Instructors: Rachael Sokolowski & Mark Kesling
Thursday, August 6
1pm - 4pm
1 session

“Color is a pigment of our imagination,” Mark Rea famously said, highlighting how colors only come to life through our perception. The presentation with Mark Kesling, we will explore the interconnected roles of light and color in photography. Mark will examine the science of light, understand the electromagnetic spectrum and demonstrate how different types of light (from infrared to visible) impact exposure, mood, and composition. At the same time, we will investigate how light influences color perception, focusing on how light interacts with various surfaces and materials to shape the way color is captured in a photograph.

Throughout the presentation we will explore both lighting techniques and color theory. We will learn how natural and artificial light affect color and how to manipulate both to create dynamic and compelling images. We also explore how color influences mood and composition, uncovering the emotional power of colors and how to use them intentionally in their work. From working with different types of light to experimenting with color grading and filters, you refine an understanding of both lighting and color, gaining new skills to elevate your photography, regardless of genre.

Rachael Sokolowski is a visual artist and writer based in North Truro, Massachusetts. Her work blends image and language into visual stories, inviting viewers to reflect on the world—one photograph, one moment at a time. Many of her projects emerge organically rather than following a fixed narrative, allowing intuition, observation, and curiosity to guide the creative process.  An early adopter of the iPhone as her primary camera, Rachael embraces the versatility of mobile photography. She works across photography, video, and mixed media, often layering text or experimenting with a range of iPhone apps. Her prints frequently push beyond traditional boundaries, incorporating ink, pastel, and water-based oils to build texture, depth, and tactile presence. Rachael’s work has been included in juried and group exhibitions and has received numerous honors. She is Vice President of the Cape Cod Viewfinders Camera Club and a member of both the National Association of Digital Artists and The Truro Group.

 www.rachaelsokolowski.com 

Mark Kesling is a pioneering artist and designer in the field of museum education and design for more than 30 years.  He has designed, created and managed major exhibits and installations in museums including The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, The Carnegie Museum, The Exploratorium, and the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. While at the Museum of Science and Industry, Mark was responsible for leading the museum’s long-range planning efforts to redesign its exhibits and programs. He collaborated with local neighborhood leaders, city leaders, and visionaries from a variety of science and engineering fields throughout North America.  As the founder and CEO of the daVinci Pursuit, Mark provided leadership through the design of a “museum without walls”. He possesses a unique set of skills, combining art with science in ways that engage learners of all ages. He works with neighborhood, city, institutional, artist and educational partners to create science installations and programs.  A professional photographer and artist, Mark teaches nature journaling, watercolor, and photography classes throughout Cape Cod, Ma.