Glass Ball (Sphere) Photography Workshop (August 2023)

This is a Portfolio Building Workshop

Southsea and Old Portsmouth, situated within the captivating city of Portsmouth, constitute an exquisite district adorned by the mesmerizing coastline that embraces one of England's most densely populated urban centers. Immersed in unparalleled beauty, this remarkable stretch of land provides an abundance of awe-inspiring photographic vistas, affording shutterbugs an extraordinary plethora of opportunities in every direction they cast their lenses upon.

Glass ball photography, also known as sphere photography, is a captivating and creative technique that involves using a spherical glass object, typically a crystal ball or glass orb, as a unique lens to capture mesmerizing images. This innovative approach adds a distinctive and surreal element to the composition, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual delights.

The process requires both technical skill and artistic vision. Photographers must experiment with angles, perspectives, and focal lengths to achieve the desired effect. By carefully selecting the background and composition, they can create visually striking images where the distorted reflection within the glass sphere blends harmoniously with the surrounding elements.

Glass ball photography offers a unique way to capture landscapes, cityscapes, and even portraits. It adds an element of intrigue and mystery to the images, as viewers are invited to explore the distorted reality contained within the spherical lens. The spherical shape also creates a natural frame within the frame, drawing attention to the central subject and enhancing the overall visual impact.

By employing this innovative method, photographers can transform everyday scenes into extraordinary visual narratives, showcasing the world in a captivating and unique way. Glass ball photography truly offers a captivating and imaginative approach that expands the boundaries of traditional photography, inviting both photographers and viewers alike to perceive the world through a spherical lens of creativity and artistry.

What's included;

• An introduction to Glass Ball Photography and the principles of how to set your camera up.
• A short tour from the Hot Walls Pier through to the Spice Island Inn (overlooking the Spinnaker Tower. Setting up for these shots will take time, so there will only be two or three locations on this workshop.
• Tuition and guidance provided throughout the event, on both a one to one and group basis, to maximise your potential.
• Once finished shooting I will guide you through the steps I take to process and edit the images.
• You leave with full understanding of the settings used and have the ability to replicate the same elsewhere (including editing techniques).

Essential Gear;

• Camera and lenses - doesn't matter what you have. I can work with most camera manufacturers (I use Canon and Sony - So I will know more about them). If you have a wide angle lens, that would be beneficial.
• Tripod - Definitely essential. Required for long exposure photography.
• Food or means to buy food (This is not supplied on the Workshop) - snacks and water.

Non Essential Gear;

• ND Filters - If you have any, bring them. 
• Glass Ball/Sphere - If you have one, please bring it, otherwise you can use mine.
• Off camera shutter release.

Anything else is a bonus.

Parking is free (only after 6pm) all other times are paid, and road parking is potentially regulated by permits, so you may need a few pounds to park. We will be walking about a bit, and it may get cold, so wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

The best car park can be found at - https://what3words.com/city.demand.laying (Free After 6pm)