SHOOTING SHIBARI 4
Inward & The Environment
Christian Red & Scarlot Rose - Sunday 3rd May 2020
Photography by Sjamboku, Rigging by Amelia Roslyn, Assisted by Nezumibekka - example of me working outdoors, all rope will be done by Christian Red & I during this workshop.
Myself and Christian have been excitedly working on the fourth in the series of rope & photography workshops!
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Over the past few years, I've had so many people ask me about rope / bondage / shibari / kinbaku and how to combine it with photography that I've had the pleasure of creating a series of events to share my knowledge and experience combined with that of full time professional rigger, Christian Red! I've taken on board all comments and interactions from the three events and following on from their success we bring you a workshop full of brand new content including both studio and location set ups!
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Shooting Shibari Workshop 4: Inward & The Environment
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This workshop will run differently to the previous events and will be a full day workshop with a limited number of spaces available.
The first half of the event will be based inside using a fetish studio and the second half outside, making the most of nearby locations!
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The event is aimed at anyone who is interested in photographing rope / a shibari scene between two people and as a set up life-art performance piece, we will also look at installation art and how rope can fit into a contemporary art context. - some photographic or life drawing experience is beneficial but we will tailor the workshop to the attendees, no standard template here! No previous rope experience is required, though is a bonus!
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Priority and discount will be given to those who have already attended one or more of our workshops.
(though please note this is totally new content and not a repeat of either previous event)
Photography by Michal Neoral
Workshop logistics
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Date: Sunday 3rd May 2020
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Location: Oasis Image studio, Billsthorpe
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Tutors: Scarlot Rose & Christian Red
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Times:
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9am - 1pm: Part 1 (studio based)
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2pm - 6pm: Part 2 (location based)
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Number of photographers: max. 6
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Price: £170 (inclusive of 8 hours workshop, photography time, tuition, model, rigger and studio) - a deposit will be required on all bookings and discount available to those who have attended either of our previous sessions.
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Workshop content:
9am - 1pm: Part 1
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This first workshop will be split into 3 sections:
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Part 1: Introduction & Installation (practical session)
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During the first section of the workshop myself and Christian will introduce ourselves and teach you/recap some of the fundamentals of free-form rope.
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As a whole group we will work together to create an installation piece of artwork using rope that will later become both a backdrop and a frame for the photography sections. This part of the workshop aims to show how rope can be used both on and off the body and how techniques we frequently use can be viewed with a different perspective.
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The installation will also enforce the importance of tension, highlighting the struggles and progress that can be made by adjusting how one rope interacts with another and the control with which it is applied.
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We will also discuss how to meet/communicate your requirements as a photographer when working with a model & rigger, terminology & safety.
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This session will be hands on and requires you to start tying! You don't need a partner, all techniques can be practiced on yourself (or in pairs if you wish) and will mainly be contributing to a 3D installation.
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The focus for these ties will be looking at 'freeform' styles and rope within a contemporary art context.
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Paying particular attention to frictions, hitches and tension in multiple directions.​​
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Inspiration for this style will include looking at artists such as Hajime Kinoko, Gestalta (spellbound shibari) and Gareth Knight.
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Dependant on participants (this is the only sections that may be similar to previous workshops so will be adapted to the participants):
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We will briefly discuss types of rope suitable for this style of rigging - it would be beneficial to bring your own rope but I can also provide some (see 'What to Bring')
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Consent is such a huge and serious issue when considering any kind of physical interaction so I will be discussing safety, consent, boundaries, etiquette and distinguishing between professional bondage modelling/photography and personal 'play' adapting this to the new style we are exploring.
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Part 2: Rope & Movement - Solo Performance
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The second part of this workshop will be your chance to pick up the camera!
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Using the web we have created, this second part of the workshop will focus on a solo performative style of movement based rope. As the model, I will be inside the structure/installation with a few suspension points moving between ground and air based poses.
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The idea of this section is to work in a very contemporary style, moving the body as feels natural within an installation.
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Due to the three dimensional nature of the structure there will be a variety of angles and unique perspectives from which to document and get creative with your photography skills!​
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We'd like to highlight the difference between two styles of rope photography: capturing movement through the medium of expressive freeform dance and documenting an interaction between model and rigger. This section of the workshop will focus on the former.
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Everyone will get a chance to photograph** this section and I will discuss/demonstrate lighting options.
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Photography by Scarlot, self portraits
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Part 3:Portfolio builder: Posed Suspension & Dynamic Interactions
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Unlike in previous workshops where we have used either a single point or a bamboo point for suspension, this part of the workshop will look at working with available space.
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We will work through a series of floor ties, partial suspensions and hopefully full flight (depending on the stability of our morning installation!) where the model is tied onto the outside of the rope installation structure - contrasting to the previous section where the model is inside.
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There will be a mixture of opportunities to capture both the dynamic and connection between Christian and I as we tie for this section, as well as some solo posed images at each stage of the transition sequence.
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This will be a photography-centric session**
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We will discuss what & when to photograph and demonstrate lighting set-ups appropriate to capture a posed set of transitions.
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We will focus on clothing choice to emphasise body shape/position.
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Pose / body shape may be based on photographer's group suggestion in combination with the outcome of the structure
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Photography & rigging by Scarlot, model: FaerieWillow
Workshop content:
2pm - 6pm: Part 2
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The second workshop will be split into 3 sections:
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Section 1: Navigating the environment:
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During the first section of this workshop we will look at suitable environments to do rope outdoors, considering:
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Location accessibility​ / privacy
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Equipment requirements (both for the rigger and for the model)
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Finding suitable and varied locations for floor or air based ties
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Evaluating and assessing risks
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Section 2: Elevated Shapes
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Based on the above assessments we aim to explore ways to tie partial or full suspensions outdoors. We will discuss and demonstrate why having the model off the ground in outdoor situations can be beneficial and explore how the environment can enhance both the aesthetics and experience of a rope scene
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In order to proceed safely, we will look at how the environment can both help and hinder a tie. Exploring the various options for natural/man-made hard points or ways to keep the model off the ground.
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We will consider composition, background and how the natural light available can help to create a certain atmosphere.
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Section 3: Becoming one with Nature
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The final part of this workshop will look at a mixture of techniques to bind the model, incorporating her surroundings into the ropes.
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We plan to explore how to create​ organic looking structures with rope on the body (structure vs. freeform)
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The addition of foliage and found objects into the tie (such as leaves, branches, flowers etc.)
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How the use of clothing/styling can change a narrative
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The difference between delicate fairytale aesthetics and BDSM practices incorporating the surroundings.
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Photography by Suffering4art, modelling with Ellarna
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De-brief
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In this final stage as we bring the workshop to a close we will talk about after care, safety and how to end a rope scene / rope shoot, with particular focus on how to ensure the safety of all involved after spending time in possibly dangerous conditions.
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We will also have the opportunity to answer any questions that may not have been addressed during the workshop.
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** 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.
Pre-requisites
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This workshop is aimed at photographers who are new to the genre of 'rope', though any experience is a bonus.
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The level will be adjusted to suit the attendees - this is a completely different workshop to previous events with totally new content
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Images in this event are used as examples but do not reflect the actual outcomes we aim to achieve
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Some studio /location photography experience is required (can be discussed in advance on an individual basis)
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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!)
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Minimum-no rope/shibari experience is expected though experience of our previous classes will be beneficial!
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Knowledge of a single column tie, reverse tension and basic frictions would be beneficial but not essential.
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What to Bring?
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Your camera!
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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!
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If you have any rope please bring 2 - 4 lengths (I recommend 8m lengths of 6mm jute / hemp) but I will have some rope available to use on the day and will briefly discuss the differences between different styles/lengths.
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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!
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A yoga mat or something to sit on the floor whilst tying!
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Warm clothing for the outdoor part - preferably waterproof with suitable walking boots/shoes - be prepared for miserable weather!
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A flash gun if you wish to use one outside during the second part of the workshop.
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A notepad and pen (if you are the kind of person that likes to take notes!)
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Photography by Gary Mac
Tea and coffee will be provided on the day, though a flask is recommended for taking outdoors! I suggest also bringing some form of lunch / snacks to eat during the day as there are no local shops.
There will be regular tea breaks and an hour to pack up and travel between studio and location.
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!
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We very much look forward to teaching this workshop and hope you can join!
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