FETOGRAPHY

Kink & Fetish Photography Workshop

Christian Red & Scarlot Rose - Saturday 2nd May 2020

Photography by Sjamboks, Rigging by Amelia Roslyn, Assisted by Nezumibekka

Following from the success of our "Shooting Shibari" series, Scarlot and Christian have been working on a whole new workshop concept!

"As two people both professionally and privately involved in the world of BDSM, we thought it was about time we shared some of our knowledge, insights and creative ideas in the form of an educational and artistic event."

Scarlot first got involved in "fetish" modelling over 10 years ago and has since experienced the widest variety of activities all which fall under the one umbrella term of "kink" or "fetish" photography! It has lead her to consider what fetish photography is, why we do it and what we are aiming to achieve! Within this workshop she will be delving into some of those questions along with busting a whole load of myths and investigating some questionable stereotypes!

Christian Red has been a professional rigger, BDSM top and adult performer for over 15 years. Both Christian and Scarlot share similar views on the creation of "kink" artworks and are very interested in the contrast between authentic and staged expression through the medium of photography.

As a partnership, they both switch (meaning that they fulfil a variety of roles dependant to the individual scene) and aim to bring you a fresh, unique perspective on the creation of BDSM art.

Photography by Sauvage_X

Workshop logistics

Date: Saturday 2nd May 2020
Location: Oasis Image studio, Billsthorpe
Tutors: Scarlot Rose & Christian Red
Times: 10am - 6pm
Number of photographers: max. 6
Price: £120 (inclusive of 8 hours workshop, photography time, tuition, models and studio) - a deposit will be required on all bookings.

FETOGRAPHY

This workshop will be a full day workshop with a limited number of spaces available.

The event is aimed at anyone who is interested in photographing Kink / a BDSM scene between two people and/or creating solo fetish imagery - some photographic or life drawing experience is beneficial but we will tailor the workshop to the attendees, no standard template here!

No previous BDSM experience is required, though a basic understanding of the genre is a bonus!

Workshop content:

10am - 6pm:

This first workshop will be split into X sections:

Part 1: Introduction & pre-workshop discussion
- During the first section of the workshop Scarlot and Christian will introduce themselves, giving a brief insight to their different perspectives on BDSM from both personal and professional view points.
- Q&A - ever had questions about the kind of "kinky" imagery you see online? Now is the time to shout up! We'll be covering some basic terminology, orientation/roles/dynamics and assessing whether these are accurately represented in mainstream imagery.
  - Specifically interrogating the reliance on stereotypes when creating photographs
- We will use this first section to share any inspiration, mood boards/images (both from the presenters and the participants), discussing how to meet/communicate your requirements as a photographer when working with a model(s) in such an ambiguous genre
  - Consent is such a huge and serious issue when considering any kind of physical interaction so Scarlot & Christian will be discussing safety, consent, intention, boundaries, etiquette and distinguishing between professional fetish modelling/photography and personal 'play'.
- Finally, we will discuss the application of fetish photography - the uses, potential income streams and, as a model, the difference between working for a producer/company and a hobbyist / artist.

Photography by Carl Grim

Part 2:Femdomme
- During part 2 all photographers will get an opportunity to start shooting!
- Scarlot will take on the dominant role for this section of the workshop.
- Together, we will consider the atmosphere we are creating and the story we are communicating through use of:
  - Equipment / location
  - Lighting / composition
  - Props / implements
  - Clothing choice / styling
- Scarlot will pose for a selection of solo femdomme style images, with as much or as little input from each photographer as required
- Together, Scarlot and Christian will set up a duo scene, demonstrating a variety of D/s style engagements.
  - As a group, we will also explore anonymity and framing - whether to document the whole scene or choose to focus on specific details.

Photography by Sjamboku, FDQ, James Box

Part 3: Latex!
- Based on the previous section, we will work on combining symbols of fetish orientation with a stereotypical, yet difficult outfit choice!
- This section will focus on lighting, pose/stance, body shape and attitude
- Each photographer will get the opportunity to shoot something different - Scarlot will change through a variety of latex outfits to ensure everyone captures something totally unique!

Part 4: Protocol, submission and impact
- In order to highlight the difference between a staged photograph and a documentation of "real life kink" Scarlot and Christian will demonstrate various BDSM acts in a performative manner.
- Christian will take on the role of Dominant for this set, instructing Scarlot in various protocols and positions typically associated with submission.
- Based on the consensus of the photographers, they will also delve into some specific, yet popular, fetishes such as spanking and restraint.
- The intention of this section is to combine all previous technical elements with a more natural flowing interaction between the models.

Self Portrait by Scarlot

De-brief
- In this final stage as we bring the workshop to a close we will talk about after care, safety and how to end a fetish shoot.
- We will also have the opportunity to answer any questions that may not have been addressed during the workshop.

** If you do not want to photograph the ties but wish to draw from the live session rather than document it digitally you will be most welcome! There will be no guided drawing sessions but each of the photography sections will be suitable for those wishing to draw and a space can be set up for your drawing/painting requirements. If you plan to draw/paint please let us know in advance.

Photography by Carl Grim

Pre-requisites

This workshop is aimed at photographers who are new to the genre of 'fetish photography', though any experience is a bonus.
- The level will be adjusted to suit the attendees - this is a completely different workshop to previous events with totally new content
- Images in this event listing are used as examples but do not reflect the actual outcomes we aim to achieve
Some studio photography experience is required (can be discussed in advance on an individual basis)
If you want to capture the session through drawing/painting/sketches rather than digitally we also welcome you along, (there will be no formal teaching of these techniques, but plenty of space for you to get creative!)
Minimum-no BDSM experience is expected though any basic understanding will be a benefit.
Please bring an open mind and treat the class with sensitivity as the models open up in front of you, expressing their vulnerabilities.

What to Bring?

Your camera!
Lenses: I recommend a zoom lens of some kind (e.g. 24-70 or even 70-200 as we have the space in the studio!) and a fixed 50mm / 35mm. But this is mainly down to your style of photography - please bring what ever equipment you would to a model day or studio group shoot!
If you have any props that you would like to include please feel free to bring them along, but no guarantees they will be incorporated!
Something comfortable to wear! Preferably not jeans - more along the lines of what you'd wear to a yoga class (leggings, tracksuit bottoms, shorts, anything that allows you to move comfortably) - not essential but may make your life easier!
A yoga mat or something to sit on the floor during discussions
A notepad and pen (if you are the kind of person that likes to take notes!)

Self portrait by Scarlot

Tea and coffee will be provided on the day.

It is suggested that you also bringing some form of lunch / snacks to eat during the day as there are no local shops.

Thank you & Congratulations for reading to the end! Hopefully I have made the layout of the day understandable but if you have any questions at all please get in touch! I want to make this event accessible to as many people as possible that have a genuine interest in creating and capturing beautiful moments through slightly less conventional themes!

We very much look forward to teaching this workshop and hope you can join!