Once Upon A Time

Once Upon a Time

What happens when you step inside the pages of a fairytale?

Enchanted forests. Familiar characters. Stories filled with beauty, mystery, and a touch of darkness.

Once Upon a Time is a creative portrait photography workshop inspired by two timeless fairytales, Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood. Through two distinct looks, we'll explore how styling, lighting, posing, and composition can bring these storybook characters to life and create portraits that feel as though they belong in another world.

Each look offers a different creative direction, from the enchanting colours and classic beauty associated with Snow White to the darker, more mysterious world of Red Riding Hood. These contrasting themes provide an opportunity to explore how changes in lighting, mood, and expression can transform the character of an image while maintaining a strong visual concept.

Throughout the workshop, we'll explore how to use light to establish atmosphere, direct attention, and complement the styling of each look. We'll also examine how posing, expression, camera angles, and composition can communicate character and strengthen the story within a portrait. The emphasis is on understanding how these elements work together, rather than simply photographing an interesting costume.

Working with a model across two carefully styled looks, participants will have the opportunity to experiment with different lighting approaches, develop their visual storytelling skills, and create a varied collection of imaginative portraits. The techniques explored can be applied to a wide range of creative portrait projects, from themed shoots to more conceptual and editorial work.

This workshop is ideal for photographers who enjoy creative portraiture and want to develop their ability to build atmosphere, communicate character, and tell stories through their images. With a maximum of six photographers, there will be plenty of time behind the camera, along with practical demonstrations, guidance, and individual assistance from Andrew Merefield.

Step into the story, explore your creativity, and discover what happens when portrait photography meets the magic of a fairytale.

Workshop Model - Kimberley