The Decisive Photographer Workshop
It took me a while but I can finally present you a workshop/seminar. I worked really hard to set up and interesting day, titled, the Decisive Photographer.
photo by Duncan
Most photographers are probably familiar with the Decisive Moment. Henri Cartier-Bresson used those words to describe that one moment when all the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit: composition, light, subject, background, …
But not many photographers (pro or amateur) have the luxuory of time and failure. To me photography is about telling stories. The more aspects of making a picture that you can control, the better you can tell your story. In this workshop I’ll show you how control isn’t only for big budget, large crew commercial photo shoots. You may not be able to control every parameter every time. But by controlling some, it gets much easier to counter unexpected problems.
You will see how you can handle your subjects, locations, props, equipment, … We will spend a lot of time on lighting too and I’ll throw lots of examples, black magic and tricks of the trade in the mix.
We will check out different ways of becoming a proactive photographer.
After the more theoretical part we’ll do a live shoot together. Most of the time I will be the one pressing the shutter but they ideas and the way to realise them will have to come from the group.
We will finish the day by processing and discussing some images.
Photo by Ake
It’s 99% sure I will do this workshop in Dutch on May, 10th. But I was wondering if there’s enough interest to do the same workshop in English some day in may or june.
The workshop is an all day event and will take place in (or near) Zaventem, Belgium (very close to Brussels Airport). The price will depend on how many people we can get together. I figured that I can do it for 100-130 EUR when we have around 25 people. If we have fewer people, the price will be a bit higher. But let’s first see if we can find enough people. If we do, I’ll check out some info on transport, lodging, …
I already got lots of questions about doing workshops in other countries and I’m very much open towards it. But it would be difficult and costly to set those things up without local help. So If somebody would like to help me organising a workshop in their country (mostly finding a room, setting a day and getting enough people), let me know.
People who want to attend a workshop in Belgium, let me know in the comments or by mail. Tell me when is the best time for you.
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This sounds good, I’d be interested in a workshop in english (I can’t promise I’ll be able to fit it into my schedule though, but I hope so).
Hi Bert, I’m definitly interested in an English version!
From Hamburg I’d want to get a flight to Brussels that’s not twice as much as the workshop fee (small chance for that I fear) – the train takes 8 hours and isn’t even cheap… so I guess at some point I’ll try to set up a place etc. in Hamburg. Or depend on Manuel and the FFM crew to repeat the Meetup in Frankfurt!
I like the idea of going round-trip so to speak: therory, practice, review. You learn much more that way. From experience with another portrait workshop I know that’s a lot for one day though. Also the “proactive photographer” concept sounds great. There’s a point where technique is not the main obstacle any more… but it’s not getting easier
Cheers
Till
Hi Bert,
I put my name down yesterday for the Dutch one, but my preference would be to do it in English also…..
Thanks
Simon
Hi Bert, I am in for the English version, too. You are such a great teacher, I am really looking forward to learn more from you.
I already saw Till’s comment, so maybe we can get some more of the Frankfurt Strobists to participate, too. Otherwise, I am willing to fly to Brussels. I like the city, anyway.
Hey Bert… sounds great!
but for you of course I might make an exception.)
I’m also definitely interested in an English version of that workshop.
The 100-130 EUR won’t be a problem, but of course as soon as more details are known, I’d have to check whether the total costs for me (i.e. plus travel and accommodation) still make this feasible for me…
But anyway – as I said: I’m interested…
And if you happen to repeat that meeting in the Frankfurt area, I’m more than happy to help you out. (Although after the last Frankfurt strobist meetup I said: “Next time someone else has got to do all the organizational work…” Well…
hey,
i would like to roll me in for this event, on the 10th may, and i would like to send a mail but can’t seem to find your mail-adress
anyway, if you can reply by mail with some specs where and when this workshop is… what we should bring and so on…
thx
sam
Come to LA! I’ll give you a place to stay, and I’m sure you could get enough people and they’d pay a premium for your lighting expertise. I know I would!
English workshop in Rome, Italy, would be very much appreciated.
June or July would be perfect (and you’ll very much enjoy the holiday too).
I can look for an accomodation and a location for you, and if you agree I can start to ask how many people would be interested in such a workshop.
Thanks.
Decisive Moment is a good combination of words to describe the moment I get the shot that I feel is the perfect shot, then again when I make a mistake I always know the decisive moment that cause that plan of action. Sounds like an excellent program. HughE
Hey Bert,
Count me in for the English one in May or June.
Great that you’re putting this together, looking forward to the outcome.
I can offer help with Cologne as a host city.
Cheers,
Duncan
Hi Bert,
Of course, I am in for the Dutch or the English version (depending of your nr of participants for the English one). I’ve already learned a lot just be reading all your comments and info so I am looking forward to see you soon.
Best Regards,
Patrice
Bert,
I am an enthusiast photographer based in Brussels and I will definitely be interested in attending the workshop in English (my Dutch is null, therefore my preference).
If you are interested, I could share the details (once finalized) with the members of the Viewfinders club (an English-Speaking Photography Club in Brussels), to see whether there would be some more people interested in attending your Workshop. The next club meeting is on April 23, so let me know before that.
Rafa
Hi Bert, i’d participate in an english workshop, too. I like the idea of combining it with a strobist meetup the day before or after
Thanks for your comments guys. Give me some time to check out some options and I’ll get back to you soon.
Hey Bert… Definatly interested in a workshop in English
Another one interested in the English workshop. You have to include some notes on postprocessing. Kind regards.
You should talk to david hobby, chase jarvis or joe mcnally about a workshop here in the usa. They hold workshops and im sure they have seen your work (i still watch your videos). They had a hanger with 100 photog’s all strobist. i would pay to go if it was in the U.S. Thanks
We will soon look into the options of doing some workshops abroad.
Hoi Bert,
voor mij is een nederlandse workshop ook geen punt:)Ik kom uit Gouda, Nederland. Lijkt me erg leuk en leerzaam om een workshop van je te volgen. Vriendelijke groet
Matthijs Beil
Zo enthousiast, dat ik nu de datum pas zie. Mocht je dus nog een workshop plannen na vandaag ben ik van de partij.
groetjes Matthijs