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May Updates: Creative Space, Nature Vision & 2027–2028 Workshops
Published 7 days ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,
April was an incredibly busy month for us, even without a workshop on the calendar. Between launching our 2027 and 2028 workshop schedule, finishing the next issue of Nature Vision Magazine, and continuing to plan the Moab Photography Symposium, it has felt like one of those months where everything was moving at once.
We’ll have more symposium news to share soon, including the dates we’ve set for 2027, but for now we’re grateful to have several big pieces starting to come together.
It has also been a challenging month personally. Jennifer has continued navigating some medical issues, though we’re finally getting closer to answers and possible solutions. With surgery possibly coming up, early summer may include more downtime than usual for us, but we’re trying to see that as an opportunity too: a chance to slow down, refocus, process some long-neglected photographs, and give a little more attention to personal projects.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing a new creative reflection on making room for the process, a few articles that resonated with us, an update on available workshops, and a look at one of the workshop zines we’ve been creating behind the scenes.
Warmly, David & Jennifer
Creative Insights
Creativity Needs Room to Breathe
Last month, we wrote about why creativity matters, and we were genuinely moved by how many of you reached out to say it resonated. Thank you for that. It means a lot to know these reflections are landing, and that many of us are feeling the same pull toward a more creative, intentional way of working.
This month, we want to continue that thought in a slightly different way: if creativity matters, we also need to give it space.
Not every outing needs to be productive. Not every photograph needs to be a keeper. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is wander, experiment, follow curiosity, and make photographs without needing them to prove anything.
Creative growth often happens in the in-between moments: the failed attempts, the strange ideas, the compositions that almost work, and the quiet observations that may not become anything right away.
The next time you head out, try giving yourself one simple assignment: make room for the process. Let curiosity lead for a while, and see what happens when the goal is not to produce, but to explore.
Issue 12 of Nature Vision Magazine is now available, and this one feels especially personal. The theme is the inner landscape, and I contributed a new essay called The Quiet Conversation.
It’s about memory, loss, light, and the long process of creating photographs that feel more honest. This is one of the more personal pieces I’ve shared publicly, and I’m grateful to share it with you.
You can explore the issue below, read more about the theme, and subscribe if you’d like to spend time with the full essay and support the continued growth of Nature Vision.
I appreciated Roeselien's reminder that nature photography becomes art through the choices we make, what we notice, how we respond, and how much of ourselves we allow into the work. Her point that authenticity matters more than novelty feels especially relevant right now.
I’ve been getting more interested in high-key photography myself lately, so this piece from David duChemin felt especially timely. I appreciate how he frames high-key work not as a technical trick, but as another creative outlet, one that uses simplicity, brightness, and space to bring more attention to the subject. It’s a helpful reminder that blown highlights are not always a mistake. Sometimes they’re part of the expression.
Robert's way of describing composition as orchestration and rhythm really resonated with me. I’ve always felt there’s a strong connection between visual composition and musical rhythm, especially in how the eye moves, pauses, and returns through a photograph. This is a thoughtful reminder that composition is not something we master once, but a lifelong practice of arranging attention with more intention.
Workshop Opportunities
Last month, we opened our 2027 and 2028 workshop schedule, and the response has been wonderful! Several workshops filled quickly, and many others are already down to just a few remaining spaces.
We’re also excited to share a new addition: in 2027, we’ll be partnering with the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival to offer two workshops: a creative wildflower workshop and an off-road adventure.
Thank you to everyone who signed up, joined a waitlist, or shared your excitement with us. Here’s what still has space available.
April was a rare month without a workshop, but we’ve still been busy behind the scenes.
Along with planning our 2027 and 2028 schedule, we’ve been creating zines for past workshops. These printed keepsakes are something we offer to all workshop participants, and it’s always special to see everyone’s photographs come together in print. Each person notices and responds to the landscape differently, and seeing that variety side by side is a wonderful reminder of how much creativity comes out of each group.
We’re also preparing for our Boulder Mountain Creative Retreat, which is coming up in less than two weeks. We’re excited to work with that group soon and will share more in the June newsletter.
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