The Art of Still Life: From Classic to Creative with Catherine Wang

Saturday, November 7 | 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. | Room 318

Hands-on-Workshop Description

Discover how ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary images in this immersive hands-on workshop led by international award-winning photographer Catherine Wang.

The workshop begins with classic still life photography, exploring the essential elements that create compelling images: lighting, composition, point of interest, balance, and visual storytelling. Participants will learn how to shape light, arrange subjects, and build depth to create elegant fine art photographs.

The second half introduces the creative world of light painting still life, where long exposures and moving light sources turn everyday objects into artistic expressions. Through live demonstrations and guided shooting, participants will discover how slow shutter speeds can capture both motion and stillness in a single frame, adding atmosphere, texture, and a sense of magic to their images.

Designed for photographers of all levels, this workshop emphasizes hands-on practice, experimentation, and individual creativity. By the end of the session, participants will leave with new techniques, fresh inspiration, and a portfolio of unique still life images created during the workshop.

Topics Covered

  • Classic still life lighting techniques
  • Composition and visual balance
  • Creating a strong point of interest
  • Fine art styling and storytelling
  • Long exposure and light painting techniques
  • Using moving flash light to create motion and mood
  • Practical shooting tips and creative experimentation

Bring your camera, tripod, and curiosity—and discover how light can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Instructor Information

Catherine Wang

Catherine Wang is a multi-international award-winning photographer based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (DMV), specializing in portrait, still life, architecture, and dance photography. Her work has been exhibited internationally in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Japan, and beyond, and has been featured in numerous photography books, annuals, and exhibition catalogs.
With nearly a decade of experience, Catherine has developed a distinctive visual language that seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with classical artistry. Her photographic journey began in 2016 with her first Nikon DSLR camera and gained momentum in 2020, when remote work allowed her to fully immerse herself in the creative process.

Her images have been featured by leading photography platforms and publications, including Photo Vogue and 1x.com, earning recognition for their compelling storytelling, refined use of light, and thoughtful composition. Through a diverse body of work, she seeks to uncover extraordinary beauty in everyday moments and create photographs that resonate both emotionally and visually.

Beyond creating images, Catherine is passionate about education and community engagement. As a workshop instructor, presenter, and mentor, she enjoys sharing her creative process and technical expertise with photographers of all levels. She believes photography is a universal language—one that tells stories, evokes emotion, and builds meaningful human connections. Through her work and teaching, she continues to explore the intersection of artistry, technique, and imagination while inspiring others to discover and expand their own creative vision.

For more information, please visit: cwangphoto.com

Catherine Wang Photos