MARIAFALCONERPHOTOGRAPHY

Work in Progress

Jan 9th to April 24th, 2022 - Online Workshop

Maria Falconer, Tell Me Again Chick , work in progress

A Body of Work

How do you fancy getting stuck into a new photographic project? Maybe you have been thinking about an idea recently, or perhaps you are looking for new inspiration? You may even have made some images already but are unsure what the next step might be.

One of the things we have learned over the years is how beneficial it can be to work alongside others, both giving and receiving feedback, not just from tutors but also from other creative individuals.

This workshop offers you the space to transform your ideas and images into a completed body of work; the opportunity to work independently on a project, whilst also checking in regularly to discuss your ideas and progress.

Think of it as a kind of hub where you'll both give and receive creative stimulus, new ideas, lots of energy and positive feedback.

The Content

In order to pack in as much as possible, we've designed the workshop to include a mix of one-to-one and group sessions with a healthy balance of presentations, discussions and feedback, The programme will consist of five group meetings (each lasting approx 2 1/2 hours) with Paul and Maria, plus each participant will receive two half-hour individual feedback sessions. In addition there will be a final group meeting for everyone to share their completed projects.

Paul Hill, Dewponds , work in progress

The Theme

One of the liberating things about this workshop is that there is no theme, you are free to explore anything you wish! You may have a project already on the go or you may decide to embark on something completely new. Your head could be full of ideas or maybe you are waiting for inspiration to strike. There is no right or wrong way, this is just a starting point.

Many of you will have made a body of work before, and you will understand that this is a challenging and exciting thing to do. But if this process is new to you then you really are in for a treat!

The Format

There are no rules about what you will make or the style you choose to work in. It could be a documentary book or a radical zine, a moving image piece or a series of fine art prints. It's entirely up to you.

Unlike our one-day or weekend workshops, this project will be ongoing, and regular input from the entire group will help to shape and direct each individual's work.
In addition to input from Paul and Maria, participants are expected to make some contributions to the research, presentations, discussions and feedback. Naturally there will be times when you feel out of your comfort zone (that's how we grow), but the process isn't designed to be frightening, but rather informal, supportive and positive.

Topics will include:

• Making a body of work - What, why and how to make a strong body of work.


• Image making and selecting - practical and aesthetic considerations involved in making and selecting your images.


• Choosing an appropriate platform - will your final project work best as a book, zine, moving image work, prints or some other format?


• Editing and sequencing - how to create a narrative through your work.


• Style, form and content - how to organise your material so that the design and meaning work together.

It's important to recognise that participation in this workshop will demand a degree of commitment, both to your own work and also to the group sessions. But once on board, the journey is always enriching and rewarding and the results frequently surprising!

The Timetable

• All group sessions will take place on Sundays from 10.00 to 12.30.


• All group sessions will be recorded so if you are unable to make one you can catch up in your own time.


• Occasionally it may be necessary to re-schedule a session and we do our utmost to find a mutually convenient time. If you are unable to attend then a recording will be available.


• A range of options are available for you to book 1-1 sessions including daytime, evening and weekend slots.


• The final meet up is a grand finale where participants will present their finished work.

What you will need

• A sense of curiosity, a willingness to share your knowledge and experience, and a commitment to the group.


• A camera - anything from a smartphone upwards is fine by us. Remember that a camera is just a tool, the important thing is that you are comfortable using it.


• Something to edit your images on - eg desktop computer, laptop, ipad etc.


• A wifi connection.


• Zoom downloaded and installed onto your computer, it's free and available here .

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

Booking - Maximum 10 participants

The workshop takes place on selected dates (as outlined in the timetable above) between Sunday January 9th and Sunday April 24th, 2022.

Cost - £195

When booking you will receive a paypal receipt immediately, this is also confirmation of your place. You will also receive an email confirmation from us within 48 hours.

Please note that refunds are not available after booking unless we are able to reallocate your place.

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

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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May 15th, 2022 - Edinburgh, Scotland

We are very excited to offer this one day action packed Dance Photography workshop at 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

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.

Digital Camera Magazine feature on Maria's Performance Photography

The Workshop

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 both on location and in a live theatre setting.

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
• 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 clichés
• Experimentation and creativity
• Copyright and Model Release

Images from previous workshops - all made by participants

The Location.

Dance Base, 14 - 16 Grassmarket
EH1 2JU

This one day workshop will take place from 08.45 - 17.30 on Sunday May 15th at Dance Base's award winning building in the heart of Edinburgh. It's easily accessible by bus, train and car - details here .

Dance Base, Edinburgh

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 teaches at De Montfort University.
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. Originally a photo journalist, his work is in international collections of photography. 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."

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

Covid-Safe Regulations

Naturally we wish to make the environment as safe as possible, so please be aware that you may be asked to produce a negative Covid-19 Lateral Flow test and / or proof of vaccination prior to attending. Details tbc closer to the event.

If we are in a position where government guidelines necessitate that we cancel the workshop you will receive a full refund.

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 - £195

Please be aware before booking that;

• Booking indicates that you have read and agree to our TERMS & CONDITIONS including Covid-19 procedures and cancellation policy.


• You will need to bring a laptop with you for editing.

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!

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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Nottingham - April 9th & 10th, 2022

We have been running Dance Photography workshops in the UK since 2017. Every single one has sold out and you told us that YOU LOVED THEM! So here we are again with yet another fabulous workshop at Dance4 in Nottingham.

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

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.

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 08.45 - 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. Formerly Senior Lecturer at De Montfort University, Nick teaches part-time at Staffordshire University and 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 ...

Covid-Safe Regulations

Naturally we wish to make the environment as safe as possible, so please be aware that you may be asked to produce a negative Covid-19 Lateral Flow test and / or proof of vaccination prior to attending. Details tbc closer to the event.

If we are in a position where government guidelines necessitate that we cancel the workshop you will receive a full refund.

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 - £325

Please be aware before booking that;

• Booking indicates that you have read and agree to our TERMS & CONDITIONS including Covid-19 procedures and cancellation policy.


• You will need to bring a laptop with you for editing.




Booking open very soon - just waiting for final confirmation fron Dance4

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!

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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Ooh La Loire! - at the wonderful Château de Montsoreau-Museum of contemporary art

Montsoreau, The Loire Valley, France
June 7th - 12th, 2022

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! And over the course of the week we will be making online books (don't panic if you've never done that before!)

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.

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

Overview

The workshop will take place from 10 am on Tuesday June 7th, to 5 pm on Sunday June 12th, allowing Mondays for traveling. And there is also an optional welcome dinner on Monday 6th for those who are able to join us. Over the course of the workshop 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.

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.

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 8th, and a farewell meal on Sunday June 13th. And although it would be wonderful to see everyone there, this is of course entirely optional.

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.

We are still to finalise the details of our farewell meal but we will post details as soon as possible.

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.

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

• Holiday Charlotte
• Holiday Margot
• Holiday Adele

B&B and Hotels

• B&B Juliette
• Hotel la Marine de Loire
• Chambres d'hotes Oiseau
• Hotel le Bussy

Camping & Chalets

• Camping L'Isle

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

• Hotel Croix Blanche
• Dormir en Troglo
• The Desgriere

And Varennes-sur-Loire (2 miles)

• Apartment in the heart of the valley of the Kings
• Chambre independante plein pieds
• Chambre LUCILE à la Gravemillette

There are also helpful listings on

• Montsoreau Tourist Office web site,
• Home Away
• Trip advisor .

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

Booking temporarily suspended but will be open as soon as possible.

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.

Please be aware before booking that;

• You will need a laptop / ipad with you for editing.
  (Make sure that your device has the technology to transfer your images to our laptop for feedback sessions - eg USB port / airdrop etc.)


• Booking indicates that you have read and agree to our cancellation policy.


• IF ANY OF OUR WORKSHOPS ARE CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19, YOU WILL BE REFUNDED
  

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

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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