BECOMING A STORYTELLER

The Artful Narrative

Unlock a thoughtful, creative approach to crafting imagery that resonates on an emotional level. In this workshop, you'll dive deep into the art of storytelling, learning how to weave compelling narratives that amplify both your images and your unique identity as an artist. Discover the essentials of planning and executing a shoot, while mastering the art of connecting with your subjects in a way that feels natural and effortless. Glide through each session with newfound confidence and ease.

Explore the transformative power of awareness, lighting, and composition, all while cultivating your personal style within the energy of a dynamic group environment.

By the end, you'll gain clarity on your artistic vision, confidence in your technical skills, and the inspiration to push beyond your creative limits.

Dianna Martin (mother of three and film photographer) will be joining us, and speaking to her intentional process with film, her commitment to intimate storytelling and her ability to craft timeless, emotional imagery.

March 8th, 2025

10 - 5ish

$695 + HST

Hosted at the beautiful Mararamiro Studio / Toronto ON

During our time together, I'll introduce you to my proven framework that will transform the way you approach your sessions. You'll learn how to stay deeply connected to your craft and create with intention, bringing your signature style to every shoot. I'll show you how to move through your session while building trust and capturing natural moments. You'll begin to pay attention to what’s unfolding around you and notice hidden stories that will be the key to your success. Get ready to elevate your artistry, see things differently and take the next step in your photography.

The Artful Narrative will encourage participants to step way from their habitual way of thinking and elevate the depth, intention, and creativity they apply to their work. The primary focus will be on teaching them how to skillfully guide their subjects while maintaining a clear and cohesive vision.

Artist Dianna Martin will be joining us and sharing her profoundly intuitive and intimate approach, offering participants a new perspective that they can can weave into their own creative vision.

A GLIMPSE OF TOPICS COVERED

•  Cultivating your artistic mindset

• Session vision and preparation

• Creating an intentional environment

• Communication with your subjects

• Highlighting your brand’s essence

• Session flow, strategy and ease

• The motion of emotion

• Utilizing light, texture and equipment

• Technical tips for capturing artful imagery

• Creative intuition and authenticity

• Writing the story

The day will be divided into 6 chapters…

Part 1: Uncovering your values and essence as an artist

We will begin the day by focusing on what sets you apart. What are your core values as an artist? What do you offer your clients that only you can? How do you want your clients to feel when they are with you? How will you carry this feeling into your session? I will guide you through a journaling practice that will help you to cultivate your creative mindset and define your artist statement. You’ll learn tools for overcoming creative blocks and using your intuition to maintain creative flow.

Part 2: Weaving the Narrative + The Power of Awareness

Here we will dive into storytelling and reflect on what makes a narrative compelling. We’ll explore the ways in which your unique essence will enrich your clients experience and enable you to capture authentic moments. From setting the vision to packing your camera bag, we will outline the steps involved to prepare for a successful shoot. With a clear vision and proper preparation, you will learn to align your sessions in a way that allows them to flow organically. I will share my personal approach which will hopefully empower you to take risks and develop your own process.

Part 3 - Lunch + Connection

Let’s make friends and fill our cups with coffee and warm fuzzies. A nourishing lunch will be provided while we chat candidly about your journey’s, visions and curiosities.

Part 4: Live Shoot

During the live session, we will focus on fostering a relaxed environment where your subjects feel at ease. You’ll learn how to offer creative direction that aligns with the vision, while maintaining spontaneity and allowing moments to unfold naturally. We will discuss light, composition, equipment and perspective while documenting in a natural way.

Part 5: Special Guest talk with artist Dianna Martin

Dianna is a highly sought after film photographer focusing primarily on celebrating motherhood, childhood and the wondrous process of growing up alongside one another. Her portraits are deeply nostalgic, conveying the depths of connection, intimacy and emotion. Dianna will be speaking to her intentional process with film, her commitment to intimate storytelling and her ability to craft timeless, emotional imagery.

Part 5: Session Review + Q&A

The day will be brimming with tips, techniques, lessons and exercises, so let’s take a moment to unpack and talk openly about your experience, questions and perspectives.

Our beautiful studio setting will inspire and nurture. Coffee, candles, music, journals and gifts await.

The images above were artfully captured by Dianna Martin at a particularly sacred session. The story that unfolded here demonstrates the power of photography, the risks of creation and the profound vulnerability that true art demands. We’ll be sharing more about this project and the lessons we gained.