Unplugged Photography Portraits: Moments instead of motifs

This workshop offers a deep insight into the philosophy, methodology, and psychology of Unplugged Photography.
Designed to be experiential, interactive, and providing targeted impulses for new approaches, it opens a space for conscious, minimalist work.

A special format for beginners and those switching to artistic portrait photography –
authentic, close and connected to the people in front of the camera.

Unplugged photography describes a photographic style that consciously defines itself through reduction: less equipment, less technology, less distraction. The focus is on nature, deceleration, and a form of "de-digitalization."
Similar to an unplugged concert, photography here is created with the bare essentials – immediate, emotional, and honest.

Less thinking, more feeling for the moment.
Capturing portraits and moments as they feel , not as they are constructed.
The moment counts; cropping, composition, and cumbersome arrangements deliberately recede into the background.

Reduction to the essentials, deceleration, and consistent photography form the basis of this workshop.

The workshop

This workshop offers a deep insight into the philosophy, methodology, and psychology of Unplugged Photography.
Experience-oriented, dialogical, and with targeted impulses for new approaches, this format is deliberately conceived differently – personal, intensive, and closely aligned with practical application.

Location

Located near Frankfurt, the tastefully furnished rooms offer ample space for creativity and atmospheric photography.
Varied, detailed, and with diverse backgrounds, the location provides an ideal environment for developing and implementing photographic concepts.

Detailed theoretical section

Soft light and a rustic-elegant atmosphere create perfect conditions for an UNPLUGGED session .

Models

Two very special models will be accompanying us on this day.
I have worked with both of them many times – they are experienced, present, and perfectly suited for an intensive workshop day.

Confident and with extensive workshop experience, they are both muse and inspiration, noticeably bringing the images to life.

The model selection is finalized several weeks before the workshop and will be shared with the participants in one of the preceding updates. Should any last-minute changes occur, the information will be announced approximately one week before the workshop.

Photography, Selim Say

Program & Content (brief overview)

• Introduction & presentation
  of participants, team and introduction to the UNPLUGGED PHOTOGRAPHY philosophy

• Portrait photography
  : What truly makes a portrait – regardless of technique and editing

• Concept & Preparation:
  Preparation for person, context and location

• 
  Develop your own style

• Working with models:
  Relationship, coordination and communication as the key to visual language

• The shoot
  involves being the author, director, and actor all at once:
  designing scenes, creating atmosphere,
  and practical work in two small groups (max. 3 participants), supervised by a coach and co-coach.

• Closing & Feedback:
  Joint exchange, observations and feedback.
  Ends around 5:00 pm.

Photography, Selim Say

Important information:

Target audience:
Ambitious photographers, those switching careers or newcomers to people and portrait photography, as well as photographers looking for new inspiration after a break.

Equipment:
Reduced and deliberate. Prime lenses are useful, but not essential.
No lighting equipment, no elaborate setups – in keeping with the unplugged philosophy. Daylight as the primary light source.

Co-coach:
An experienced photographer who understands my working methods and supervises individual groups during the practical sessions.
Extensive experience in fashion and portrait photography.

Participation & Booking:
Before booking, a personal consultation takes place.
This ensures that the format is suitable and that a harmonious group is formed.

Practice & Procedure:
Small groups, clear structure, sufficient time per participant.
Warm-up, shooting, feedback directly on the display, set and outfit changes for variety.

Inquiries and further information

Upon request via email to Selim Say, information (info PDF) with all details will be available from January 20th. If interested, booking can be made after an initial consultation.