WILD ABANDON
Photography and Lighting Workshop
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Let the historic Catskill Game Farm and enchanting Catskill Mountains
be your playground
Join internationally acclaimed fine art photographers Angela Strassheim, Corinne Botz, and Pete Mauney for a never-before-offered masterclass in photography and creative recentering. Together with a small group of fellow photo enthusiasts, embark on a journey of professional and creative development where you’ll learn new skills, experiment with diverse techniques, and overcome creative blocks to bring your art to the next level. Add in time for individual coaching, unfettered access to the private zoo grounds, and a Halloween party you won't soon forget.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to embrace the beauty of the abandoned.
Picture Yourself at our Abandoned Zoo
For intermediate to advanced photographers searching for something wildly different
Masterclass Instruction
Your workshop includes three masterclasses with internationally acclaimed artists, each with their own unique style. Build your portrait portfolio and learn narrative lighting techniques with Angela Strassheim, capture the essence of spectral space with Corinne Botz, and brave the darkness with Pete Mauney to catch celestial paintings in the autumn sky.
Mindful Artistry
Throughout the day, experiment with using mindfulness, intuition and creative exercises to enhance your craft. These simple, interactive exercises can be used again and again after you return home to help you keep your creative flow going.
Facilities
Formerly the zoo's giraffe house, today stands as a stunning, retrofitted boutique property, the Long Neck Inn. This will be your homebase for the day, where we'll relax, reflect and soak in the nostalgic ambiance of the Game Farm between fieldwork sessions. Just after sunset, join your fellow group members and instructors for a family-style dinner and campfire cookout (with authentic ghost stories courtesy of Corinne) to close out the day.
Let your creativity run wild
Stick around for Day 2 to try out your new skills during prime morning shooting hours when you'll have the Game Farm virtually to yourself. Schedule models, clients or assistants to join you and create your next masterwork, or opt to dive even deeper into your learning journey and schedule a private coaching session with Angela, Corinne or Pete.
Party Animal
On Wednesday evening, mix and mingle at our Halloween networking party for creatives, Nocturnal Creatures. Indulge in seasonal treats and libations, take a lantern light guided tour through the historic 1800's cemetery, hang out with the resident goats, and maybe even make a new human friend or two. As a special bonus, workshop participants are invited to have digital examples of their work displayed during the reception. Invite your friends to show off all you've accomplished in just two days.
Workshop & All Access FAQ
What is Wild Abandon?
Wild Abandon is 2-day event offering a variety of unique experiences and educational opportunities for anyone who is creatively inclined and interested in gaining exclusive access to the abandoned Catskill Game Farm, formerly the largest private zoo in America. Whether you're a professional photographer, urban explorer, cosplay model, or just interested in strolling the grounds - which are typically closed to the public - we've create a space for you. Parts of the agenda are specifically geared towards experienced artists, while others are open to anyone and everyone who's interested in appreciating the beauty of the zoo's modern ruins. Refer to the daily schedule to curate the experience that's right for you.
Why host a photography workshop at an abandoned zoo in the Catskills?
We're glad you asked! Our team of highly accomplished fine art photographers has designed a one-day immersive learning journey around the things that inspire us the most - the balance of light and dark, creation and decay, contrasts between modernization and nostalgia. We have an affinity for things and places that are a little outside the norm, and at times taboo or even macabre. Angela was a crime scene forensic photographer for years, and Corinne has a collection of work documenting murder objects, plus a published book of Haunted Houses. While there's no shortage of creative retreats on offer these days, we felt there weren't any that excited us the same way stepping through a doorway that's been sealed off to the world for decades does. There also seemed to be a shortage of options for aspiring fine art photographers to shadow and learn from folks like us who don't fit into the more traditional molds of fashion or wedding photography and, as educators with decades of experience, we love sharing our hard-earned expertise. And so, Wild Abandon was born!
....Also, we REALLY loved the idea of throwing a Halloween party at an abandoned zoo! :)
I'm confused by all the options - which day/activity is right for me?
If you're looking for a small group, intimate learning environment where you can really hone your craft, then the Tuesday workshop is right for you. If you're less interested in building your photography skills, but would still love to access the grounds for a few hours, then Wednesday's the right fit. If you can't decide between the two, you can get the best of both worlds by purchasing an All Day Pass for Wednesday and then adding on individual coaching sessions with Angela, Corinne and Pete. If you are a person who enjoys Halloween, costumes, music, candy, animals and ghost stories and wants to make some new artistic friends, definitely stick around for our Nocturnal Creatures networking party Wednesday night. Still not sure? Reach out, we love questions!
Do I have to be a professional photographer to participate?
Nope! Our Tuesday Workshop on Day 1 is open to both film and digital photographers who have intermediate to advanced knowledge of their camera and basic experience with lighting. While professionals are welcome, so are serious hobbyists, freelancers and advanced students. If you have any questions as to whether the workshop is right for you, please contact us at event@wild-abandon.com
What does the 2-Day All Access Pass include?
All Access Pass holders get the most out of their time at the Game Farm and enjoy special benefits all at a reduced cost. As an All Access Pass holder you'll get to participate in all workshops and sessions on Tuesday, Day 1, plus get exclusive Early Bird Access on Day 2 during ideal morning light hours from 7:00am - 10:00pm. You'll also have full access to the grounds and Giraffe Cafe for the remainder of the day, get VIP admission plus an opportunity to display examples of your work at our Halloween networking mixer, a Wild Abandon souvenir kit containing classic Game Farm ephemera, a $50 credit towards one private 45-min coaching session on Day 2, an invitation to join a small group virtual follow-up critique session two weeks after the retreat concludes, plus any meals and snacks noted as included in the schedule. It's a pretty sweet deal! These passes are highly limited so don't wait to grab yours.
I'm traveling from out of town. Is there a place for me to stay?
Yes! Wild Abandon workshop participants can receive a special rate for stays at the nearby Griffin House, a boutique lodge nestled deep in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. The property presents a unique blend of rustic charm & laid-back luxury in a century-old brick tavern with well appointed, cozy guest rooms and 1 or 2-bedroom cottages. The Griffin House, located in Palenville, NY is a 10 minute drive from the Old Catskill Game Farm. To make a reservation for October 21, 22 and/or 23, call Jessica at 845-663-5792 and mention Wild Abandon. Rooms in the lodge are $175/night and cottages are $200-$225.
There are also a limited number of beautifully appointed glamping sites available to reserve on the grounds of the Game Farm. Wild Abandon participants can access a special, discounted rate for stays on Monday, October 21, Tuesday, October 22 and/or Wednesday, October 23 by booking directly with the Game Farm General Manager and mentioning the workshop. For more information, visit the Old Game Farm's website at www.oldgamefarm.com or call Shawn at 732.618.3461.