The Pursuit of Spirit/Joel Belmont

I think I’m photographically having the equivalent of a mid-life crisis.

I don’t feel motivated to make an image unless it’s something of importance to the world, beyond just another nude. What’s the point of adding to the gargantuan trove of work that’s out there, unless it means something?

Of course the problem is you can’t set out to make masterpieces… you have to keep working and hopefully they will surface with enough work, creativity, and dedication to the craft and solid ideas.

I have plenty to say, and the proficiency of tools – the question is what is worth saying, and how to say it. What to create that challenges even one person to think differently, or to see something beyond what the five senses perceive.

Creative photography has never been a hobby for me… it’s a big part of the air that I breathe. And the air needs to improve yet again.

We are gearing up for an amazing trip through the southwest landscape, and we’d love for you to join us!

You are invited to The Dynamic Nude photography workshop, a seven-day unforgettable photographic adventure in the heart of the Southwest landscape: Glen Canyon – also known as Lake Powell, Utah! Instructors Joel Belmont, Bert Pasquale, and Kim Weston guide us by boat and by foot to explore an amazing mix of sculpted red sandstone, deep blue waters, anasazi ruins, arches, petroglyphs, waterfalls, grottos, and towering rock formations. We’ll work with the nude female form against these backdrops, both on the large scale of the grand landscape, and the more intimate landscape of the slot canyons, where the curves of the canyon walls resonate with the lines of the human form. In addition to focused projects collaborating with models each day, there will be plenty of opportunities to make a wide range of landscape images.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you’ll dramatically improve your photography skills. You’ll create hundreds of stunning images, and feel creatively energized by spending a week in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Dynamic Nude runs October 2nd – 8th, 2011. Cost is $1695, which includes all meals and accommodations. Only a few open spaces remain – secure your spot today! (your application must be received by August 31st) More at www.DynamicPhotoWorkshops.com or (970) 618-1962.

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“As a recent workshop attendee, I would encourage anyone and everyone to seriously give it consideration if you want to experience the absolute most beautiful landscapes and the exceptional teachings by the skilled instructors. Not only did I come away with a thousand spectacular images but also the most relaxed attitude for life. It is definitely one of the best experiences I have had in photography…ever!” ~Steve Fowler, Auburn, WA

“This is by far the best workshop I have ever attended.  I invite those considering the workshop to sign up immediately so that you can discover the awe first-hand.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.” ~Andrea Humble, Grand Junction, CO

“Joel did a great job of scouting out the best locations for photography, being aware of local conditions, access and photographic opportunities at each site. He was available to provide help and guidance to those who needed it, and generous with his time, while leaving more experienced photographers free and unencumbered to pursue their own photographic inspiration. The locations covered a wide range of photographic possibilities, from the grandiose to the intimate: sand dunes, slot canyons, panoramic vistas, monolithic sandstone cliffs, lake reflections, night skyscapes and light painting.

The atmosphere on the trip was friendly, relaxed and informal. There was a full and demanding schedule of activities for every day of the trip, morning and evening, but with ample time for relaxation, sport, socializing, introspection, sharing and discussion.  The group size was small enough to be intimate, and most of us now consider each other friends for life. I would have no hesitation in going on this trip again or recommending it.” ~Dr. N. Sukumar, Troy, NY

“You get to experience the beauty of Lake Powell and learn years’ worth of self-taught experience in a weeks’ time. I left this workshop a different person then when I got there. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone at any level of your photography journey.” ~David Oldeen, Plano, IL

“I recommend that anyone with an interest in photography not to miss this opportunity.” ~Greg Fullmer, Bakersfield, CA

Just wanted to let you know about a figure workshop I am teaching at Lake Powell in the southwest landscape.

Pretty amazing locations… check it out on Youtube.

More on www.DynamicPhotoWorkshops.com

and you can follow us on Facebook

Regards,
~Joel

“Body of Work”, an article in the Aspen Times on my recent photographic work: HERE

It was a successful trip out west again this year.

In wrapping up production on the Labia Project book, I was able to do 2 shoots in Las Vegas, 2 in San Francisco, and 1 each in LA and Monterey. In addition, I was privileged to work again with Kat Love, as well as Meghan (from Santa Cruz) and Elena, from San Jose… all very talented models.

And Kat was nice enough to arrange dinner at the Kim Weston workshop, which was worth the trip alone. Seeing the minuscule and extremely basic darkroom that Edward Weston made such grand and powerful prints in, really challenges on as to what is really requisite to make timeless and effective work.

It was also great to meet Kim and Gina, and see Kim’s latest work, which is painting over his B&W prints–which is where I am with my work as well, though much different in what we are doing.

And it was nice to chat with Richard Garrod, who knew Edward, Ansel, Wynn and Minor, and worked with Brett (most of my photographic influences of yore!). I grew up there as well (monterey peninsula)… I am starting to think that there is something in the water…

I should have to book finished/released in the Fall, and with 90+ people in the project, I can finally finish it (after 18 months), and move on to the next one.

My latest project addresses a social issue: Female Genital Mutilation, which is prevalent in African Countries, though it continues in most every christian and muslim country today.

It is an unnecessary practice in which all or part of a girl’s or woman’s genitalia are (often crudely) removed, in hopes that they will be more faithful to their husbands, and that their sexual nature will be physically removed.

It is estimated that 3-5 million young girls are subjected to this every year.  It can result in physical challenges, complications for childbirth, and can even result in death.

It is my hope, through my book (slowly wrapping production after 18 months, including 70+ women from SF, LA, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, and Aspen) that it will raise awareness for this needless act, and encourage support for such organizations as Tostan.org (whom half of the proceeds from the book will be donated to).

You can find out more at www.LabiaProject.com

May blogging not turn out to be my newest online time addiction. l already have two active myspace accounts, two facebook, two twitter, two typical (though 5) email accounts… DeviantArt, OMP, ModelMayhem… I may no longer have ANY free time. !!!

Oh well, at least it’s a spot more close to my heart.