POETIC PORTRAIT – FROM IDEA TO CREATION
HOST:
Susi Belianska (Slovakia / Italy)
FOR WHOM:
Anyone interested in portraiture that goes beyond the surface — seeking depth, mood, and subtle narrative. No prior professional experience is required, but basic knowledge of camera operation is recommended.
WHAT TO BRING:
Any camera. Your own laptop. USB flash drive.
NOTE:
workshops conducted in (basic) English
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Full-day photography workshop on how to create poetic and psychologically rich portraits, combining thoughtful preparation with a sensitive approach to photographing people outdoors.
Theory:
- Introduction to the concept of the “poetic portrait” and expressing emotions without words
- Inspirations from cinema and photography
- Styling, creating moodboards, and visual storytelling
- How to guide the model while leaving space for authenticity
- Tips for selecting outdoor locations (lighting, textures, composition)
Practice – outdoor photo session:
- Ongoing guidance and individual support from the artist
- Live demonstration featuring a professional model
- Participants conduct their own portrait sessions under the instructor’s supervision
- Focus on working with light, gestures, and creating mood in a natural setting
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Visual artist and photographer who blends portraiture with intricate narrative, weaving layers of emotion, light, and the passage of time.
She collaborates with leading international brands and prestigious publications such as Vogue Italia, GQ, The Financial Times, and L’Officiel. Her work has been showcased at distinguished events including the Xposure International Photography Festival in Sharjah (2024) and the Cannes Fashion Photography Festival.
In 2024, she was invited by the global brand Huawei to serve as a juror for the prestigious Huawei XMAGE Awards photography competition.
Her achievements include winning the Nikon Talent Photo Contest (2013), which led to an exhibition at Artissima, as well as a nomination for the Sony World Photography Awards (2012). She has participated in renowned festivals such as the Ancona Photo Festival (2021) and Grenze Photo Festival (2022).
