Still Life Photography with Peter Pioppo

Photography is a skill, an art form and a tool. We use it to communicate quickly and precisely. We use it as a form of self expression in place of words, and to document the large and small moments of our lives.

Almost all of us carry a camera with us all of the time. We fire off multiple photos until we get the shot we want. And then we have a phone camera roll full of images that we never look at or delete. But what if we used basic skills to create better images?

This informal, hands-on course will cover the basics of photo composition, lighting, propping and styling as it applies to still life and tabletop photography. These skillsets are the basics for any type of successful image capture. All levels are welcome and encouraged to participate in this four hour class.

Be it a smartphone, aim and shoot or a full size professional camera, the goal of this workshop is to make you see things differently, then give you the tools to be able to capture your vision. Through simple tricks and techniques you will be making an image rather than taking a picture.

From artistic expression to documenting your work in other mediums, this workshop will give you the tools to allow your photos to speak for themselves.

Peter Pioppo has built a unique career working with the most recognizable names in the culinary and beverage worlds, innovating ways to turn transient consumables into distinctive packaging, high-impact advertising and groundbreaking art. Peter not only works brilliantly behind the camera; his creative problem-solving in front of the lens has earned him a reputation as an on-set MacGyver.

His inimitable style has brought him numerous awards, including a Golden Clio. His photography has been featured in Food Arts, New York magazine, The New York Times, and Bon Appetit. Commercial clients have included practically every major producer of food in America, and Peter has shot hundreds of products for Greenway, Wholesome Goodness, Edy’s/Dreyers, Ben & Jerry’s and Turkey Hill Dairy, as well as work for Nestlé and Cointreau.

Students should bring their own camera, and any materials or still life projects they would like to work on. Registration includes all other materials and supplies.