Exposure Therapy: Making Portraits of Strangers (London)

Elevate Your Photography: A Street Portrait Workshop for Artistic and Personal Development

Join us for an intimate workshop limited to just four participants, where street portrait photography becomes a catalyst for personal and artistic growth.

Have you ever wanted to make a portrait of a stranger but hesitated? Or did you feel dissatisfied with the final image? You're not alone. Drawing from personal triumphs over these challenges, this workshop is designed to equip you with the strategies to not only navigate but embrace the uncertainties and challenges of street portraiture.

What began as a mission to conquer social anxiety and fear of rejection has evolved into a comprehensive program that enriches your photography practice and daily life. Together, we'll dive into managing anxiety, improving self-talk, and fostering a compassionate connection with our subjects and ourselves.

This journey transcends technical skills, focusing on the psychology behind compelling portraits and the ethical landscape of street photography, ensuring you leave with a profound understanding and confidence to pursue your vision.

No matter your experience level, this workshop offers a transformative journey designed to deepen your connection to photography, yourself, and the world around you.

What to Bring:
Travel light with a digital camera (a 50mm or 35mm lens recommended), comfortable walking shoes, and attire suitable for any weather.

Morning Meet-Up:

Our day begins with a warm welcome over a great cup of coffee at our chosen venue. Here, we'll dive into a friendly introduction, discuss the theoretical foundations of our practice, and I'll walk you through the day's agenda.

Morning Practical Session:

With cameras in hand, we'll embark on a photographic exploration through the city. You'll watch as I demonstrate my portrait techniques, discussing each interaction to deepen our understanding. When you're ready, you'll have the opportunity to step forward and capture your own portraits with continuous encouragement and constructive feedback on both your images and engagement approach.

Lunch Break:

We'll pause for a well-deserved lunch break to recharge and reflect on the morning's experiences (please note, lunch is not covered in the workshop fee).

Afternoon Practical Session:

Post-lunch, we continue our journey, further expanding our comfort zones at your pace. The focus remains on practical application, with ample opportunities for you to practice, ask questions, and refine your technique.

Joining the Community:

Following the workshop, you'll gain access to our exclusive alumni WhatsApp group. This vibrant community offers a platform to share your work, receive ongoing support, and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts who have also embarked on this transformative journey.

Open to All Levels:
Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, this workshop is designed for anyone with a camera, curiosity, and a desire to challenge themselves and dive deeper into the art of portraiture. No matter your skill level, you'll find value in our comprehensive approach that combines technical skill-building with psychological insight.

Why Join Us?

• Boost Your Confidence: Overcome hesitation and build confidence in your ability to approach and photograph strangers.
• Expand Your Comfort Zone: Gently push the boundaries of your comfort zone in a supportive group setting.
• Sharpen Your Awareness: Enhance your observational skills and learn to see potential portraits in everyday situations.
• Cultivate Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with empowering self-dialogue, improving not just your photography but your approach to challenges.
• Manage Social Anxiety and Fear of Rejection: Develop strategies to navigate and reduce anxiety related to social interactions and fear of rejection.
• Mindfully Improve Your Portraiture: Incorporate mindfulness into your photography to capture more meaningful portraits and enhance your overall enjoyment of the process.
• Get Inspired and Reinvigorate Your Passion: Rediscover your passion for photography through new techniques, perspectives, and connections.
• Make Meaningful Connections: Connect with fellow participants through shared experiencel embrace the magic of everyday encounters.
• Experience a Fulfilling Social Day: Enjoy the camaraderie and shared purpose of a group dedicated to exploring the art and soul of photography.
• Get Physical and Mental Exercise: Engage both body and mind in a dynamic, creative pursuit that challenges and rewards in equal measure.
• Understand Ethical Considerations: Navigate the legal and moral aspects of street portraiture confidently, including the use of model releases.

This workshop is more than a learning experience; it's an opportunity to transform how you see the world and yourself. Join us for a journey that promises not just to change the way you make portraits but to enrich your life with new skills, insights, and the chance to meet like-minded individuals who could become lasting allies on your creative path.

What Participants Are Saying:

"I can definitely recommend this workshop to everyone! The way it is structured allowed me to gradually (and quickly!) start and succeed! 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. I have a deep hope that we stay in touch." - 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 to be. I started off feeling really nervous and ended up actually enjoying stopping strangers and asking them for a portrait! I think being able to see Gabrielle at work and watch the reaction of the people who she asked for a portrait was a huge help. 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

Colour Grading Tuition:

Elevate your photographs by mastering the art of colour grading. As a professional colourist, I know that grading adds an emotional depth to your photographs.

Schedule an hour or more with this workshop for discounted tuition on image grading using Lightroom Classic. My clear and efficient explanations will help you find your own style.
An Equal Difference:

Pre-order a signed limited edition hardback of my debut book, "An Equal Difference," at over 50% off retail price. Copies will be brought on the day, signed and given to you during the morning session of the workshop. If you prefer, you can arrange to have a copy shipped for a £7 UK postage fee. Select this add-on when you book your place. Learn more about the book: www.anequaldifference.com
Look for "Add-ons" when you book your ticket.

Award-winning photographer, author, colourist and therapeutic photography practitioner Gabrielle Motola has more than fifteen years of experience teaching in corporate environments, privately and at universities around the world, including, but not limited to, MET Film School, The International Centre of Photography, The BBC, Warner Brothers, Canon Europe, and Olympus.
Renowned for her evocative street portraiture and solo motorcycle journeys, she is a passionate educator with a postgraduate degree in Therapeutic Photography. Her focus is on using creative arts to enrich lives, seamlessly intertwining personal growth with the exhilaration of creative exploration.
To learn more about Gabrielle and her work, visit her website.

Subscribe to Gabrielle's mailing list for more than just updates – expect a blend of inspiration, deep thoughts, and fascinating finds. Elevate your learning experience with a wealth of educational content, a community server and early access to courses by becoming a patron on Patreon.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

WatchHouse Coffee Shop Somerset House (East Wing), Somerset House East Wing, London, United Kingdom