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THE JAY MAISEL WORKSHOP

Jay Maisel is a successful and famous photographer and a stalwart supporter of ASMP. We’re happy to post this notice on his behalf.

Elsewhere on the site, we have a Mentor Interview with Jay and a gallery of a few of his images. You can visit his website at www.jaymaisel.com

New York City, April 14th-18th, 2008


©2007 by Jeff Schewe

This is a unique opportunity to take a one-week workshop with Jay Maisel at his bank building. The workshop is sponsored by SanDisk and will take place Monday April 14th through Friday April 18th, from 9am to 10pm each day. All meals are included. Space is limited to (9) participants and enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $5,000. A completed application and full payment must be received in advance in order to secure a spot.

Course description

“Some people have wanted to know just what the Hell they’d be getting themselves into if they take the class. Fair enough; but if you want to know exactly what the class will be, that’s impossible because it’s a free form living thing. But I’ll try: We will be in my environment, my city, my building, my rules. Rule #1 — There are no rules. You will be sent out on assignments to shoot. There will be criticism of your work. You will be forced to look at my work (criticism of my work is optional). This is a workshop about seeing and expanding your capability. It is not about performing or getting your ego stroked. It is definitely not about technical things and absolutely not about Photoshop.

“There will be demonstrations and endless talk designed to help you avoid the problems that plague you. You’ll be nagged into improving your images. If you all behave well, there will be guest speakers that you will adore.

“There won’t be enough time to do all the shooting, editing, criticism, talking and looking at my work that you’ll want to do. You will be overwhelmed. We will all eat together at different restaurants and talk about photography. You will end up a better photographer, if not a better human being. If this is not specific enough, read the quotes from students who took the last Jay Maisel Workshop in December 2007.”

— Jay Maisel

To enroll, please submit the application form (see below).

For additional questions please contact the studio.

What students at the December 2007 Jay Maisel Workshop have said

“I had a great time at the workshop and I got more out of it then I hoped to. I got my money’s worth in the first day, the other four days were a bonus! I will forever think of my career in terms of pre Jay Maisel Workshop and post Jay Maisel Workshop. I feel it will be reflected in my work in the months and years to come.”
—Vincent Knaus, Springfield, VA

“I really liked your attention to our 10 meal opportunities. Well done. Good variety; great food; nice camaraderie … the first time I really took time to look around and shoot thoughtfully … I liked the critique sessions, especially mine … Loved the tour of your building and especially seeing your home and shooting from the fabled roof on the last evening.”
—Lenny Lind, San Francisco, CA

“Loved the class and would do it again … Jay was available for any question. I left feeling more certain about the type of photos I want to take and the things that interest me in photography. He exploded my ideas of what to look for … Loved the restaurants! I really got a feel for the diversity of New York City from the restaurants Jay chose. I would not change a thing! The tour of the Bank building and cocktails with Jay’s wife at their home were the highlights of my week … They both made you feel like old friends getting caught up after many years.”
—Jeff Johnson, Bend, OR

“I loved that we were talking photography from 8:30am until 10pm every day and that Jay welcomed us into his home. It really taught me how to approach street photography (something I wasn’t comfortable with) and made me realize why some of my shots were not as effective as I’d like them to be.”
—Ben Willmore, Lyons, CO

“It was an eye opener … Absorbing this stream of visuals and commentary was a task well worth the effort … it’s given me a new way to think about what I am shooting and why I believe someone would care to see it … The workshop message rests in learning, no, relearning how to see and coming to grips with why you feel someone else should pay attention … seeing how everyday situations can become art.”
—Sam Leindhart, Pittsburgh, PA

“Staying in one’s comfort zone does not improve us. The workshop taught and inspired me to see with fresh eyes … it changed my editing process … helped me see light in a better way and taught me to let the action unfold in front of my eyes. I don’t have a pre-conveyed notion of a good image any more.”
—Al Vinjamur, New York, NY

Enrollment Application Instructions

  1. Make out a $5,000 check payable to Jay Maisel and mail it to:
    Jay Maisel
    190 The Bowery
    New York, NY 10012

  2. Please fill out and submit this PDF form using one of the following options:

  3. If you’re connected to the Internet, simply fill it out electronically and hit the submit button. (Your application will be sent instantly via email).

  4. For those who prefer to fill it out by hand, please print and fax it to the studio at (212) 925-6092. You may also send it via the U.S. Postal Service.

  5. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your application and check are received you will get an email confirming your enrollment along with suggestions of what basic equipment to bring, directions, and a list of a few of the many local accommodation options.