Raymond Bial

Conferences, School Visits, and Workshops

Over the years, Raymond has often shared his experiences and insights as an author and photographer with a variety of groups, ranging from professional photographers to young children. His informal presentations at conferences, school visits, and workshops on writing and photography are known for their wealth of helpful information, offered in a warm, pleasant manner.

As he presents images drawn from one or more of his books, Raymond discusses the special editing and design considerations in creating children’s books illustrated with photographs, especially the need to make photographs of the highest technical and artistic quality, the importance of making photographs that embody lyrical touches while they also provide interesting information, and the art of blending text with photographs.

Raymond believes that children’s books illustrated with photographs should be produced to the same standards as the finest books of photography for adults, and he often explains the key elements that distinguish photographs of the highest quality. Children, teachers, librarians, and general audiences enjoy his programs.

Raymond also leads informal photography workshops. In these lively and informative programs, he shares practical tips, along with a touch of philosophy, for making better photographs. Presenting groups of images drawn from several of his beautiful books he discusses the key elements of lighting and composition for portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and other types of photographs.