Dinner with Greg Gorman and Jeff Schewe

Last week, I was in Mendocino for a day during world-renowned celebrity photographer, Greg Gorman's workshop. About four times a year, Greg hosts a workshop at his home in Mendocino and each time, he brings in a guest speaker for the class. This time it was well-known digital photographer and Photoshop expert, Jeff Schewe. Up next in August, is another well-known teacher, author, photographer and Photoshop expert Katrin Eismann, co-author of The Creative Digital Darkroom.

If you haven’t heard, Greg’s workshops aren't your typical workshops. He takes each one and personalizes it with his unique teaching techniques in an inspirational location. Each time I visit during the workshops, I'm amazed how Greg takes the art and science of photography into an environment that fuels the creative process.

First, Greg opens up his personal, oceanfront home and studio in picturesque Mendocino, CA to the students. What an intimate experience to learn from a master in a location that is certain to supply a photographer with a canvas to be inspired. By the end of the week, the students, staff and Greg have created a small community that lives on after the workshop is done. Second, Chef Ueli, a famed Los Angeles-based chef, crafts exquisite lunches for the students. At the welcome reception and the final dinner, Greg brings elements of his other passions, like wine, to share with this newly formed group. These elements together with Greg's hands-on teaching techniques take the learning experience to a higher level.

With the artful direction of one of the best, Greg focuses on digital photography with topics on lighting, color management and printing techniques. There are also two models on hand for portrait photography sessions. This workshop is truly unique in that it brings together photography technique, visual art, camaraderie, breath-taking locations, food, and wine.

Around the industry, it’s always fun to hang out during tradeshows and at events, but it’s so much better to sit on the couch, admire the great photography captured during the week, and participate in conversation with two of most respected photographers on topics ranging from f-stops to hardware.

At dinner with Greg at one end of the table, Jeff at the other end and several thousand dollars in cameras hanging on the backs of chairs, the conversation was never dull. Chef Ueli prepared a delicious appetizer and before moving on to the main course; Jeff took on the difficult task of taking a panoramic set of photos of this spectacular location before sunset. He had it set up for hours and like most photographers, waited for the perfect light. The science of setting up the shot and the technique for capturing it was discussed and debated as we ate. Luckily, Jeff lucked out with warm weather without any wind to interfere with the shot. I hear Jeff is on his way back to Chicago on his motorcycle, so I'll have to wait until next week to see how it all turned out.

I can’t wait for Greg’s August workshop with guest speaker, Katrin Eismann. It is sure to be a unique learning experience in an inspiring location.

For more information on attending one of Greg’s workshops, see Greg’s website: www.gormanphotography.com.