The “Surprise” of the Workshop

The “surprise” of The Surprising Portrait workshop is that one’s potential is far greater than their shortcomings. Opportunities are all around us, I work to help others see them, and bring those possibilities into their photography. 

The Surprising Portrait Workshop is a welcoming and friendly environment where vulnerability and awkwardness are not only supported but embraced. My “uneasy“ approach to portrait sessions is brought to the workshop, as we embolden the participants to manifest their differences, and uniquely tell their story. 

Participants do not need to bring in a lot of technical prowess – that’s not important here. It’s about setting a direction to your life through art. If you bring the right attitude, this workshop can be life changing.

Top Image: Sebron Snyder taps into his inner “American Gothic” in Santa Fe, NM, 2012.

Second Image: Workshop Group Dinner, Santa Fe, NM, 2012. Standing L to R: Courtney Potter, Matt Lester, Sebron Synder, Mike Ebbin, Jason Ebbin, Tom Johnson, Leslie McKellar, Flor Blake, ND Koster. Seated L to R: Ruby Kelly, Chris Buck, Sophie Muller.

Third Image: Chris leads assignment critiques, New York, 2018. Photo by Allen Clark.

Bottom Image: “Prison Portrait” Santa Fe, NM, 2009, for location assignment. On Balcony: Heather McLaughlin, Jason Chan, Dustin Sammann, Lisa Kannokko, Rob Culpepper, Jessie Rieser; Lower Level: Johnny Cooker, Sarah Beal, Lauren Devon, Steve Homol, Peter Lacker, Chris Buck.