end in dramatically vibrant sunsets. 

The exhibition is traveling to museums across the US to increase awareness of the importance of continued stewardship of this fragile landscape, while reaching out to a new generation of youth and their families to truly experience the wonder of White Sands National Park, as well as all our national parks. Varjabedian has been photographing and teaching photography workshops at the park and other national parks, like Yosemite National Park, for over forty years to share his enthusiasm and love for our national treasures.

"It's my private mountain. It belongs to me. God told me if I painted it enough, I could have it."⁣~Georgia O'Keeffe⁣
⁣
Night Falls on the Cerro Pedernal, Early Autumn, nr. Abiquiu, New Mexico

Here’s to a season of gladness and cheer!
We value your friendship and
support of our photography workshops
Thank you very much for joining us in 2019 and
we look forward to seeing you in 2020.
Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and
many beautiful pictures in the New Year!

ELOQUENT LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

“I recently had the pleasure of joining Craig for a portraiture workshop focusing on Native American and Cowboy models as subjects. As I had never done portraiture before, this was truly an adventure!

Craig and his staff created a very comfortable environment and provided needed coaching for a novice.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and would highly recommend the workshop to others. I was quite pleased with the images I was able to create!”

~PAT S., NV

Can’t think of what to get the photographer in your life? Here are our 12 favorite gifts:

1. Polaroid ZIP Mobile Instant Photo Printer

$99.99

This fantastic printer prints directly from your mobile phone or tablet (via bluetooth or NFC technology). Photos are full-color, smudge proof, and have sticky paper that peels back. Gift perfection.

2. Mindshift Backlight 26L Backpack by Thnk Tank Photo/Mindshift Gear

$249.99

Outdoor photographers can look forward to a high degree of comfort and easy access to gear with this backpack. This pack has a padded rear compartment with touch-fastening dividers for storing and organizing a standard-size DSLR, four to six lenses, a flash, plus space for an assortment of additional accessories. 

3. Mcoplus LE-R320 Led Video Light Wand Kit

$83.99

Create color magic with this programmable LED tool for light painting shapes, words and more. Great for night photography!

4. Sirui N-2204SK Tripod with a Sirui K-20x Ball Head

$429.90 and $189.79

The Sirui N-2204SK tripod with a Sirui K-20x ball head is an excellent choice for many photographers. It is a beautifully designed professional grade tripod that promises years of faithful service.  It is solidly built and light enough to carry with a camera and lens for miles up and down the dunes at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, where I recently tested this tripod. Eloquent Light review of this tripod.

(camera not included)

5. LensPEN Lens Cleaner Brush

$8.95

LensPen is the nifty little superior lens cleaning system for all for your camera lenses. Don’t get the off brand ones, they fall apart and can scratch your lenses.

6. Acratech Stainless Steel 5/32 Allen Wrench

$21.95

This Stainless Steel 5/32 Allen Wrench will not only fit all Acratech Arca-Swiss-style quick-release (QR) plates, it will also fit most similar QR plates from most manufacturers. This Allen wrench features a strap with a quick disconnect and a ring; it's easy to use, and hard to lose. 

7. The MTX Tool by Really Right Stuff

$50.00

This handy pocket multi-tool is made to give photographers everything they need to fix their gear when they’re out in the field.

8. Bay Photo Lab Gift Certificate

$25.00 and up

Your favorite photographer can print their images on mugs to metal prints. Great last minute gift!

9. Eloquent Light Gift Certificate

$100. and up

Give the gift of inspiration and adventure with a photography workshop at Eloquent Light Photography Workshops. Call Eloquent Light to order today (505)983-2934.

10. Luminar 4 by Skylum

$138.

Award-winning photo editing software, with revolutionary tools and AI technologies to enhance your photographs.

11. Sharpen AI by Topaz Labs

$79.99

Sharpen AI is sharpening and shake reduction software that can tell the difference between real detail and noise. Create tack-sharp images even when you’re shooting handheld, at night, or with a shallow depth of field.

12. Into the Great White Sands book by Craig Varjabedian

$39.99 Autographed and available from the photographer’s studio

Craig’s latest award-winning hardcover book makes a fantastic gift! He spent decades photographing the many moods of the magnificent and ever-changing landscape of New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument. The evocative color images provide the reader with an almost palpable sense of this extraordinary place. Craig is pleased to add a personalized inscription.

(All links were working as of 11/15/2019, along with posted prices)