About this Event
Exposure Therapy: (2 Days) in London Making Portraits of Strangers
Day 1 Saturday, August 10th: The Art of Asking
Day2 Sunday, August 11th: Directing with Compassion
Time: 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM(British Summer Time)
Location: London, England
Small Groups: This workshop is limited to a maximum of eight participants.
Bursaries Available: Need financial support? Visit www.gabriellemotola.com/learn to apply for a bursary covering part or all of the ticket price.
"I feel like I’ve genuinely had a huge mindset shift that will not only help me in my photographic practice but in all areas of my life." - Katy D, workshop participant
Dive into a 2-day journey in London, limited to six participants, focusing on overcoming the hesitation of making portraits of strangers. This workshop, enriched by my personal journey through the challenges of street portraiture, shares effective strategies for confidently approaching subjects and ensuring emotional and visual depth in your photographs.
Shifting focus from camera settings to the psychology of connection, we explore the mental approach to photography—aiming for a significant mindset shift that enhances both your photographic practice and life.
We begin each day with a discussion over coffee and conclude with reflections in a cosy local cafe and bar. (Note: Meals and drinks are not included in the workshop fee.)
Day 1: The Art of Asking (Saturday, August 10th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM -1-hour break for lunch)
We hone the fundamentals of initiating contact, discuss the moral and ethical nuances of street photography, and develop awareness of self-imposed barriers. We focus on asking to make portraits, and we make them. Or we do not, and we focus on reframing rejection.
- Morning coffee discussion
- Fundamentals of initiating contact
- Ethical nuances of street photography
- Overcoming self-imposed barriers
- Practical portrait-making session
- Evening reflections at a local bar
Day 2: Directing with Compassion (Sunday, August 11th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM -1-hour break for lunch)
With more confidence and focus, we advance to directing portraits with empathy, refining the skill of feeling the image beyond seeing it, and integrating mindful navigation of interpersonal dynamics into your creative process.
- Morning coffee discussion
- Building on the previous day’s confidence
- Advanced directing techniques
- Emphasising compassion in portraiture
- Mindful navigation of inter and intrapersonal dynamics
- Final reflections, review and discussions at a local bar
What to Bring:
- A digital camera with a lens. A 50mm or 35mm lens is encouraged.
- Comfortable walking shoes and appropriate attire.
- Optional: a smartphone and headphones.
The workshop will take place rain or shine, so be sure to check the weather forecast before leaving home. The tuition fee covers the instructional components of the workshop exclusively. Participants are accountable for all additional expenses, including, but not limited to, meals, beverages, equipment, travel, and accommodation.
Who Should Take This Workshop and Why?
This deep-dive workshop is for anyone with a camera and a desire to make portraits. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a novice, experienced with making street portraits or not, you'll gain psychological insight into your process. You'll boost your confidence, expand your comfort zone, sharpen your observational skills, and learn to cultivate positive self-talk. You'll also gain strategies to manage the fear of rejection. By integrating mindfulness into your photography process, you'll create more thoughtful and emotionally impactful portraits. You'll connect with fellow photographers and perfect strangers, fuel your passion for photography, and get physical and mental exercise. You’ll learn to wander mindfully and avoid the common problem of ‘hunting’ for images, which actually narrows your perspective and chances of seeing.
Workshop Fee
The workshop fee, which covers instruction on both days, is £350. To avoid Eventbrite's booking fee, you can alternatively book tickets on my website www.gabriellemotola.com/learn
If you have quetions, contact Gabrielle: photo[at}gabriellemotola.com
About Gabrielle
Gabrielle Motola, an award-winning photographer, author, and colourist, brings a rich blend of experience and accolades to her workshops, including recognition from Taylor Wessing, RPS, AOP, and BJP. With over fifteen years of teaching experience across university courses and corporate and private settings globally, Gabrielle is dedicated to sharing her compassion and expertise with enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Her educational background is in psychology, motion pictures, and photography. Her postgraduate degree in therapeutic photography and counselling certifications underpin her approach to teaching. Gabrielle is deeply committed to enriching lives through the creative arts, empowering participants by combining personal development with the joy of creative discovery.
For more information and to book workshops without Eventbrite fees, visit www.gabriellemotola.com/learn
Testimonials
"I can definitely recommend this workshop to everyone! I loved the honesty and support throughout the whole afternoon. It definitely was more than just a photography workshop!" - Lukasz I
" I feel like I've known Gabrielle and some of the other participants for years despite the fact I had never even met any of them before! This speaks to Gabrielle's ability to create a really safe and welcoming learning space in which we were all able to connect with each other, support each other in this journey, and learn from each other." - Julie B
"Everything was a revelation. It was almost like the workshop reintroduced me to the child in me. Inhibited yet daring. I thought I had lost her." - Sujata S
"I just want to say what an incredible experience I found the workshop. I started off feeling really nervous and ended up actually enjoying stopping strangers and asking them for a portrait! It was a privilege to watch and learn from Gabrielle, and I feel like I’ve genuinely had a huge mindset shift that will not only help me in my photographic practice but in all areas of my life." - Katy D
"Gabrielle, in action, makes it look effortless to approach a stranger. The way she shares the techniques, skills, and talent is a true masterclass in this art. I found my voice and the ability to walk up and articulate to ask a stranger to take their picture. Finding the words to approach a stranger and ask them to stop and let me photograph them was amazing." - William McD
1-1 Colour Grading Tuition Add-On
A RAW file is a starting point. Some people stop there. Others start with an image and an idea of where they want to go with it but struggle with which tools to use to get there. We often guess, make a mistake, and then fix that mistake with another tool, making more of a mess and ending up frustrated and having to start over.
Our goal is to clear the fog surrounding your creative process. We'll focus on helping you think precisely about your images, envision their final look, and understand the steps to achieve that vision. The workshop is designed to teach you how to grade your images beautifully and efficiently, utilising the most effective tools for each task.
Look for "Add-ons" when you book your ticket.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
WatchHouse Coffe Shop Somerset House (off the Courtyard), Strand, London, United Kingdom
GBP 120.00 to GBP 379.90