I will be making a new astronaut costume for this worksup- it will be similar to the style of "The Lonely Astronaut"
Workshop Syllabus:
Instructor: Karen Jerzyk
Duration: 6 hours (including lunch break)
Capacity: 4 Photographers
Location: Karen Jerzyk Photography Studio, Manchester, NH
Theme: Conceptual Portraiture with a Surreal, Narrative-Based Approach
Model: Custom-built Astronaut Suit (exclusive to this workshop)
Max Participants: [You can insert this number based on your comfort]
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced Photographers
What's included:
- Lunch/snacks
- 300+ lightroom presets emailed to participants upon registration
- Notes from the discussions, etc from the workshop (in a physical packet and emailed)
Schedule Overview
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Welcome + Introductions
- Studio tour and layout overview
- Personal intros: name, style, what each participant hopes to get out of the day
- Presentation of the astronaut suit and overall theme of the shoot
- Ground rules (respecting the model, time, space, etc.)
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Conceptualizing the Image: Ideas + Inspiration
- How to develop a conceptual narrative
- Examples of prior astronaut photos (discuss emotional/thematic intent)
- Talk about music, cinema, childhood, and memories as sources of inspiration
- Prompt questions:
- What does isolation look like to you?
- What world does your astronaut inhabit?
- What emotion should your photo carry?
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Shoot Planning + Creative Organization
- The importance of pre-visualization
- How to sketch/brainstorm concepts effectively
- Keeping a photo notebook: how you plan and document ideas
- Shot lists: when to use them and how they help keep shoots efficient
- Time management during short or high-pressure sessions
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Building Your World: Sourcing Props + Set Design
- Where to find unique props and costumes (thrift stores, online, estate sales)
- How to repurpose everyday items for surreal setups
- Lighting considerations for immersive scenes
- Examples of small changes that dramatically change a space (fabrics, fog, lights, wallpaper panels, etc.)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | LUNCH + Solo Concept Sketching
- Photographers will be encouraged to:
- Eat/rest
- Sketch out their planned shots
- Choose their set locations within the studio
- Begin forming a plan for how they will utilize the astronaut character
- Optional: share ideas with others for feedback
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Shooting Time (Hands-On Practice)
- Each participant will have designated time with the astronaut model (in rotation)
- Full use of your studio’s immersive sets and lighting setups
- On-hand guidance
- Help with camera settings
- Creative feedback on compositions
- Tips on connecting narrative and emotion to posing
- Emphasis on atmosphere, mood, and intention behind each photo
Additional Notes
- Post-workshop Zoom critique session where attendees can share final images for feedback
- Bring: DSLR or mirrorless camera, sketchpad/journal, backup batteries/cards, any props you wish to use (there are countless at the studio)
- Studio will provide lighting but feel free to bring your own/flashes/etc
Learning Goals
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand how to build a conceptual image from scratch
- Learn how to use costume and set design to tell a story
- Improve creative planning and organization skills
- Gain experience working within a surreal environment with a strong central character
- Walk away with unique, story-driven portraits for their portfolio
