PHOTOJOURNALISM & DOCUMENTARY WORKSHOPS 2025
Getting down and streety
with Adrian Whear
- Genre: Photo Journalism
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Medium walk (>1km)
- Group size: 20
Have you ever wanted to capture the stories and art of the streets through your camera lens? Uncover the artistry of street photography in this immersive workshop, where every corner tells a story waiting to be captured. The workshop is designed to sharpen your skills, expand your creative vision and test your knees.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Fundamentals of Street Photography: Learn how to find compelling subjects
- Light and Shadow: use natural light and shadows to add depth and drama to your photographs.
- Composition: Change your shooting POV to create more dynamic compositions and visually engaging images
Part 1: Photo Essay – Shoot it in a day!
with Chris Hopkins
- Genre: Photo Journalism
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
In part one, with a nod to the traditional picture stories of W. Eugene Smith and Don McCullin, Chris Hopkins will guide participants in the art of the Photo Essay. In a hands on, interactive approach, participants will be set a predetermined time to get out amongst the township of Bright and produce a series of images that form an identified visual narrative of their own choosing. What to include. Where to begin. Targeting an audience. Concepts and ideas.
A positive and supportive workshop, participants will be encouraged to explore these fundamentals of visual story-telling in their own style. To make the most of the project, participants are encouraged to bring the work to the ‘Photo Essay – Put it Together!’ workshop where Chris and Photo Collective’s Harriet Tarbuck will conduct a discussion on how to make the most impactful photo essay through intelligent storyboarding and sequencing of your imagery.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- What to include in a photo essay
- How to construct a visual narrative with multiple images
- How to match an idea to a visual story
Part 2: Photo Essay – Put it together!
with Harriet Tarbuck
- Genre: Photo Journalism
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: 6x4 prints (preference) or a laptop with digital files
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
In Part Two of this workshop, we will be looking further into how we can make our images tell a story through clever editing and sequencing. We’ll discuss how photographers create narrative with their imagery.
Observe, as Harriet and Chris Hopkins storyboard one of Chris’ projects. See how the development of the essay forms from both the photographer and the editors’ viewpoints. Note how the collaboration between two sides of the industry work together.
Then we’ll look at your work! If you have done ‘Part 1 – Photo Essay – Shoot it in a day!’ Chris and I will work with you to bring your story to life. Alternatively, you can bring any projects you are working on from home. Participants are encouraged to bring prints in 6×4 print format (Officeworks or Kmart are great for this!). Otherwise, bring your digital files on a laptop. If you don’t come with images, this is a great opportunity to observe how a photo story is created through other photographers.
This is an opportunity for you to show your photography, get direct feedback and receive knowledge and skills to develop further storytelling as you move through your photographic practice.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Learn how an editor / mentor can help your decision process in regard to creating a photo story.
- Learn the value of printing your work to see it in 'real life'.
- Learn how to create a story with your images through sequencing and editing.
Photojournalism Survival Guide
with David Dare Parker
- Genre: Photo Journalism
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Medium walk (>1km)
- Group size: 20
Learn the art of visual reportage — the craft of telling powerful stories through a camera lens. This workshop will explore not just how to take photographs, but how to create compelling narratives that capture the essence of a moment, a place, or a person.
I’ll share my own personal stories, anecdotes, and experiences from the field, while we delve into subjects such as ethics, instincts, and moral values.
In the first part of the day, participants will take on real-world assignments designed to challenge their creativity and sharpen their storytelling skills. Later, we’ll regroup for an in-depth review session, where we’ll closely examine the final photo essays, discuss the choices behind each image, and explore how editing and sequencing can elevate a story from good to unforgettable.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Story telling through Photojournalism and Documentary Photography.
- Working with actors and producers.
- Creating Key Art for Movie Posters and Billboards
Become faster and better at documentary photography. With a couple!
with Joel Alston
- Genre: Photo Journalism
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Medium walk (>1km)
- Group size: 20
Ever since making my shift to shoot on full time film and analog cameras, I have noticed I am able to operate much quicker and more efficient than I was with the most recent digital with all the bells and whistles. Although, you don’t need to shoot film to have a fast process of shooting documentary. I have come up with things that you can do to help yourself become more efficient with this. This can help you with weddings, street photography or even just getting better at snapping those candid moments of family and friends.
We will also have a real couple along with us for the ride so we are able to practice this faster pace of shooting with real moments.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Have a better understanding of your gear and what is actually necessary to use VS just optional extras.
- For-see the images unfolding before you actually take them. So I guess you kind of become a psychic to a degree.
- More time shooting and being present, less time fiddling with your camera settings.
Bruce Gilden Inspired Workshop
with Joel Alston
- Genre: Photo Journalism
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Bruce Gilden is a prolific street photographer from New York. His work became known and popular worldwide for his harsh and some would say abrasive approach on the street. Most of his more well known work was on black and white film with direct flash on the street. He was known for using a wide lens and getting right up in peoples faces with a flash.
His work has been massively influential to me especially in my wedding work.
So let’s float around BFOP with a wide lens and a flash and get in some peoples faces to get some amazing reactions and images!
Workshop Key Learnings:
- How to shoot fast, stealthy on the go!
- Have an understanding of your speed light flash and how we can use it for close distances.
- Have a better understanding of manual focusing and shooting without using a viewfinder.
Film Stills Survival Guide
with David Dare Parker
Step onto set with me and discover the hidden art of capturing cinema. After four decades behind the camera, I’ll share what it truly takes to navigate the often-chaotic world of film production — from the delicate dance of working with actors to building trust with the crew, staying invisible in an actor’s eyeline, and reading the room when tensions run high. This is more than a workshop; it’s your insider’s survival guide to stills photography in the film industry — packed with real stories, sharp insights, and the kind of lessons only experience can teach.
Along the way, we’ll dive into the essential relationships that make or break a shoot: publicists, producers, line producers, assistant directors — and how to deliver imagery that meets their exacting standards.
Our stage? The Railway Museum in Bright — an evocative setting that could have been plucked from the golden age of Hollywood. Imagine Casablanca, with Bogart and Bacall framed in the glow of cinematic light. That’s the atmosphere we’ll bring to life.
BFOP 2025 is officially married to...
Dating...
and in a polyamorous relationship with...
