The Self Portrait
Workshop
The Self Portrait
Photographer Hans Roels offers a two-day workshop exploring the possibilities and deeper meaning of self-portraiture.
Placing yourself in front of the camera is a creative challenge that reveals a great deal about the act of photography. This fascinating and engaging process offers valuable insight into our own approach to portraiture. It not only brings the photographer into focus, but also draws attention to the photographic process itself.
Hans offers the possibility of organising the workshop at your premises, making it suitable for photography groups, educational institutions and creative organisations.
The workshop can be conducted in Dutch, English or French, according to your preference. Hans also has some knowledge of German and Spanish.
What is it about?
What is the sensation of being portrayed?
What does the subject experience?
What thoughts emerge, and what emotions are evoked?
We shift our perspective from that of the photographer to that of the subject, yet we still maintain our role as the photographer.
Through immersing ourselves in the subject’s experience, we acquire insight into the methodology we employ to portray them.
We question our approach, seeking refinement, perhaps to unveil more of the subject’s potential and possibilities.
Thus, our portraits reveal multiple and deeper layers, ultimately leaving a lasting impact. What, after all, is it that makes a photograph memorable?
In this workshop, we undertake a thorough examination of the self-portrait.
What defines the true essence of a self-portrait?
It’s not uncommon for photographers to devote a significant portion of their careers to this practice.
We examine the works of both well-known and lesser-known photographers, uncovering diverse approaches to this intriguing subject.
Throughout our discussions, we’ll delve into various techniques for creating self-portraits.
Each participant contemplates their approach to the subject matter. Transitioning to practical application, we embark on the creation of our own self-portraits.
Together, we’ll review the results, identifying what makes a portrait truly captivating. How does a self-portrait reflect our inner selves?
Does it convey the message we, as photographers, intend?
But who really takes centre stage in the photographic act of taking a self portrait – the photographer or the subject? Can both coexist harmoniously in that moment?
And what about the selfie? Can we truly equate it with a self-portrait? Is there a fundamental difference between the two?
Hans Roels conducts photography workshops on specific topics.
Through in-depth exploration of specific themes, he guides us in uncovering the essence of photography and scrutinizing methods to enhance our portrait photography.
Hans extends an invitation to join him on this journey, as we collectively explore the trajectory and destination of our creative endeavours.
The two-day programme
The two-day programme includes a lecture on self-portraiture, which may, if desired, be opened to a wider audience beyond the workshop participants.
The programme is conceived as a flexible framework rather than a fixed format.
A tailor-made programme will be developed in consultation with the institution, taking into account its particular needs, interests and technical facilities.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements, explore the possibilities, or enquire about pricing.
Hans Roels
Testimonials
“What a pleasure to meet someone who is so well prepared, and who manages to share his knowledge and enthusiasm
as though it were all the most natural thing in the world.
Try convincing a group like Metaforo to take self-portraits! Well, Hans succeeded!
He began by showing us examples by renowned photographers, and Liu Bolin in particular really stayed with me.
Two weeks after his presentation and workshop, everyone turned up for the review session with their own self-portraits.
Wow — what stunning results we had the opportunity to see.
Hans, you are truly inspiring! Thank you for taking us to a higher level.”
Danielle Antonis
“Being introduced to such a wide range of self-portraits by renowned photographers was incredibly enriching.
Self-portraits with a statement — about nature, politics and so on; self-portraits using reflections, costumes, wigs, black and white…
So many ideas. Learning to look at yourself in a different way…
looking, and then taking on the challenge of creating a portrait of yourself.
It was truly transformative — and a real boost to my self-confidence.
The results produced by the group were incredible.
Every portrait was so different, yet so unmistakably themselves. It was an absolute joy to see.
Thank you, Hans. I hope there will be another workshop. I’m already looking forward to it.”
Odette Hermans
Hans introduced us to the work of many renowned photographers, each approaching self-portraiture in their own distinctive way.
This broadened my perspective considerably.
The assignment to subsequently create our own self-portraits was a real challenge.
I experienced it as a confrontation with myself: do I show myself as I want to be perceived, or do I reveal myself indirectly through reflections and shadows?
You look, and you are looked at. Hans drew our attention to this visual duality.
Thank you, Hans, for this experience and for the enjoyable and insightful discussion of our photographs.
Els