PETERSHAM — Geoffrey Smith of Petersham will be teaching about photography in two upcoming classes at the Petersham Art Center. Camera Kids, for young people ages 8 to 12, will take place on Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 9 to 10 a.m. Taking Better Photos, a class for teens to adults, will be on Sundays, June 5, 12, and 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Smith has taught photography classes for many years and had his own business, Interdisciplinary Arts Photography (IDAP), which resulted in his artwork being displayed a Yale gallery in New Haven. His interest in working with youth and photography began when he served in AmeriCorps in Worcester, where he developed a photography program at the Boys & Girls Clubhouse, with young students.
“Many of the students from that program went on to perform better than people with decades’ experience in local competitions,” Mr. Smith explained. “Some of them had their work published, and bought to display in local commercial buildings.”
He also worked for Blue Mooi Photography while in Worcester. After retiring from active professional photography work, he went on to lead workshops at culture conventions, such as comic con and anime cons, to help attendees take better photos. During this time, he was honored to shoot at New York Fashion Week, including during a Next Top Model spin-off.
“I enjoy fostering and encouraging creativity, and looking at things differently. Anything can be made into Art. Photography is not just point-and shoot,” says Smith. “When arranging my own art, I will utilize an interdisciplinary approach, using the close-up and macro, other art and objects, or feature the juxtaposition of incongruent things. I also enjoy candid photography, where an unposed picture may provide surprising insights. Some photographers who have influenced me are Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mark Seliger and David Hockney.”
The Camera Kids and the adult workshop will help participants spark their inner artist and encourage creativity. Each concept introduced will be followed by actual practice. The programs are designed for those who use either cameras or cellphone cameras.
Contact the Petersham Art Center to register and for more information at 978-724-3415. There is a fee for each class. The Petersham Art Center, at 8 North St., is a non-profit center for art and craft, featuring local artists of the North Quabbin region, with programs, exhibits, classes, and an artist gift shop.