WORKSHOP - NEW YORK
The Art of Connection
How to Take Portraits Like a National Geographic Photographer
Johis Alarcón, Karla Gachet, and Sarah Pabst
DATE
Saturday, June 14 + Sunday, June 15
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
LOCATION
Plena Productions
77 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
PARTICIPANTS
12-15
PRICE
$395 USD (two days)
$200 USD (Sunday only)
In this workshop - guided by Ayün Fotografas members Johis Alarcón, Karla Gachet, and Sarah Pabst - participants will dive into the essentials of portrait photography: seeing light, connecting with subjects, crafting emotion, and mastering simple techniques that make powerful portraits. This workshop is designed for anyone - photography enthusiasts and professional photographers alike - who is interested in expanding their portrait practice. Through a combination of practical exercises, group feedback, and technical reviews, participants will learn how to build connections with their subjects, master lighting techniques, and translate their vision into impactful imagery.
The most important camera is the one you have on hand. This workshop embraces all types of phones and cameras, understanding that great imagery comes from vision, connection and execution. Therefore, participants are encouraged to work with the gear they use most.
Participants can select to attend both days or just Sunday.
In collaboration with Plena Productions.
TIMETABLE
DAY ONE
MORNING | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Introduction to Portrait Photography
Natural vs Artificial Light
Posing Fundamentals
How to Build a Connection with the Subject
Composition Essentials
LUNCH | 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Lunch will be provided by Plena Productions. Dietary restrictions can be accomodated.
AFTERNOON | 1:30 - 5:00 PM
Hands-On Portrait Session with Guidance
Mini Shoot with Natural Light
Group Feedback + Discussion
Overnight Challenge
DAY TWO
MORNING | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Review of Overnight Challenge
Exploring Character and Style
Outdoor environmental portraits
LUNCH | 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Lunch will be provided by Plena Productions. Dietary restrictions can be accomodated.
AFTERNOON | 1:30 - 5:00 PM
Hands-On Portrait Session with Guidance
Mini Project with a Story Focus
Editing Basics
Group Feedback + Discussion
JOHIS ALARCÓN
Johis Alarcón is a photographer and storyteller based in Ecuador. Her work is focused on social justice, identity, and gender related issues. She is a National Geographic Explorer, Magnum Foundation Social Justice Program Fellow, Joop Swart Masterclass Participant and World Press Photo 6x6 Global Talent South America recipient. She has worked for a wide range of publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic, The Guardian, De Volkskrant, Bloomberg and Reuters, amongst others. She is a member of Ayün Fotógrafas, Fluxus Foto, Visura.Co, Women Photograph, Fotoféminas, and Diversify Photo. She was selected for the New York Times portfolio review, Eddie Adams and Women Photograph Workshops. Johis’ work has been recognised by organisations and contests such as World Press Photo (2023), Catchlight Fellow (2024), Inge Morath (2023), Community Awareness Award POYi (2021), POYLatam (2021), FotoEvidence Book Award - CovidLatam (2021), Grantee of COVID-19 Magnum Foundation Found (2021), Open Society and Gabo Foundation's fund for investigations and new narratives on drugs (2020), Will Riera Award (2019), Everyday Projects and Visura Co Mentorship (2018-2019), AECID Africamericanos Grantee Ecuador (2018), Tutor of the 20f Campament in Bolivia (2018), Honorable Mention in the photobook competition RM (2017).
KARLA GACHET
Ecuadorian photographer Karla Gachet has extensively documented Latin America for nearly 20 years with a focus on its culture, territory, indigenous rights, and environmental issues. Gachet is committed to making visible stories that inspire change, generate empathy and connect people on a human level. Her work has been published and exhibited internationally and recognized by World Press Photo, POYi and POY LATAM among others. Karla is a frequent contributor to National Geographic magazine and has published in Geo France, Smithsonian, The New York Times, Washington Post, among the most important. She is the co-author of two books, Short Stories: From Ecuador to Tierra del Fuego and Gypsy Kings. She is a member and co-founder of the Runa Photos and Ayün Fotógrafas collectives, as well as a member of Women Photograph and Foto Féminas. Karla has given several talks about her experience in the region and has organized group projects and workshops throughout her career. At the national level, she was a graphic journalist for Diario El Comercio, graphic editor and collaborator for the magazine Terra Incógnita and professor at the Universidad de Las Américas in Quito. She has tutored and edited work for emerging photographers in Latin America and the US. For the last six years she has been documenting the Latinx community in the United States. In 2022 she became a National Geographic Explorer and awarded a grant to produce a story in the Latin American region. She is represented by the London-based photo agency Panos Pictures.
SARAH PABST
Sarah Pabst is a German-born photographer and visual storyteller based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her work focuses on women, human rights, the environment and personal projects on motherhood, grief and the connection between humans and nature. After living in Argentina for 11 years and working as a documentary photographer for a decade, her perspective has been deeply influenced by Latin American culture. A Pulitzer Center grantee, she is also part of Ayün Fotógrafas and Women Photograph and was a mentor for the Women Photograph Mentorship Program in 2022. Her first book, “Morning Song” (2021), explored themes of motherhood and loss and was awarded Best Book at POY Latam 2023. Pabst’s work has been exhibited worldwide and has been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, Bloomberg, TIME, Smithsonian Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Der Spiegel and many others. She has earned over 30 awards, grants and recognitions, including Photographer of the Year at POY Latam (2nd Place 2021 & Finalist 2023), POYi, Lensculture Emerging Talent, The New York Times Portfolio Review and Eddie Adams Workshop. As a lecturer, she has presented her work with organizations like the National Geographic Society, Disney and Hidden Compass, and universities in the U.S., Mexico, Germany and Argentina. She holds an MEd in Hispanic Philology from the University of Cologne and an MEd in Fine Arts from the University of Wuppertal, Germany.
SIGN UP NOW
If you have any questions, please reach out to ayunfotografas@gmail.com.
Cancelations / refunds
We reserve the right to cancel this event when we do not reach the minimum number of participants. In the unlikely event of cancellation, participants will be given at least 7 days advance notice and a full refund. If you decide to cancel for any reason, please notify us at least 10 days before the event for a full refund. Within 10 days, Plena Productions cannot guarantee a refund.
Fees
The workshop fee is $395 for both days or $200 for one. The fee does not include transport, accommodation or ground expenses other than those organized by Ayün team. Please note that your spot is not secured until the payment is received. One you’ve signed up, Plena Productions will reach out for payment.
Equipment
Every participant has to bring their own equipment (e.g. phone, camera, lenses, tripod and/or laptop). The best camera is the camera you have on hand.
Terms and conditions
