Every photographer claims to be a visual storyteller, but few master the true art of storytelling, which is the skill of telling stories with multiple photos. A single photo can tell a story, but only to a certain extent. With multiple pictures, the photographer has so many more options to tell his or her story. Creating a story with multiple images requires planning and an idea. It also calls for careful curation of the photos, so the story will be coherent and interesting to the viewer.

“A very stimulating workshop combined with an interesting city visit.” Ruud Dirks

What is Personal View all about?

This workshop concentrates on developing a personal storytelling style with multiple photographs. There will be an assignment for every day, and the aim is that by the end of the workshop, you will know how to build a series of 5-6 photos that tell a story. 

We will be there to guide you through the assignments, and there will also be one-to-one sessions to make sure you are going in the right direction. We have chosen some truly interesting locations for you to photograph, so you would have enough visual stimulants to fire up your creativity. We accept only 6 participants to make sure we have enough time for everyone.

“I enjoyed every minute of the workshop I attended in 2022. Matti and Peter are born teachers when it comes to stimulate their pupils to get the most out of their talents. Not by giving a lot of theory, but helping you as you go through the process by yourself. The course is not about pixels, but about becoming more aware of your style and refining it. The format is so, that you also see your fellow students’ style and development. I also learned from that. I now feel that I am a more consistent amateur who looks around better to shoot a story. “ Robert de Vroom

Reserve your spot now!

This workshop is for everyone who wants to become better at their photography and become a better storyteller. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a more seasoned shooter. We can tailor the assignments for you individually. We only require that you know your camera and other gear well enough that you can operate them independently.

You should bring along your preferred digital camera and lens or lenses, but we have no specific requirements.

You’ll also need a laptop or other device to process and select your photos.

Any other gear, like a tripod, etc., is up to you. Bring whatever you think you are going to need.

What?
A photo workshop to develop personal storytelling.

Where?
Helsinki, Finland, is the most beautiful country in the world.
The classes happen in Sofia Helsinki in the heart of Helsinki.

When?
July 31.- August 4. 2023, five days from start to finish.

How much?
€ 1999

Where can I sign up?
You can sign up here.

What is included?
This is included:

  1. Some dinners, (water included)
  2. All museum and public entrance fees
  3. Photography instructions from two photographers
  4. Photography discussions in private and in groups
  5. Image critique every day 
  6. A presentation about the day’s assignment each day. 
  7. Photography Assignments for each day

This is not included:

  • Airfare to and from Helsinki Finland
  • Travel to and from the Airport
  • Hotel and meals (except the ones that are) 
  • Travel Insurance
  • If you choose to do something on your own, you’ll pay for it.
  • Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation
  • If you decide to arrive early or depart late, you’re responsible for all expenses.

Please see Terms and Conditions for complete details.

Schedule
This is a preliminary schedule, and small changes are possible.

Monday (July 31st)
10.00 Gathering at Sofia Helsinki
Introduction to the workshop
What is Storytelling?
The first look at Your images
12.00 Lunch (included in the price)
13.00 Photographing in the City (first images to your story)
18.00 Welcome Dinner at Savotta (included in the price)

Tuesday (August the 1st) 
9.00 Photo Critic (Your images from Monday)
Today’s assignment
12.00 Lunch (included in the price)
13.00 Photographing in Hakaniemi and Kallio Neighborhood
First 1-on-1 critics

Wednesday (August 2nd)
9.00 Photo Critic (Your images from Tuesday)
Today’s assignment
12.00 Lunch (included in the price)
13.00 Photographing in Suomenlinna Fortress (island)
1-on-1 critic during the day
18.00 Dinner at Suomenlinna Brewery Restaurant (included in the price)
21.00 Back to the mainland.  

Thursday (August 4th)
9.00 Photo Critic (Your images from Suomenlinna)
12.00 Lunch (included in the price)
1-on-1 sessions continue
13.00 Photographing in Pasila Neighborhood
16.00 Free time to Photograph where you want and get those last images for your story

Friday (August 5th)
9.00 Photo Critic (Your images from Thursday)
12.00 Lunch (included in the price)
13.00 Optional trip to The Museum of Photography
Free time to photograph in Helsinki and prepare the set of images for the final dinner image show
18.00 Final Dinner (included in the price) and Image Show

Where can I sign up?
You can sign up here.