“To create one’s own world takes courage.”
-Georgia O’Keeffe
So much of my photography education has come from reading books. Through the pages of these books, I have learned from incredible artists.
The photographs and composites below would not exist without inspiration I gained while reading books about famous artists.
Please join me in a guided book study for seven months. During this book study, we will explore the work and lives of Georgia O’Keefe, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse. As we immerse ourselves into reading about these important artists, we will create photographs and art influenced by our reading and study. We will also discover the artists within ourselves.
During the guided book study, we will focus on one book or artists per month. The first book has been selected by your instructor. All following books will be self-selected by participants for the assigned artists. Participants will have the opportunity to select their own books based upon the depth they wish to explore in a given month. The instructor will offer suggestions for ways to find the just right books for studying each artist.
After reading the books, we will meet on Zoom for a discussion of the books and to share photographs, artwork, and insights inspired by reading the books.
The schedule for the Artist book study is:
Monday, March 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom Introduction to Study
(You will receive the title of our first book to purchase.)
Monday, April 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Monday, May 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Monday, June 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Monday, July 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Monday, August 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Monday, September 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Meetings will take place using Zoom technology. This study will consist of an introductory session followed by six educational Zoom sessions. Each session will be approximately one hour to two hours in length. Since participation will allow you to be much more successful, please make sure you will be available for all sessions.
Participants will be responsible for getting their own books, whether from the public library or bookseller.
The registration fee for the book study is $195.00. The registration fee $195.00 covers seven educational sessions led by Mary using Zoom technology. Participants will be responsible for purchasing their books.
Testimonials:
“Mary’s book study session was a wonderful experience for me. The class was so much more than I had anticipated. Not only did I read three fantastic books, but the assignments given were challenging. As a result of taking this class I have grown as a photographer, and as a person. I highly recommend the class. It was worth every penny. Thank you, Mary”
Photographs and quote courtesy of Marcy M.
“I felt like I went on a wonderful journey with Mary of learning more about myself and my photography through books. I loved our image assignments and the support I received from Mary and the other ladies in my group. I feel our book study has helped me look at photographing subjects more freely. I am looking forward to learning even more about my passion.”
Photographs and quote courtesy of Jenny L.
“Reading and writing have become a part of my daily life as I set new goals using my newly enhanced skills in seeing and thinking about my photography practice as a result of Mary’s Guided Book Study. I have and continue to acquire not only photography books, but other art genres as well, ranging from biographies and coffee table photo books to technical and “how-to” to philosophical writings and musings. I have read many of these and moved on to the next often with little thought and study given to each. For this class Mary thoughtfully choose three books for us to study – a Master, a Composer, and a Philosopher. The assignments for each book found me reading carefully and taking notes. I was continually thinking about the assignments as I read and as I went about my daily life. I have begun “seeing/looking” a little differently now that I have incorporated many of these new ideas into my daily thought processes, my photography practice, and my life. I will revisit the books read in class, but also explore the many books I have on my shelf. While I occasionally wrote a note or marked a quote from a book, the daily practice of reading deeply AND making written note of quotes, ideas, and “AHAs” from each as well as writing down my own thoughts inspired by these books over the last 3 months is a practice I will continue. Mary’s Guided Book Study class and the assignments given each meeting provided a guide in reading and forming my own interpretations of the books. After working alone for several weeks, we came together discuss our ideas about the texts and to share our photographic interpretations of the assignments making this a very rich and engaging experience. As a result of Mary’s Guided Book Study, I have begun writing goals for my photography practice.”
Photographs and quote courtesy of Levia H.
“I’ve just finished Mary’s online Book Study class and it’s nothing short of amazing! The books were carefully chosen by her were educational not only for photographic technique, but delve into the history of photographers and inspiration for creativity in making my photos more than just a snapshot. The assignments were geared to inspire and be more imaginative in making photographs. Highly recommend!”
Photographs and quote courtesy of Lynne D.
“I would highly recommend The Book Club. Being a part of this Club exceeded all my expectations. The books were thoughtfully selected and built upon each other. We were given assignments that stretched me creatively and made me think differently about my approach to creating images. I feel like my images are less about documenting where I am or what is happening and more about creating an image that has something to say. I loved seeing the images created by others and appreciated the support you could feel from the group. I look forward to continuing the learning experience with these lovely ladies!”
Photographs, writing, and quote courtesy of Stephanie J.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration 30 days before the event, you will receive a refund for the event’s tuition paid minus a $25.00 processing charge. No refunds will be given within 30 days of the event. No refunds will be given for cancellations or no-shows once the event has started. To initiate a refund, please send an email to mproberts123@comporium.net.
Mary Presson Roberts (The Mary Photographer, LLC) reserves the right to cancel a workshop, class, or photo tour. Should the cancellation of an event by Mary Presson Roberts (The Mary Photographer, LLC) be necessary, participants will be informed as soon as possible, and tuition fees will be refunded in full. Mary Presson Roberts (The Mary Photographer, LLC) is not responsible for any losses incurred due to such cancellation.
I encourage participants to purchase refundable transportation fares and/or trip cancellation insurance if workshop/event requires travel.
By registering for a workshop, it’s understood that you are aware of and agree to our cancellation policies.
Registration:
Registration is limited; sign up and pay for your slot today using the button below (Paypal and all major credit cards accepted). If you want to pay by check, please reach out to me through my contact page by clicking here.