Photography Workshop - An Introduction to Photographing in Public Spaces

Join us for a unique photography workshop set against the vibrant backdrop of the Viking Festival in Largs, North Ayrshire.

Workshop Details

• Dates: Saturday 30th August 2025 & Saturday 6th September 2025
• Time: 10am - 5pm (7 hours including breaks)
• Location: Studio 44, 44 Boyd Street, Largs, North Ayrshire, KA30 8LE
• Group Size: 4–6 participants

Review Session

• Date: Sunday 14th September 2025
• Time: 12 noon - 4pm
• Location: Studio 44, 44 Boyd Street, Largs, North Ayrshire, KA30 8LE
• Group Size: 12, Session only open to workshop attendees.

Cost

• £60 per day (Note, Review session is free when attending both full days)
• Optional Post-Workshop Group Review Session: £20 per person

***Food and drink is not included but breaks will be arranged at locations that allow you to source this.

Workshop Goals

• Build confidence documenting candid public moments with care and intention
• Strengthen technical photography skills in live, dynamic environments
• Use the Viking Festival as a creative setting for narrative exploration
• Engage with ethical approaches to public photography
• Reflect on personal voice, emotional resonance, and the role of visual storytelling in community contexts

What to Expect

Welcome & Intentions

Introductions and sharing personal photo reflections

Explore public photography as emotional observation and social engagement

Set individual boundaries, comfort levels, and creative goals

Technical Fundamentals

Camera setup: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, getting more from your Phone Camera

Composition techniques: framing, layering, anticipating moments

Hands-on troubleshooting and individual guidance

Documenting Public Spaces and Events

Festival events, crowds, and quieter moments

Observe symbolism, gesture, atmosphere, and narrative threads

Practise documenting real-time interactions with ethical awareness

Receive tips on approaching strangers, managing presence, and choosing when not to shoot

Ethical Storytelling in Public Spaces

Discuss consent, vulnerability, and respectful image-making

Apply trauma-informed, person-centred principles to documentation

Group discussion around boundaries, context, and power dynamics

Peer Review & Reflection

Share selected images and reflections on the experience

Supportive feedback from peers and facilitator

Explore editing strategies and storytelling potential

Materials Needed

• An interest in photography
• DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone camera
• Notebook or journal
• Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear

Optional Add-ons

• Post-Workshop Group Session (£20)
• 3-hour follow-up for editing support and feedback
• Space to revisit photos, discuss themes, and deepen creative direction