A SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO THE NUDE
Badlands of South Dakota
Assignment/Response Workshop
with Douglas Beasley
May 22 – 27, 2024
Workshop limit of only 8 students!
(only 2 spots left!)
Whether you are an experienced figure photographer or a complete novice who has never worked with the nude, this is a wonderful opportunity to work with the figure in landscapes in a supportive, non-sexist, non-competitive environment.
We meet in Interior, South Dakota (one hour from the Rapid City, South Dakota airport), for this five-day workshop in and around Badlands National Park, Badlands National Grasslands, and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home of the Oglala Lakota. This remote, sacred land with its sculpted soil, sweeping vistas, unpredictable weather, and extraordinary light provides an ideal dramatic background for figurative image making. We will work collaboratively with our male and female models to connect with and integrate this sacred land to our own vision. This workshop goes well beyond the stereotype of the male gaze and merely making pretty pictures of pretty people in a beautiful setting. Instead, it challenges us as artists and humans to go deeper into our own image making process. Doug will help push you to make photos that are less expected and more personal, reflecting each participant’s unique vision.
Each morning and again in the afternoon we will discover a new location, as there are many spectacular and emotionally rich places to photograph. We will work on maximizing available potential, using light and exposure as a creative control, and to create more powerful images with emotional impact, mood, and personal style. There will be a combination of guided photo exercises, assignments, group sessions, and photo shoot demonstrations. The majority of our time will be spent one-on-one or working in small group pairings doing individual photoshoots with our models. Doug will be available for feedback and guidance. Getting to know the models (often artists and photographers themselves) as people rather than mere photo ‘props’ is an important part of the process. We will learn from each other as we push and inspire to new creative heights.
We are out on location immediately after our 7:30am breakfast and then again in the late afternoon through evening. Mid-afternoon, when the sun is high overhead, we can take a siesta, have photo talks, edit and share images, or enjoy relaxing at the ranch. In the evening we gather for dinner with our models and discuss the day’s shoot and then enjoy the camaraderie and sweeping panoramic vistas from the Circle View’s balcony with a glass of wine. It can also be a good time to review photos and plan personal goals for the following day’s photo shoot. Expect serendipity and magic.
• View Doug’s photos from this workshop
• View Portfolios of Doug’s photography
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: No experience working with models or nudes necessary. This is a perfect opportunity to explore this classic aspect of photography in a nurturing setting. While participants must have a basic working knowledge of their camera, the creative process of image making will be emphasized over the mechanics of camera use. Both digital and film, in all formats, are welcome. Open to all levels of photo experience but better suited to those looking to expand their creativity and vision.
CLASS LIMIT: 8 students
DATES: Wednesday Evening May 22 – Monday Noon May 27, 2024
• Arrival at lodging on Wednesday afternoon/evening May 22
• Workshop begins 8:00 am Thursday morning May 23
• Workshop ends Monday May 27 at Noon
MODELS: 2 Female, 1 Male, sometimes more…
COST: $965 plus $375 models fee. $1,340.00 total. Lodging not included.
DEPOSIT: $200 Final payment due 30 days before workshop.
REGISTER: HERE (PayPal total on registration page not correct!)
Send deposit of $200 or full payment of $1,340 with ‘Badlands 2024’ indicated in payment.
• Venmo to @Douglas-Beasley-2
• PayPal to Vision Quest Photo Workshops: @douglasbeasley184
ACCOMMODATIONS: Make your own room reservations at the Circle View Guest Ranch, unless other accommodations are desired. **Single rooms will be filled on a first come, first serve basis and go very quickly, so sign up early if you want a guaranteed single room. **Because the Circle View Guest Ranch is fully booked with our participants, there is not room for non-participant partners or spouses unless you stay at a nearby motel.
Circle View Ranch is a real, working cattle ranch, located on stunning family land that goes back for generations. Owned and operated by our wonderful friends Phillip and Amy Kruse, it is located high on top of a dramatic bluff with a spectacular view of the White River and the Badlands National Park. The large overhanging balcony is an awesome place to hang out at night and discuss the days’ shoot with a glass of wine or to just listen to the coyotes howl. Only workshop participants will be housed at the Circle View during our workshop.
There are also two separate small cabins available on the premises, just a short drive away. If you prefer a more rustic option, you can set up your own tent on top of the bluff or near the fire pit for only $40 per night (including Amy’s amazing breakfast) and watch the sun rise over the majestic Badlands.
If you desire a place away from the rest of the group, or are traveling with family, there are also several nearby motels and a Badlands National Park campground by Cedar Pass Lodge. Let us know if you need more information on these outside accommodations.
MEALS: For those staying at the Circle View, a great homemade breakfast is included each morning. To avoid the mid-day sun, we either take a long afternoon siesta or review work in progress. We will be on our own for lunch. There are several local choices or you can make your own meal at the Circle View kitchen. We will have optional homemade dinners three nights during the workshop, for a small additional fee. These meals are lovingly prepared by Amy using many locally-sourced and/or organic ingredients, with hormone-free, free-range meat from the ranch or buffalo from managed herds on Pine Ridge Reservation. Vegetarians beware! (Just kidding- vegetarians welcome and vegetarian options are always available at each meal). Other dinners can be prepared ourselves at the ranch, where they have a full kitchen upstairs for us to use. Going into town (Population 67) and visiting the Wagon Wheel Saloon is a must, where you can visit with local cowboys, eat wonderful homemade pizza, and play pool.
Student testimonials from this workshop:
“I had such a wonderful week with you and everyone in the Badlands. It was by far the best workshop I’ve done. I felt I really did learn some things out there. I gave myself the freedom to make photos, even if that ‘little voice’ was saying ‘no’. By the time the last day came the ‘no’ was barely audible. It felt good to have that freedom. Thanks again.”
– Michelle Blair, Minneapolis, MN
“The Badlands was a workshop I shall not forget for some time. It is rare when you are having a great experience that time stand’s still, but I engrossed myself in the workshop so much that time seemed to be a dimension that didn’t exist. The morning of the last day I was “In the Zone” and didn’t want it all to end. The people, the setting, the Circle View, and your inspirational discussions all made it positively unforgettable. Here’s to good wine, good food, good chocolate, and most of all good people.”
– John Olson, Plymouth, MN
“I’d say these were some of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. They brought me back to some core aspects of myself and helped me expand my photographic vision so it better connects to who I am.”
– Ray Remiszewski, Vancouver, British Columbia
“I want to thank you so much for the experience you gave to Ray. I can hear in his voice that his soul and spirit were so moved by the space you created. This has had such an impact for Ray at a personal level and in his work as a photographer. With what you gave to him, you have also so given to me and there are no words to truly articulate my gratefulness.”
– Bernadette Barton (Ray’s wife), Vancouver, British Columbia
“Thank you for another surreal experience. I will have to get used to going back to Texas and waking myself up from the dream that your workshops create.”
– Tillye Kamin, Austin, TX
“The time I spent in the Badlands was truly one of the most powerful experiences I have encountered so far in my life. I thank you for creating such a safe space for that energy to flourish.”
– Ilia Horsburg, Vancouver, British Columbia
“Although it may not always be evident (I’m a slow learner) your workshops have greatly influenced how I look at things photographically, especially how you communicate with your subjects. Thank you for that glimpse and for sharing it with your students.”
– John Olson, Plymouth MN
“Thank you for my passage.”
– Kat Moser, Omaha, Nebraska
“This workshop was such an awesome experience for me — I cannot stop thinking about the interesting, funny, sometimes emotional interactions with everyone. The conversations with you were very, very helpful, from lighting to perspectives, to connecting with models/subjects to letting go of my own fear…every time you gave me what I expected, yet every time you surprised me with your insightful answers. Help was delivered in very subtle yet powerful ways. I can tell you the influence is deep and is beyond just photography.”
– Ning Fan, Fairfax, VA
“Thank you so much for being a great teacher. By providing the opportunity, location, models, and guidance you have taught and given me, and so many others, more than you can imagine. You have taught me to “see” rather, than to “take” a photograph.”
– Gabriela Husch, Athabaska, Alberta, Canada
“Just a quick note to say one more time to all of you what a wonderful experience we shared with you in the Badlands. A huge thank you to Doug for arranging the workshop and for inspiring us to grow beyond our comfort levels in our photography. The images are special but the inspiration to continue to search within ourselves for our individual path is amazing.
To our gracious models for sharing your beauty both physical and emotional with us we are grateful. It was a privilege to share the images we made together. Thank you for the gift of those images and also for your suggestions, advice, and laughter.”
– Dinah and Barry McNew, Greenville, TX
“No – I still haven’t reentered the world and refuse to. So many parts of me are still transfixed across the Badlands workshops. I don’t want to leave those experiences!”
– Ray Remiszewski, Vancouver, British Columbia
“I have never had so fun in my life, what a trip…
Not only did I have a good time, but it was a spiritual, soul stirring experience as well, beautiful people, beautiful land. I look at things differently now.”
– Michael Schuhmann, Tampa, FL
