Contemporary Photography workshops in the UK with Maria Falconer FRPS and Prof. Paul Hill MBE

Photography Workshops With Maria Falconer FRPS & Prof. Paul Hill MBE
Workshops 2019 More workshops coming soon!
Performing for the Camera - Nottingham - SORRY THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL You won't find another workshop like this in the UK (or anywhere else as far as we know). You will have the opportunity to work with many wonderful dancers, on location, in the studio and in the theatre. This workshop will push your creativity to the max! more	Dance4, Nottingham	April 13 - 14th, 2019
Be Inspired! - Montsoreau, The Loire Valley, France - SORRY THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL Based in the stunning Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art, this workshop will be full of inspiration, challenges and fun! more	Montsoreau, The Loire Valley, France	May 28 - June 2nd, 2019
Performing for the Camera - Edinburgh, Scotland A one day version of our highly succesful action packed Dance Photography Workshop. You will have the opportunity to work with many wonderful dancers on location and in the theatre. We guarantee that you will come out buzzing! more	Dance Base, The Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland	May 19th, 2019
A Journey to Remember Let us take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of Ludlow.............a journey to make you think differently about photography. more	Ludlow, Shropshire	Jun 21st - 23rd 2019
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Performing for the Camera

Nottingham - April 13th and 14th 2019 - SORRY THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL -

We do occasionally have cancellations, if you would like to join the waiting list please email us with your name, email address and mobile number.

So far we have run four Dance Photography workshops in Nottingham. They all sold out and you told us that YOU LOVED THEM! So here we are again, with our fifth fabulous workshop at Dance4.

You won't find another dance photography workshop like this in the UK (or anywhere else as far as we know). You will have the opportunity to work with many wonderful dancers, in a range of different settings that will push your creativity to the max!

You will photograph trained contemporary dancers out on location, in the theatre and also in the photographic studio!

There will be presentations and exercises, discussions and technical info - but mostly you will be at the sharp end of picture making! I think it's fair to say that you will come out buzzing!

Check out our video from previous workshops

Video from previous workshops - all images made by participants

"Absolutely excellent workshop. I signed up to be taken out of my photographic comfort zone and the course did all of that and more. Congratulations on a very well run course." David Boath

"Really good fun and friendly, Paul and Maria made learning so much fun, and the rest of the group were very keen to share their knowledge and experience too!" Simon Priestly

"A great workshop, lots of help to hand and lots of positive encouragement too! Highly recommend it!" Anne Turner

"This workshop was a new genre to me but one I had wanted to attempt. It was brilliant and answered all my questions. The teachers were brilliant and couldn't have been more positive. I would highly recommend it!" Adrian Lowe-Wheeler

"An excellent combination of advice, information and extensive opportunities to photograph a wide variety of dancers. A challenging and very rewarding workshop!" Dave Mangan

May I have the Pleasure?

Unless you live somewhere in a dark hole, you can't possibly have missed the recent explosion of dance on our streets, cinemas, theatres and TVs! Dance has taken the UK - and the rest of the world - by storm! From Ballroom to Ballet, Strictly to Street Dance, everyone is up and moving!

But this new craze isn't easy to photograph. Production shots, location shoots, choreography, direction, improvisation and collaboration - what's it all about?
The world of dance photography can be both bewildering and fascinating, hard work and fun!
But we can show you the steps - if you're up for the challenge?

On this workshop Maria Falconer and Paul Hill will introduce you not only to the technical aspects of shooting dance, but much more importantly - the creative ones.

And because the numbers are limited to 12, you will have plenty of time and space to work, and lots of input from the tutors.

Photoshoot with Shaper/Caper, Dundee

Digital Camera Magazine feature on Maria's Performance Photography

The Workshops

It doesn't matter if you are an experienced photographer or new to the medium, this workshop welcomes a rich mix of enthusiastic participants. And if you are new to dance photography, Maria and Paul will guide you through the day.

The workshop will be packed with exercises and advice, designed to help you create interesting unique images.

You will work with trained dancers on location, in the theatre and also in the photographic studio. We are very fortunate to have with us the lighting expert Nick Lockett, a highly experienced professional photographer and teacher - see below for more about Nick.

Everything that you need will be on hand, so that you can really get involved and enjoy the experience.

The Content

The workshop will include presentations, demos and a series of technical
and creative exercises around the following topics;

Directing / collaborating with dancers
working on location
Shooting in the theatre
Studio lighting
Camera angles and vantage points
Colour, costume and backgrounds
Using the light to your advantage
ISO, Shutter speeds, Aperture and all that jazz
Getting beyond the cliches
Experimentation and creativity
Copyright and Model Release

Images from previous workshops - all made by participants

The Location.

Dance4
iC4C2
Dakeyne Street
Nottingham
NG3 2AR

This weekend workshop will take place from 10.00 - 17.00 at Dance4's beautiful and prestigious new Centre for Choreography in Nottingham's Creative Quarter. It's easily accessible by bus, train and car - full access details here

Dance4 studio, Nottingham

Promotional image for So Many Steps, So Little Time, Bruges.

The Tutors

Maria Falconer

Maria is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, holds an MA in Photography, and is a qualified teacher.
Her work has been shown at Arles Photography Festival, The Edinburgh Festival, ThePrintSpace Photovoice awards London, FORMAT Photography Festival, DanceMoves in New Jersey and at the Lightmoves Dance Film festival in Limerick.
Her specialist dance photography has been published in The Guardian, The Times, The Glasgow Herald and The Scotsman.
In Jan 2017 Maria exhibited her work at an international Dance Festival in Bruges. She was delighted to discover that one of her images was used to advertise the event.
Maria also trained as a contemporary dancer at the Laban Centre for movement and Dance in London, and enjoys being on both sides of the fence!

Paul Hill

Awarded an MBE for his services to photography, Paul is the originator of photographic workshops in the UK. An influential teacher, he has published several books and exhibited all over the world www.hillonphotography.co.uk.

This is what the UK's best selling photo magazine Digital Camera wrote about Paul:

An eminent photographer, teacher and workshop pioneer, Paul Hill witnessed many of the major changes that transformed British photography ... and works to help students develop their own vision: "to say something rather than just show something."

Nick Lockett - Guest teacher, Nottingham workshop

For twenty years Nick was Chief Photographer and Head of Pictures for Carlton Television in London, producing still images and picture publicity on TV programmes as diverse as Inspector Morse, Spitting Image and Pop Idol. Nick now lectures on the MA and BA courses at De Montfort University, but also undertakes photo assignments for newspapers, magazines and book publishers.
Nick has an impressive client list including; The British Museum, The Louvre, BBC, ITV, C4, Australian Film Commission, Ofsted, The Oval & Surrey County Cricket Club, Royal Mail, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Melbourne Age, Weidenfeld & Nicholson and Grove Atlantic.

But don't just take our word for it ...

"Excellent workshop run by Maria and Paul! Fantastic location with superb facilities!" Alan Declan

"Paul and Maria make a great team - easy going, extremely creative and encouraging. They pack in so much information and practical work that you leave feeling inspired and improved!" Rachel Wallace

"Really useful workshop - so many aspects covered - thanks so much!" Geraldine Curtis

"A fabulous workshop - lots of tuition, lots of practical activity - wonderful to work collaboratively with the dancers." Trevor Rudkin

"It has inspired me to push myself out of my comfort zone!" Lois Clarke

Booking

Numbers are restricted to 12 in order to maximize your time working with the dancers. This also enables us to spend more time with each photographer, and offer advice and constructive feedback to everyone.

Cost - £295

Please be aware before booking that

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING A LAPTOP WITH YOU FOR EDITING.

And please note that by booking you agree to our cancellation policy.

Production shot for Edge Fwd, Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Buying a workshop as a gift? Just let us know when you book it and we will send you a gift certificate!

So, come and join us for a unique creative experience, make pictures that you have never seen before, and improve your technical skills and creative vision!

Enjoy a friendly and informal learning environment, with space and time for you to share ideas, meet other photographers, and make some new pictures!

If you have any questions or would simply like a chat about the workshop, please don't hesitate to contact Maria - email / mobile +44 (0)7740 985 887, or Paul - email / mobile +44 (0)7977 700 274. We would be delighted to hear from you.

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"What a learning experience! A very well presented course. The contribution of the dancers was really great. I would recommend for everyone who is interested" Joanne Pearson

"Totally absorbing, excellent learning experience, superbly orchestrated and delivered" Sarah Cummins

Be Inspired! - at the wonderful Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art

Montsoreau, The Loire Valley, France
May 28th - June 2nd 2019

- SORRY THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL -

We do occasionally have cancellations, if you would like to join the waiting list please email us with your name, email address and mobile number.

Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art

The market town of Montsoreau -
'One of the most beautiful in France'

The Location

What better inspiration for a photography workshop than spending 6 days in the magnificent Loire Valley France.

For centuries the Loire has been a popular destination for artists, from Rabelais and Turner to Alexandre Dumas and Rodin.

Here, hundreds of majestic châteaux and palaces line the course of the country's longest river, and such is the beauty of the ancient towns, limestone hills and historic châteaux, that a 300km-long stretch of the valley has been designated a World Heritage Site.

We are delighted to be based at the renowned Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art, which is the only château that is actually built on the Loire riverbed itself.
Created in April 2016 on the initiative of the French contemporary art collector Philippe Méaille, the Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art is a radical, committed, living place. Its permanent collection is the world's largest collection of works from the Art & Language movement."

Just beyond the château walls lies the charming market town of Montsoreau, officially classified as 'One of the most Beautiful in France'. Here you'll find architecture in the subtle shades of French lace and Troglodyte houses that are cut into the cliff side.

Our base for the workshop - in the heart of the château

The Theme

Our theme is inspiration! And in addition to the fabulous location we have an action packed programme for you.

We are extremely fortunate to be based in a classroom in the heart of the château with 6 days free access to the museum's collection of contemporary art and temporary exhibitions.

The workshop will be packed with short presentations, technical and creative exercises, as well as lots of advice and feedback. We will have field trips, challenges, stimulating discussions and a whole lot of fun!

We don't want to give too much away and spoil the surprises, but suffice to say that this workshop is not about landscape, portraiture, or any specific genre, it's about you and your photography. Inspiration to think and work differently. Inspiration to make new and unique images.

It doesn't matter if you are an experienced photographer or relatively new to the medium, we welcome a rich mix of enthusiastic participants.
And we do our best to create a warm, supportive, non competitive environment where you have time and space to experiment.

And for those who wish to bring along projects that they are currently working on, there will be time for one to one feedback, but of course this is entirely optional.

But don't just take our word for it ...

"Absolutely excellent workshop. I signed up to be taken out of my photographic comfort zone and the course did all of that and more. Congratulations on a very well run course." David Boath

"Really good fun and friendly, Paul and Maria made learning so much fun, and the rest of the group were very keen to share their knowledge and experience too!" Simon Priestly

"Loved the workshop - very inspirational, can't wait to come back for another one!" Kat Morgan

"Eye opening and thought provoking! A thoroughly enjoyable experience - thank you!"Carol Jenkins

Overview

The workshop will take place from 10 am on Tuesday May 28th, to 5 pm on Sunday June 2nd, allowing Mondays for traveling. Over the course of the 6 days there will be challenges and exercises in and around the Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art itself, around the town of Montsoreau and also two field trips.
We have factored in a day off in the middle for you to relax or explore as you wish, or continue making pictures in this wonderful location.
Montsoreau offers a range of recreational activities including, canoeing, cycling, wine tasting (and courses to learn about wine), shopping or just hanging out enjoying the local atmosphere.

Field Trips

The first outing will be to the incredible Château de Bréze.
Built and rebuilt between the 11th and 19th centuries in the heart of a vineyard, this château is not quite all that it seems. At first glance there is nothing to suggest that it sits atop the largest underground fortress in Europe. But situated deep beneath the château there are actually more than 1 km of underground passages, housing everything from the largest underground bakery in France, to an ice-house and a 'Son et Lumiére' show on the bare rock of one of the caverns.

Our second excursion will be to the medieval town of Chinon. Resting on the banks of the Vienne river, Chinon, with its cobbled streets and houses is a town steeped in history and culture dating back to the 15th century. Rich with cafés, shops and restaurants, Chinon also boasts its own château where in 1429 the teenage Joan of Arc visited the Dauphin Charles VII to acknowledge him as the rightful heir to the throne.

Although our workshop does involve rather a lot of châteaux, it's absolutely not about making pretty pictures. The exercises and challenges will help you to see beyond the obvious and encourage you to photograph everything in new and unique ways.

Château Breze

Social

We find that workshop participants really learn a lot from chatting to each other, both during the workshop and also socially. Invariably group members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and have an enormous amount of experience and skills to share. After hour meet ups over a drink or an evening meal can elicit the most fascinating discussions and are a great way to relax too!

And so with this in mind, we have arranged two opportunities to dine out as a group, an introductory dinner on the evening of Monday 27th, and a farewell meal on Sunday June 2nd. And although it would be wonderful to see everyone there, this is of course entirely optional.

We have chosen two restaurants that are relatively inexpensive and cater for a range of dietary requirements.

On arrival we will dine at Créperie Saladerie la Dentellière. They don't have a web site, (which is not uncommon for small businesses in rural France), but you can find them listed on Trip Advisor here.

And our departing meal will be held at the lovely Auberge de la Route D'Or (just one mile from the château), again no web site but listed here, and on Trip Advisor here

Because we appreciate that it's not always possible for people to attend the social activities, we don't include them in the price. But there will be an opportunity to opt in or out when booking, so that we can give the restaurants plenty of notice about numbers and dietary requirements.

The Tutors
Paul is one of the UK's most influential photographers and workshop leaders, who has published several books and exhibited all over the world. A photo-journalist before concentrating on his own personal projects, he was awarded an MBE for services to photography and a Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society. Hill on Photography	A university lecturer and Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, Maria is also an experienced workshop teacher and professional photographer, whose work has been exhibited in the UK., Ireland, France, the US and East Asia. Her commercial photography has been widely published including The Guardian, The Times and The Scotsman. Maria Falconer Photography

Accommodation

There are a range of accommodation options in Montsoreau - from posh hotels to campsite chalets, as well as interesting airbnb possibilities. Here are a few but there are many more available online;

In Montsoreau

Self Catering

B&B and Hotels

Camping & Chalets

Camping L'Isle

Nearby is the village of Fontevraud l'Abbaye (2.5 miles)

And Varennes-sur-Loire (2 miles)

There are also helpful listings on

Travel

Ryanair fly from Stansted to Tours and Nantes, and Flybe from Birmingham and Southampton to Nantes. From Tours and Nantes there are regular trains to Saumur where you will be picked up on arrival. If you have the option though, it is quicker to get to Saumur from Tours than Nantes.

It's also easy to travel by Eurostar with just 2 changes from London St Pancras to Saumur.

And if you would like to drive, Montsoreau is only 5 hours from Calais.

So come and join us for a unique creative experience, make the sort of pictures that you have never made before, and improve your technical skills and creative vision! Enjoy a friendly and informal learning environment, with space and time for you to share ideas, meet other photographers, and make some new pictures! We would love to welcome you on board!

Booking

Cost

Please read our cancellation policy before booking.

If you are booking in France, Paypal will convert payment into euros.

Price £495

Price includes;

All tuition
Transfers to and from Saumur train station
Transport to and from Bréze and Chinon
Entrance to Château de Bréze.

Buying a workshop as a gift? Just let us know when you book it and we will send you a gift certificate!

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"Great photography, great teaching and a bunch of very nice people. Paul and Maria really know how to impart information in a sympathetic and memorable way"Ian Jeffries

"A wonderful experience" Kathie Scarrah

"Simply Superb!" Roger Lee

"I really enjoyed the workshop. I have never done anything like that before and I was a little apprehensive, but yourself and Paul together with the other participants made for a relaxing atmosphere, even if you did test the grey matter!" Brian Richards

Performing for the Camera

Dancebase, Edinburgh, Scotland - Sunday May 19th 2019

So far we have run four Dance Photography workshops in Nottingham. They all sold out and you told us that YOU LOVED THEM! So we're bringing our workshop to Dance Base in Edinburgh, Scotland's National Centre for Dance.

You won't find another dance photography workshop like this in the UK (or anywhere else as far as we know). You will have the opportunity to work with many wonderful dancers, in a range of different settings that will push your creativity to the max!

You will photograph highly trained contemporary dancers both out on location and in a live theatre setting. There will be presentations and exercises, discussions and technical info - but mostly you will be at the sharp end of picture making! We think it's fair to say that you will come out buzzing!

Check out our video from previous workshops

Video from previous workshops - all images made by participants

"Absolutely excellent workshop. I signed up to be taken out of my photographic comfort zone and the course did all of that and more. Congratulations on a very well run course." David Boath

"Really good fun and friendly, Paul and Maria made learning so much fun, and the rest of the group were very keen to share their knowledge and experience too!" Simon Priestly

"A great workshop, lots of help to hand and lots of positive encouragement too! Highly recommend it!" Anne Turner

"An excellent combination of advice, information and extensive opportunities to photograph a wide variety of dancers. A challenging and very rewarding workshop!" Dave Mangan