Why a Picture Works

Itea by Kathryn Kolb

Saturday May 21 from 10 to noon at Dogwood Gallery:  Why a Picture Works - join fine art nature photographer Kathryn Kolb for an in-depth analysis and discussion of how and why composition is key in creating strong, timeless photographic images. This "eye-based" presentation will include new insights into classic photographs by artists such as Cartier-Bresson, Edward Weston, Ansel Adams, Vivian Meier, and others, as well as Kathryn's own images. 

We'll discuss how aesthetic, illustrative and conceptual photographic images diverge and converge, why natural forms are integral artistic forms, how non-obvious details can "make or break" an image, and ways to strengthen artistic elements in your own work or better understand the work of others. This thoroughly interesting discussion goes far beyond the "rule of thirds" - bring your ideas and an open eye.  Cost of the program is $20 -- $10 for anyone who has entered Nature Undisturbed in the past three years.

Kathryn Kolb grew up in the rural environs of Charlottesville, VA and received a BA History from Emory University in 1983. After classwork at Southeastern Center for the Photographic Arts, she began work as a free-lance photojournalist and editorial photographer in Atlanta in the mid-80's.  By the mid-90’s she shifted toward fine art images of natural forms and landscapes. Her latest work often explores more abstract constructions that resemble paintings. Kathryn's photographs have been published in Smithsonian, Orion, Veranda, Rolling Stone, Nature Conservancyas well as many other magazines and publications, and can her work is found in a many public venues and private collections, including Georgia Museum, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, King & Spalding LLC,  Georgia Conservancy, Goizueta Business School, Georgia Tech, Univ. of VA, Piedmont Hospital, Mark Hopkins Hotel, MOCA, and City of Atlanta.  As photographer, Kolb stays true to the simplest form of her medium -- all her works are full-frame, un-manipulated images captured on film.

In addition to her work as photographer, Kathryn is a Master Naturalist and led a citizens group in writing a new tree ordinance for DeKalb County (1999),  founded Keeping It Wild (2005), in order to bring diverse individuals and groups together for educational and outings in both urban greenspaces and Georgia wildlands. Most recently she was principal in creating Serenbe Photography Center, located in Serenbe Community in Chattahoochee Hills, GA.

For more information, full resume and images see kathrynkolb.com