Read on to find out how fine art self-portrait artist, Manuela Thames creatively adds texture to her photographs, without the need for Photoshop!

Having completed a 365 project in 2020, and looking for more inspiration this year, Virginia Lowes joined our Gather 365 community with the intent of pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Read on as she shares her experiences so far …

Join Manuela Thames as she guides you through a 5 weeklong exploration of self-portraiture. Dive into the history and discover why artist have expressed themselves through self-portraiture for centuries, uncover the inspiration and vision behind compelling self-portraiture and develop your own cohesive series with an artist statement.

So many people have told me lately that the thought of taking a self-portrait terrifies them. It makes sense to me. It is vulnerable and we are all our own worst critic. When I look at pictures of myself that others have taken, I often think: “Is this really what I look like?” And here we are, judging ourselves on the details that hardly anyone but us notices.

In this video, instructor Victoria Andrews takes you through how she edited this gorgeous environmental portrait of her daughter in Lightroom.

365 projects are an incredible, immersive experience. I think challenging yourself to pick up the camera every day is the single fastest way to develop your photography skills.

As an added bonus you also get to walk away with an album worthy collection of images at the end of the year!

If you aren't already familiar with Victoria's work (because it is totally possible you have been marooned on a faraway island disconnected from the internet world!!), she is a Portrait and Family Photographer based in the beautiful sunny state of Queensland, Australia. Take one look at any portrait of hers and you know it is a Vic Andrews image!

We recently had the privilege of chatting with photographer, Gather Academy instructor, and human extraordinaire, Laurence Boswell. We’re excited to be able to share part of our conversation with you here. Laurence’s workshop, Finding Your Voice and Learning to Use It, begins January 27, 2020, and is now open for registration

Marie Denise Villers was a French portrait painter, born in Paris. Villers was born into an accomplished artistic family, and was a student of the French painter Girodet. She first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1799.