Dark Peak Photo presents Motion and Emotion : Cinematic Portraits
Cinematic Portraits is a half-day workshop for confident photographers seeking more atmosphere, movement, and emotional depth in portraits
Motion and Emotion:
Cinematic Portraits is a focused, half-day workshop for confident photographers who want to bring more atmosphere, movement, and emotional depth into their portrait work.
Over four hours , the workshop explores how light, framing, and timing influence the emotional impact of a portrait. Rather than following fixed lighting setups or formulas, the emphasis is on developing a cinematic way of seeing and responding to the subject in front of you.
Working with a model, the session begins with an exploration of framing, showing how subtle shifts in composition and thought can transform a portrait. Attention is given to recognising moments, reading expressions, and allowing images to evolve rather than forcing results.
Lighting is approached in a simple, practical way, starting with available light and then introducing basic flash as a subtle tool to shape mood. Participants will see how natural light and minimal artificial light can be combined to create portraits that feel authentic and unforced.
The workshop briefly touches on movement and slow shutter techniques, demonstrating how blur and imperfection can add energy and emotion when used intentionally. Editing is also discussed as an extension of the creative process, focusing on refining images without stripping them of their character.
Throughout the session there is guided shooting time, discussion, and feedback, with the aim of helping participants leave with a clearer creative direction and renewed confidence in their photography.
Motion and Emotion: Cinematic Portraits is about slowing down, trusting your eye, and making portraits that feel human rather than performative.
Pre-requisite are that you are a confident photographer you know your camera modes, how it works and will be issued with a list of your equipment you should bring. There will not be time in this workshop to teach you how to use a camera
This workshop is supported by Derbyshire Makes and is subsidised workshop, the true cost would be £175 for half a day
Tutor is Adam Docker
Adam Docker is a London-based cinematographer and portrait photographer whose work explores movement, atmosphere, and emotional presence. With over 25 years’ experience and projects spanning more than 90 countries, his photography is shaped by a cinematic eye and a deep curiosity for human stories, intimate moments, and unscripted encounters. Blending available light, subtle artificial lighting, and movement, his portraits aim to “catch something in the act and see how it becomes something else.” His work has been widely recognised, including being a two-time Portrait of Britain winner (2021 and 2025), selections for Portrait of Humanity (2021 and 2023), and recognition from Lens Culture and The Independent Photographer.
https://www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk/
After participating in this workshop a further opportunity will be revealed that is a free opportunity and also part of the Derbyshire Makes Festival in the Spring.
Cinematic Portraits is a half-day workshop for confident photographers seeking more atmosphere, movement, and emotional depth in portraits
Motion and Emotion:
Cinematic Portraits is a focused, half-day workshop for confident photographers who want to bring more atmosphere, movement, and emotional depth into their portrait work.
Over four hours , the workshop explores how light, framing, and timing influence the emotional impact of a portrait. Rather than following fixed lighting setups or formulas, the emphasis is on developing a cinematic way of seeing and responding to the subject in front of you.
Working with a model, the session begins with an exploration of framing, showing how subtle shifts in composition and thought can transform a portrait. Attention is given to recognising moments, reading expressions, and allowing images to evolve rather than forcing results.
Lighting is approached in a simple, practical way, starting with available light and then introducing basic flash as a subtle tool to shape mood. Participants will see how natural light and minimal artificial light can be combined to create portraits that feel authentic and unforced.
The workshop briefly touches on movement and slow shutter techniques, demonstrating how blur and imperfection can add energy and emotion when used intentionally. Editing is also discussed as an extension of the creative process, focusing on refining images without stripping them of their character.
Throughout the session there is guided shooting time, discussion, and feedback, with the aim of helping participants leave with a clearer creative direction and renewed confidence in their photography.
Motion and Emotion: Cinematic Portraits is about slowing down, trusting your eye, and making portraits that feel human rather than performative.
Pre-requisite are that you are a confident photographer you know your camera modes, how it works and will be issued with a list of your equipment you should bring. There will not be time in this workshop to teach you how to use a camera
This workshop is supported by Derbyshire Makes and is subsidised workshop, the true cost would be £175 for half a day
Tutor is Adam Docker
Adam Docker is a London-based cinematographer and portrait photographer whose work explores movement, atmosphere, and emotional presence. With over 25 years’ experience and projects spanning more than 90 countries, his photography is shaped by a cinematic eye and a deep curiosity for human stories, intimate moments, and unscripted encounters. Blending available light, subtle artificial lighting, and movement, his portraits aim to “catch something in the act and see how it becomes something else.” His work has been widely recognised, including being a two-time Portrait of Britain winner (2021 and 2025), selections for Portrait of Humanity (2021 and 2023), and recognition from Lens Culture and The Independent Photographer.
https://www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk/
After participating in this workshop a further opportunity will be revealed that is a free opportunity and also part of the Derbyshire Makes Festival in the Spring.
Lineup
Adam Docker
Good to know
Highlights
- 4 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Henry Street
Henry Street
Glossop SK13 8BW
How do you want to get there?
