Want to take better smartphone photos? The Art of Phoneography provides tips and tools for creating dynamic, artistic images. Point-and-shoot cameras and professional DSLRs are welcome, but the workshop is designed for the "best" camera - the smartphone that is always in one's pocket.

The workshop is free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required by calling Weir Farm at (203) 834-1896 ext. 28. Visit http://www.xiomaro.com for more info. Weir Farm National Historic Site is located at 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897, http://www.nps.gov/wefa.

Participants need only bring their fully-charged smartphone (any brand is fine) or camera with plenty of available storage space for the new photos that will be created. A portable USB phone charger or spare battery is helpful. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are suggested along with some snacks.

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Seeing and creating a photograph is different than looking and taking a snapshot. Participants will learn the basic principles used by artists like Julian Alden Weir and will see examples from photography and painting. The group will walk the park grounds to rediscover the beauty of light and color. The aim is to have fun experimenting while minimizing the technical know-how that often hinders creativity.

The landscape at Weir Farm, a national park for the arts, has inspired the creation of world-renowned masterpieces for 137 years. Xiomáro (“SEE-oh-MAH-ro”), the park’s Visiting Artist has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, and News 12. His photography has been exhibited at Harvard University and can be seen at Congressman Jim Himes’ Bridgeport and Stamford offices. Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site.