CIPPA
CIPPA Series: An artists approach to photography
A series on Presentations, TechTalks, and Workshops focused on learning how an artist would approach photography.
Presentation: Composition & Storytelling
How to use your camera or smartphone as a Paintbrush
6/10/2025 at 7pm Zoom, Natasha
"The Art of Storytelling Composition in Photography" presentation is a deep dive into how photographers can craft compelling visual narratives through composition, light, and post-processing. This 90-minute session explores the core elements of storytelling—subject, emotion, context, and timing—while analyzing the techniques of masters like Robert Frank, Dorothea Lange, and my personal work. Attendees will learn how to use framing, depth, and color theory to create powerful images, as well as post-processing methods like tonal adjustments, burning and dodging, and contrast control to enhance storytelling. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, photographers will leave with actionable strategies to elevate their work and create images that resonate.
TechTalk: Composition Techniques, Beach & Pier Prep
6/19/2025 at 7pm Zoom
During this TechTalk, we will discuss experiences and strategies for compelling compositions. What have you tried, what has worked, and how have you developed the strategies that work for you? We will have a couple of short videos on the techniques and strategies for composition.
We will also discuss the Beach and Pier Outing later in the month, what to bring, when and where to meet and discuss some of the scenarios we will try to capture.
Outing: Beaches, Pier, & Dinner
6/25/2025 at 9 AM
A pier shoot at Ventura Pier provides an opportunity to apply composition and storytelling techniques while making the most of the conditions that Mother Nature presents.
Whatever the weather, we will experience very different lighting situations, which we can experiment with.
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Meet for Dinner - 5:45 pm at Aloha Steak House for Happy Hour
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Arrive at the Beach - 7:00 pm
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Golden Hour - 7:36 pm
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Sunset - 8:13 pm
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Blue Hour - 8:30 pm
Presentation: Painting Tools & Techniques
7/14/2025 7 pm Zoom
Welcome Workflow Overview
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Introduction and learning goals.
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Overview of non-destructive editing in Photoshop.
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How masking and brush techniques support clean, layered workflows.
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A brief explanation of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) is the starting point for raw files.
Image Preparation in Adobe Camera Raw
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Demonstrate opening a raw file into ACR / LrC.
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Create and refine ACR/LrC masks: Subject, Sky, Object, Landscape, and Brush.
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Show how to isolate tonal areas and apply targeted adjustments.
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Export options: Open as a Smart Object or layered file into Photoshop.
Workshop: Mastering Masks, Compositing and Brush Settings in Photoshop
7/19/2025 10AM - 3PM - Zoom
Target Audience
Photographers with basic Photoshop knowledge looking to elevate their retouching, masking, and compositing skills using raster-based tools and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR).
Limited to 10
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Welcome + Workflow Overview
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Segment 1: Adobe Camera Raw for Masking and Preprocessing Demo (15 min)
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Hands-On (20 minutes)
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QA and Check-In (5 minutes)
Presentation: An artists approach to photography
Planning
Workshop: An artists approach to editing
Planning
The Channel Islands Professional Photographers Association is a non-profit, professional & enthusiast photography organization committed to advancing photographic excellence through education, inspiration, mentoring, and collaborative learning while maintaining the highest ethical practices and conduct standards. Channel Islands Professional Photographers Association, a proud affiliate of Professional Photographers of California (PPC), and community network with Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
