A weekend full of fun and learning in the company of two beautiful models and a great crew of photographers. We shoot in the studio and at hand-picked spots in the Šumava countryside near the Boubín primeval forest – at dusk, in complete darkness and in the blue hour.
What awaits you
We'll touch with light not only the models' figures but also natural elements, which get their place in the composition and story of the photograph. Darkness and a torch aren't enough for masterful results: we'll learn how different types and positions of light sources work and how to imitate top studio lighting with a simple source and a long exposure.
We'll also go thoroughly through working with people: what to watch out for when posing, how to make sure the model doesn't "blur" during a long exposure, and how to light sculpturally so the photos get that sought-after 3D dimension. Only we will be at the location – nobody else.
Saturday theory
- History and genres of light paintingwhere painting with light comes from and where it's heading today.
- Gear and settingsin light painting everything is different from what you're used to.
- Light and colourlight tools, effects, light as part of the composition, lighting the body, the effect of colours.
- Your own toolhow to make a unique light-painting tool yourself.
- Working with the modelposing, how not to blur her and how to stay invisible in the shot.
- The setting in the shotbringing nature into the composition – what mustn't be missed.
Weekend programme
Friday eveningArrival by 18:30, a getting-to-know-you barbecue. Anyone who wants can use the sauna or pool.
SaturdayTheory and trying out light tools, after lunch shooting in the darkened studio, in the evening we head out into nature – at dusk and in the dark.
SundayThe blue hour early in the morning (optional), after breakfast choosing and editing the best photos together, departure after lunch.
What to bring
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
- A tripod
- A wide-angle lens, ideally up to 35 mm
- A remote shutter release – makes the work much easier
- A spare battery
- A laptop for Sunday editing
Included in the price
Accommodation right at Ateliér Vráblík (rooms for max. 3 people), a Saturday evening barbecue, quality coffee throughout the course and two nude models on both days. Everyone arranges their other meals themselves. The course suits beginners and advanced photographers.
Lecturer
Galina Gordeeva
Light painting · creative photography
A photographer, lecturer and author of photography courses. She has been dedicated to photography since 2004, is editor-in-chief of Digitální foto magazine, writes articles about creative photography and runs a photo club. She can't do without experimenting, so she increasingly focuses on experimental techniques – especially light painting. She is respected in the Czech and international light-painting community and her images regularly win prizes in international competitions.
Participant reviews
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the beautifully prepared weekend light-painting workshop in Šumava. It was a great pleasure for me to take part in an event that was not only perfectly organised but also full of creativity, inspiration and a friendly atmosphere. Special and really big thanks go to the lecturer Gali. I very much appreciate her professionalism, patience and enthusiasm. She managed to create an environment in which you weren't afraid to try new things, ask questions and develop your creativity. Thank you once again to the whole studio for the great organisation, to the lecturer for her approach, and I look forward to meeting again.
Translated from Czech
A marathon workshop with Galina Gordeeva.
Buk, where we stayed during the course, is a small village at the foot of Boubín – an ideal place for trips to the oldest nature reserve in Europe.
In the cold, rainy weather, with rain at the treetops, there was no thought of any trips. The first question of an experienced photographer: how can we do fire light painting in this weather, how will nude photography be possible in this low temperature and wind? But let's take it step by step.
Friday afternoon
Arrival at the "scene of the crime", check-in. Before the right "blue hour" came, David – the owner of the studio and the lodging where we worked and stayed the following days – treated us to a barbecue feast. As soon as dusk fell, we set off across wet meadows to a nearby forest where the rain had created a mysterious forest pool. Here we could take extraordinary photos of the water's surface rippled by raindrops, reflecting Galina's fire magic and the models' bodies. Of course I must mention both models, who during the shoots on those workshop days were totally resistant to bad weather, low temperatures and wind. In these tough conditions both gave free rein to their imagination without any inhibitions and enriched our work with new aspects of body language.
Saturday morning.
The next day Galina wanted to start working at dawn, which unfortunately was boycotted by most participants, so we only started shooting after breakfast. Shooting in a nearby wet meadow, cold fog. Thanks to the happening and explosive body language both "girls" performed, unique expressive shots were created that I can use in the future for my compositions.
Saturday afternoon.
Work in a well-equipped studio, light painting with various light sources. For me, as a beginner in this field, it's always a surprise what can be conjured up with different light sources. Extraordinary inspiration and a joy to watch professionals in their field (Galina and the models) at creative work.
The indestructible cold-water-swimmer models jumped into the pool after the studio work. For me this again produced a number of good dynamic nudes in the water.
Saturday evening.
At dusk the whole group again set off to the meadows beyond the village, where Galina worked her fire magic. Low clouds gave the shots an extraordinarily dramatic atmosphere.
Sunday morning.
Studio work again, experiments with flash; the models again showed an inexhaustible range of imagination and acting skill. For me, as a "hunter and gatherer" who "shoots wherever he goes", again a wealth of motifs I can use for my further work. The rain stopped, and with it the romantic pool we had shot in on Friday night disappeared – so the rain was good for something after all. During those days I made around two thousand exposures (not photos), which gives 30 GB of material for my further creative work.
This year I'm going to Šumava again, because it would be a shame to miss the most intense workshop of creative atmosphere I've attended so far.
Translated from Czech
Gali is a great lecturer, any workshop with her is amazing. Her courses are carefully prepared
and thought through so that everyone learns as many new things as possible and at the same time takes home
great photos. On top of that she's absolutely number one in light painting. She makes lots of her drawing tools
herself, often incredible and original ideas – you get great inspiration.
If you have your own idea of what you'd like to shoot, Gali helps you make it happen.
If you don't, Gali comes up with the scene, the composition and does the light painting herself, so again
great photos come out. A big plus for the completely relaxed course – from start
to finish you're never bored and time flies very fast.
Translated from Czech
Courses with Gali are always fun, inspiring and literally packed with creative, often very original tips and tricks. When it comes to painting with light, Gali is a complete pro and has a lot to pass on. You won't be bored even if you already have more experience with light painting – Gali has her own unique photographic style and you can really learn a lot from her. The theory is always clearly explained and above all there's plenty of room for actual practice and shooting. A big plus for me is the relaxed, easy-going atmosphere that always reigns at her workshops.
Translated from Czech
I love going to Ateliér v továrně and taking part in events run by Gali Gordeeva. She's always perfectly prepared, the workshops run in a friendly spirit, Gali is accommodating to all participants and creates a great and fun atmosphere. Personally I'm really glad I can be part of it, because there's always a great crew of equally enthusiastic people. And when it comes to light painting, Gali is 100% TOP 🙂
Translated from Czech
As an experienced light painter I definitely recommend the course, because you'll experience something new, shoot something interesting and widen your circle of friends.
Translated from Czech
More information
You'll find the cancellation terms in our terms and conditions. A gift voucher can be redeemed for any course and is valid for one year. Have a question? Call +420 734 328 742.
