RICHARD TUSCHMAN: The Conceptual Narrative

The Expressive Conceptual Portrait

Humanity has always made meaning through storytelling. The genre of conceptual photography gives photographers the unique opportunity to act as auteurs of their own fictional visual narratives. But how do we conceive and craft constructed compositions with compelling emotional resonance? How do we translate our experiences and imaginations into photographs of faces and figures “on set” to suggest and reveal deeper psychological truths? These are the questions we will address and embrace in this three and-a-half-day hands-on workshop.

On the morning of day one, we’ll get to know each other by sharing work. Richard will openly share his process for conceiving and realizing his own photographic projects, from initial concept through post-production. Students are invited to bring their own work for review and feedback. We will also look at projects by conceptual visual storytelling masters, both past and present. Learning by example, we will analyze their choices for lighting, composition, themes, and subject matter.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the principles of strobe lighting in the studio. We will learn a number of techniques for modifying and shaping the light expressively.

On days two and three, we will take our lights and what we have learned on the road to shoot on location in selected motel rooms in the area. Students will be divided up into small teams, taking turns as photographer, assistant, and model(s). Students are invited to bring any ideas, props or wardrobe items they may want to incorporate into their photographs. The goal of the workshop will be for each participant to create a small suite of staged or constructed images, to be presented at the conclusion of the workshop, via Zoom on October 20th.