BRIGHTON Abstract Photography Workshop with Dr Eva Kalpadaki | Outdoors

Description

BRIGHTON - Introduction to Abstract Photography- Outdoors Workshop

with Eva Kalpadaki

Duration 6 hours

Small group of 8

Venue: outdoors meeting point at the Brighton Bandstand

Note: if the weather forecast is not good for the day of the workshop, it will be rescheduled for another day.

Aim

Have you ever felt like there’s more to photography than capturing what’s simply there?Do you long to break free from the technical side and truly seethe world through your own creative lens?Are you curious about how to turn the everyday into something unexpected, expressive, and uniquely yours?

In this workshop, you’ll be encouraged to loosen your grip on the rules and flirt with the visual poetry of everyday life.

Through a playful, mindful approach, we’ll explore abstract photography as a way of seeing—rather than simply taking pictures.

You’ll learn to move beyond technical concerns and start noticing what often goes unseen.

Together, we’ll tune into details, shapes, textures, and rhythms in our surroundings—transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

By shifting your focus from the “how” to the “why,” this workshop will help you develop a more personal visual language and deepen your creative connection with the world around you.

Suitable for all levels

Objectives

At the end of the workshop you will be able to:

- Understand the key ideas behind abstract photography and start noticing the visual elements that make a photo feel abstract

- Explore how abstraction in photography has evolved over time—alongside other movements in art and photography

- Experiment hands-on with creating your own abstract images through playful, mindful seeing

- Reflect on your creative process and the way you interpret the world through shape, form, light, and texture

This workshop is all about loosening up, looking differently, and expressing your unique way of seeing.

General Workshop Outline

10:30- 11:30

Introductions

Theory Part - Brain Storming on the concept of Abstraction and Abstraction in Photography

By looking at and discussing the works of famous classic and contemporary photographers, this session will provide you with an understanding of some historical developments of abstract photography in parallel with other photographic genres and art movements. You will be engaging in a critical discussion about them reflecting on questions about what makes them abstract, what the intentions of the photographer might be, what the images mean to you based on your own interpretation, and any other questions that might be generated by you.

12:45 - 13:15

Lunch Break

13:15 - 16:15

Play Time - Theory into practice with individual and group feedback along the way

Engaging in playful and mindful activities, you will be taking photographs implementing theory into practice. You can work on specific themes I will be suggesting or you can choose to shoot freely. I will be guiding you when needed and giving you practical tips on how to achieve your desired results.

I will be commenting on your photographs in a non-judgemental way, reflecting on the creative process of ‘seeing differently’ and helping you to articulate it into your own words.

16:20 - 16:30

Summing up on the workshop themes, leaving your workshop feedback, and suggesting ideas for further workshops based on your needs.

Group Size

Workshops are kept small for a reason — with only 2–8 people, you’ll receive personal feedback and tailored guidance while enjoying a relaxed, friendly outdoor setting. It’s the perfect mix of group energy and individual attention.

Handouts

At the end of the workshop I will send you a handout in pdf by email

Camera guidelines

Ideally, an SLR camera (digital if you want digital, film if you want film) or mirrorless is the best type of camera you can have if you want to really explore, or even just experiment with photography. However, you can bring any camera you have or even a phone camera and still benefit from the abstraction workshop.

What to bring

- your camera with a fully charged battery

- a second battery but only if you have one already

-a couple of photographs (yours or by other photographers) that you think are abstract

-enthusiasm and willingness to play and enjoy the day!

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Minimum age is 12 years old to attend without parents (CRB checked)

For younger children please contact us