What will you do?

This workshop lasts 5 days and takes place in a fantastic location in the South of France. Storytelling is telling a story with images. In this workshop you are the model. We explore storytelling in fine-art photography, inspired by the masterful works of Richard Tuschman and Erwin Olaf, in an inspiring environment.

When? Dates 2025: 21 to 25 April and 14 to 18 July 2025

This workshop is organised by: https://www.instagram.com/puremalestudios02/ , https://gayworkshops.nl and www.cerisaie.nl

Highlights

• Workshop storytelling in fine-art fotografie
• Location: Chambres d’Hôtes ‘La Cerisaie’ in Riols, France.
• Stay in 2-persons room
• For models
• Number of participants: min 6, max 16

Storytelling

Storytelling is telling a story with images, and photography is a wonderful medium for this.

But, just taking a photo of something does not capture a story. To achieve this, you have to pay attention to what you are doing and what you want to convey. You can achieve this by using visual elements in your photo.

The easiest way of storytelling is emotion. The emotion on someone’s face quickly tells a story. But also think of ‘emptiness’ in sadness. In addition, you can use symbolism, what form of interaction can be seen between the person and his environment or a second person? The viewer will wonder what is going on in the image and come up with a story about it.

This and much more we will discuss and make in this workshop for models. In addition, there is enough space to discuss your own wishes and work on them together.

Price

€575,- pp (op basis of 2 pers/room). Included: all photoshoots, four nights, incl. breakfast, two 3-course dinners and a lunch at La Cerisaie. Transport by own arrangement (car/train).

For whom?

For beginners, intermediate to advanced amateur models. You already have some experience with photo shoots. This workshop offers you the opportunity to do a number of shoots at this beautiful location. Together we work on developing a number of ideas that we work out during the week. Everything is possible to try out.

In this workshop you may work together with the other participants to realize your image. It is your own choice whether you opt for a solo shoot or, for example, a duo shoot with the photographer. Trying out and making short videos is also possible.

What do you need to bring:

• Basic items of casual clothing.
• Laptop to search for inspiration and to make mood boards..
• Possibly a Pinterest account, Midjourney or similar.

About the workshop photographer
Jan-Willem van Riel creates fine-art storytelling stories, portraits and works on various long-term projects. The resulting images include all aspects of photography, initiated within his own studio. Ideas, concepts, collaborations, set design, art direction, styling and photography: all of this comes together in long-term projects and fine-art images that highlight socially engaged themes and in fine-art portraits in which personal stories are captured.

Jan-Willem’s motto is: ‘The power of the photographer’. He wants to portray issues that play a role in the media and society, often in relation to vulnerable people. If he can start a discussion, hold up a mirror, bring about a change of mind or help someone, no matter how small, then his goal has been achieved. There are still many stories to tell and themes to bring to attention.

‘The aesthetics are the packaging of the story’

The perfection and beauty of the images is the packaging of the socially committed stories behind them. Jan-Willem makes fine-art storytelling artworks and portraits on commission: ‘Your story, told by me’. His working method for his portraits starts with interviewing the person. A subject from this interview is elaborated and shaped by building a set and suitable props. Before the shoot, the right clothing is found and the atmosphere of the image is determined. https://studiojanwillemvanriel.