Did you know that in our daylight studio go all the way in organising a unique and personalised photography course? Branding photographer Linde from Blinck Photography went before you. She recently organised a photography course at The Livingroom! In this blog, we tell you all about it, and let Linde herself do the talking. How great is it if you soon have so much inspiration that you get to work yourself?
Linde's photography course is for anyone who dares to experiment
'Definitely! The Direct Like A Pro workshop was born out of an unforgettable portfolio weekend I had in Utah in 2022. The weekend was organised by Marina Williams; a well-known American photographer with a very cool, colourful, creative style. In a group of 20 photographers there, we did 10 styled, conceptual shoots in one weekend. Never before did I learn so much about photography in such a short time, and I immediately thought: ‘we should have something like that in the Netherlands too!’
'The DLAP workshop is an amalgamation of everything I loved about this weekend, plus some things I was still missing. Besides 6 conceptual settings that the 6 participants can go all the way and build their portfolio with, we simultaneously dive into the art of directing non-professional models. Women like you and me. Something I've been doing weekly as a branding photographer for 4+ years'.
'This workshop hovers a bit between a portfolio day, where you shoot only free work, and a workshop. With this, I did not want it to be all about education. This, because in my own experience, free and shameless experimentation and learning from other participants and their approach is perhaps even more valuable than any piece of theory'.
What skills and techniques do you think are important to teach others during your photography workshop, and why?
‘I show how I direct my models so that every model - regardless of experience - dares to take on challenging poses. However, the most important teaching point is my hunger to experiment and play. During the workshop, I want participants to experience how to create more latitude during client shoots, boost their creativity and expand their horizons’.
We are curious: why did you choose to organise this photography course specifically at The Living Room? What do you like so much here?
‘For me, The Livingroom is the perfect example of a blank canvas with endless possibilities for creative photographers. I prefer a large, bright space with tools to create something special myself, such as coloured backdrops, textures, high windows and striking pieces of furniture. This offers maximum creative freedom AND has The Livingroom all - uniquely.'
What are the most important tips you would give to photography course beginners?
‘Don't be guided by the requests you get; make sure you create (and share!) work that makes YOU happy, even if that is sometimes free or unpaid work. If you keep doing this long enough, the right people will find you naturally. Before you know it, your schedule will be full’.
Are follow-up workshops or courses already available for people who want to develop further after this edition?
‘On Thursday 14 November, I will be giving another DLAP workshop, where we will be even more outgoing than last time. I am also working on a video course that will help photographers appear on set well-prepared and with the right mindset, and continuously improve themselves. Updates I share on my Instagram!’ Instagram!’
Use our unique backdrops with your photography course
Linde briefly mentioned it above: For her, The Living Room is the perfect canvas that invites endless experimentation. In this studio, you experience a welcoming, homely feeling and are immediately at ease. At the same time, this bright studio has a refined, aesthetic twist where every detail has really been thought of. Natural tones, soothing materials, unique shapes and special accessories you won't find anywhere else. And...backdrops!
In fact, The Living Room is equipped with different backgrounds in a wide range of colours. So you can endlessly alternate during, for example, a branding shoot workshop or a more creative production. These paper rolls have a high quality as you have come to expect from us and look great on screen. Choose pink, orange, purple, or go for sleek black or even silver! I already went before you, and in this blog about photography backgrounds I will be happy to tell you all about it. Will you come and experience it for yourself?
