Advanced Awagami Printing & Display

Introduction

Awagami Japanese washi inkjet papers are a specialized medium for producing fine art digital prints. The range runs from subtle matte papers through highly textured dramatic papers. The papers also run the gamut from ultra-thin to extremely thick. The key to utilizing these unique and beautiful materials is matching the paper to a photograph and artistic vision that work in harmony.

This day and a half hands-on workshop will result in two completed, mounted, ready to display, artworks on Awagami paper that best represents your artistic intention. More importantly the experience with the selection, discernment, and realization of your art will be invaluable as you move forward using Awagami materials for future projects. Interaction with your attending colleagues will further enrich your experience.

The Awagami workshop was exceptional. It provided practical information emphasizing the need for creativity rather than paint-by-numbers instructions. The workshop helped me understand the characteristics of the wide range, the differences among the papers, and useful suggestions as to what types of images will work best, and – equally important – which won’t. I went into the workshop doubtful whether Awagami washi papers would provide results worth the effort. I emerged convinced.Bill Iverson

True Individualized Attention

Two to four weeks prior to the workshop we ask that each participant prepare a selection of 10 to 20 images and share them with us. We will review each image and arrange a one-on-one conversation to collaborate on our recommendations for final image selection (and a few alternates). This preparation is important so that we understand your work, your vision, and can provide personalized guidance that will result in realizing your art.

We strictly limit attendance to four photographers so that we can focus on each one’s work and provide a relaxed environment with plenty of time to achieve your artistic goals.

Agenda

Before You Arrive

• Submission of your image selections for our review
• Discussion on which images we think will pair well with the two premium Awagami papers we’ll be using
• We’ll help you select the paper that matches your photograph and vision
• We make an initial proof and evaluation using a matte paper
• We’ll make adjustments for final print
• We’ll print two final prints for your review

Saturday-Sunday

• Review of the wide range of Awagami papers and their unique properties
• Focus on two high-impact, highly textured papers: Unryu and Bizan
• Review and discussion of participants images and vision for final prints
• Review of mounting ideas and options
• Discussion of the mounts we’ll use in this workshop
• Protecting the print
• Mounting the print
• Wrap-up, review, and going forward

Participants will be sent detailed information and directions upon registration.

Requirements

You can bring with you a laptop, additional photographs you may wish to discuss as candidates for printing on Awagami, and a positive attitude. We provide lunch on Saturday (we accommodate dietary restrictions). Water, coffee, tea, and snacks are available throughout the day.

Lodging

Once registered we will send you a list of lodging options within minutes of our studio. Havre de Grace is a historic town with wonderful photographic possibilities.

About Us

Lester Picker (www.lesterpickerphoto.com) has more than 650 writing and photo credits in National Geographic Society publications and dozens of newspapers, magazines and other publications. He is a former reporter, photojournalist and editor. Les is a Moab Master photographer, lauded for his fine art printing and his workshops. Les was awarded the prestigious Canada Northern Lights Award for Best Travel Photographer. Les has been named the first international ambassador for Awagami.

Robert Boyer is a master printer and oversees all fine art printing for LPFA. Bob is also a computer and software technician. He is an experienced studio photographer and workshop presenter.

Cancellation policy

You may cancel your participation up to 60 days prior to the workshop without penalty and receive a full refund or priority placement in the next workshop opportunity. Within 60 days, we will try our best to fill your slot and, if successful, refund 75% of your registration fee. If we are unable to fill your slot we will not be able to provide any refund.