It had been over 20 years since I was last in Andalucia, a wonderful trip I shared with my late mother. I couldn’t wait to return and show it to Arnie as we scouted before our workshop in early June. We were based just outside of Ronda (like Rome, all roads seem to lead to it), and Arnie found the white hill towns great subjects for photography with their beautiful light, architecture, textures, and people.

We enjoyed exploring and gathering photographs for ourselves before our participants arrived. All were alumni, except for one, and we looked forward to greeting old friends and making a new one.

One of the things Arnie and I keep harping on, besides seeking and staying true to your own vision, is to watch for the quality of light and use it and shadows to create a mood.

As those of you know who follow this blog, many may stand in almost the same place but come up with a completely different image. This group was no exception.

On Sunday, there was a yearly festival and parade to honor all the 12-year-olds who were officially becoming part of the church. With the children dressed in formal clothes, girls beribboned and quietly giggling with each other, boys uncharacteristically neat, hair plastered down, looking quite grown up, it was quite a scene. Mothers fussed; fathers looked on proudly; and the children were all very excited. I talked to a local policeman who told us the route the procession would take. Our group went on ahead to be able to see the faces. There was plenty of opportunity for photography, as there were multiple stops as the Mayor did his official bit in each area along the route.

Nat was struck by the way the light fell on the beautiful materials of two of the girls’ dresses.

Bob captured this boy’s wonderful, gentle expression along with the fill light that made his face glow.

One of our first shoots was just down the lane from our charming hotel. It was early morning, and the light streaming across the meadows was magical.

Joanie composed a broad view, using the backlit grasses in the foreground to set off the Sierra that are so much a part of Andalucia.

Beka was into close-ups and macro work and loved the way the light coming through the drops of dew making them glow on this plant.

Some of our participants’ eyes are caught by shapes.

Dawn is attracted to architectural features and patterns. Here, she captured the diagonal, sweeping curve of Plaza de Toro.

Her husband, Dave, is also attracted to patterns. Not far away, he found this curving shadow and simplified it into a pleasing composition.

When you look at the gallery page for these students, you’ll see why we were so impressed with the work they did.

Meanwhile, we are back from our travels for the nonce. MooseCat is happy to have us home, although he and his sitters took great care of the house. And we are trying to work on our own images, along with the many mundane tasks that pile up during a month’s absence. Had it not been for our house sitters, it would have been far worse!

We’re headed for Provence and Tuscany in June of 2011. For more information on that, see our BCPA News page.

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