Documentary Photography Workshop

As a photographer specialising in a documentary style, how does one improve? Shooting weddings most weekends is a challenge, but pushing my personal abilities further is what this year is all about.

I recently took the opportunity to spend an intensive four days on an 'invite only' documentary workshop in Brighton. Geeky chat wasn't order of the day, instead sleepless nights and 22hr days were more the norm. Pushing to get results in real life situations without posing subjects or intervention on my part, whilst providing strong photojournalist images isn't a walk in the park!

The focus of the workshop isn't about producing commercial images for sale purposes, but the journey you take to achieve the results. It was great to mix with other professional photographers, many of whom are friends within the industry, and to see how they photographed assignments too.

Day one was spent getting to know members of our group, so a few informal portraits on the beach before Thai food were the ice breakers.

Say no more - Chris is clearly a photography geek, just lost his camera.



The next morning I was set my assignment which was to photograph Harveys Brewery in Lewes. The story to follow was my own choice. I chose to photograph the process and connections to the workers involved as my main narrative. Here are a few of my photos from the 2 days.

Bash this and the beer comes running out. This is Miles (Head Brewer - what a cool job title). He lives on site as brewing often starts early (as I found out). 5:30am starts aren't the norm for a wedding photographer!






Yep, that's what beer is made from - and a lot of water apparently.






Washing beer barrels isn't exactly scintillating. It's also flippin' hard to take photos through steam.



The face of concentration.


This shot above and below are my favourite photos from the assignment.
Yeah, I know, you're thinking what has this got to do with wedding photography.....it's a guy carrying a couple of barrels about in some old dirty clothes! Ahhhh, but it's all about the process of taking the photo! I won't get all arty on you, but trust me, my photographers eye to see the world (and your wedding) has just got a little bit better - now that's a good thing!










The guys working at Harveys were really nice. All proud of their work and happy to have a chat. I grabbed this portrait whilst chatting to this guy. No posing, no asking him to look out the window, no positioning for great light - just making good of what's in front of me.




Overall this workshop was a great success and one I hope to attend or help assist with next year.
Now for a few less dirty gritty posts and a lot more flowery pretty ones!