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**DETAILS HERE**

First a little background info about the Advanced Documentary Wirkshop.  I am a big believer in giving credit where credit is due so I must start there and give Huy Nguyen credit as well as gratitude for inspiring the Wirkshop Series.  See, it was Huy that saw teaching potential in me years ago at his workshop, Foundation Workshop, in Texas giving me the chance to grow in that environment.

The Advanced Documentary Wirkshop is in essence a watered down version of what Foundation Workshop is.   The idea is to teach photographers the way of  photojournalism.  To achieve this each student spends time shooting real assignments like they would if they worked for a newspaper.  Each day is followed by a very intense critique session of the days work.  It is extremely effective in teaching what real photojournalism is like as well as honing general photographic skill.

I felt that it would be a great idea to offer a similar experience, although not as intense, as a perfect precursor to Foundation Workshop or simply an introduction to documentary photography.  We spent the three days talking about visual story telling as well as diving into photo techniques required to capture fleeting moments in a visually appealing way.

Each student was given an assignment to photograph.  They would then return to the studio where we spent time looking over their images in a very honest critique session.  It was wonderful to see how the group came together, bonded and grew both as friends and photographers.  I could not be more proud of each and everyone of them.

To give you a feel for what went down,  lets start with an amazing video recap of the Wirkshop that our very own Brandon Parigo of Wirken Films did for us.  It is so well done and I am grateful for what he did for us.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now to celebrate the success of those five students-

First up is Elizabeth LLoyd-

Elizabeth’s assignment was Town Topic, a Kansas City iconic burger joint.  I was so impressed with her photographic talent and ability to see very interesting images of normal everyday things.  This was my favorite photo of her set.  Love the moment of two people eating with the added element of the worker washing their hands.  Such an interesting way to show the place.  Lots of hand expressions going on.  Expressions do not have to just a facial expression.  Many times a gesture is just as powerful.  Great job Elizabeth.

Joe Sands spent his day at Paul Mesner Puppets.  A company that builds puppets and performs shows all over the city.  It just so happened that their season was over when Joe was with them but he was able to make some great photos of them building and testing puppets.  This was my favorite image of his set as I really felt it shows the behind the scenes life of a puppet maker.  The folks that worked at Paul Mesner Puppets were such happy go lucky people who obviously loved their jobs.  I like how Joe was able to capture a moment that summed all of that up.  Many times the behind the scenes action is much more interesting than what is seen or often times portrayed to the public.  This images captures that.  Nicely done Joe.

Shelley Paulson had the challenge of telling the story of Sky’s limit Crossfit gym.  I have known Shelley for a few years now and really admire her work and the way she can see light and make beautiful images time and time again.  Thus the reason I chose the cluttered dimly lit Crossfit gym for her challenge.  She met that challenge head on and was able to make some really great images that make you feel what that place feels like and more importantly what crossfit feels like.  Making a viewer feel something about the place or person you are photographing is what documentary photography is all about.  You need to make it feel like it felt like to be there.  Shelley was able to do that very well.  I love this image for the complexity of it.  The layering of information as well as use of framing work perfectly to illustrate the story of this particular gym.  Well done my friend.

McKenzie had lots of challenges to concur with her assignment at Pooches Paradise.  Pooches Paradise is a local doggy daycare and grooming business which proved tough for McKengie since she really does not like dogs and has known to be allergic as well.  She toughed it out anyway and proved that if you have enough drive anything is possible.  She was able to overcome her fears and get the job done.  Documentary work does not always cater to your strengths and your comfort zones.  Many times you have to be fearless and do what it takes to get the job done.  By the end of the day she was in the thick of it making some great images.  This is my favorite image from her set simply because it shows a simple moment between human and animal.  Not an easy thing to do.  Especially in that environment.  If she can make an image of a tender moment between a person and a dog there is no doubt she will now be able to nail those fleeting moments at a wedding between people.  Way to be strong McKengie.

Finally we have Krissy McCabe.  Krissy spent her time photographing the Luck Lady tattoo parlor.  It was a perfect challenge for her as it enabled her to come out of her shell a bit and really soar.  This is my favorite image from her set as it really celebrates hard work and patience.  There were many other images she made that had immediate impact.  People’s faces in pain as they held on tight to anything possible to mask the pain of the needle, gentle loving touches by a loved one helping get through the pain, etc…..  But this image was not easy to make.  Not only does it have great light and context it has what I call an easter egg.  You see the photo and it takes a bit to find the figure drinking out of a water bottle.  I love those kind of delayed reaction images.  Krissy deserved for that to happen to her as she found the composition and waited almost an hour for something to happen.  It did.  Actually it happened twice.  I love rewarding photographers for their thought process during the making of a photo more than the actual photo itself.  To have the discipline to ignore what else is going on around you and focus and wait that long for a moment is not an easy thing to harness.  Krissy impressed me with her ability to do just that.  Sometimes you gotta just know when you have it good and hope that real life knows it as well and gives you that egg you have been waiting for.  Good job.

The group!

Congrats on all of your success!

The first of the Documentary Advanced Classes is SOLD OUT!

Getting excited for the Wirkshop next week and meeting the  5 students!

Full tuition due within 1 month of workshop.  Payment plans available upon request.

REGISTER HERE

I am even more excited to talk about the team making it happen.  I am joining forces with two of my favorite photographers whose work I have admired for quite a while.  Ben and Erin Chrisman.  In case you have not had the pleasure of knowing who these two are they have pretty much taken the wedding industry by storm over the past 3 or 4 years.  Besides being known for their artistic documentary approach to wedding photography – pure photojournalism combined with creative, artistic portraiture. Ben was named Photographer of the Year by the Wedding Photojournalist Association, and Ben and Erin were listed as two of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world by American Photo magazine.  I have had the pleasure of teaching side by side with these two at the Foundation Workshop and was thrilled with the idea of teaming up with them to launch the first of the Wirkshop Series.  Check out their work- http://benchrismanblog.com

Below you will find all the info you need as well as a link to register for this unique opportunity.  See you in KC!

REGISTER HERE!

REGISTER HERE!

One word.

Chrisman.

All I gotta say.  Find out more on Monday.

Documentary advanced class

This intensive workshop is designed for the professional or experienced photographer wanting to take their documentary work to the next level and learn the ways of photojournalism.  Tyler will work with you to help form and develop your style of shooting and vision.  Students will spend time shooting live assignments followed by one on one critique and group discussions.  Topics covered will depend on each students individual skill level and needs however this workshops emphasis is solely rooted around shooting and improving vision and technique.   Although there are no skill or experience criteria students should have a  grasp on general camera mechanics as well as exposure.  This class will be limited to 5 students.

$2000 – August 22-24, 2011, Wirken Photography studio in Kansas City

Full tuition due within 1 month of workshop.  Payment plans available upon request.

REGISTER HERE

Class 1

Purchasing a camera. This is class will cover the basics on getting started with the purchase of a camera.  What are your needs?  What do all of those numbers mean?  We will break down cameras and lenses, which ones are good, good enough and great.  We will talk about focal length of lenses and which ones to use when as well as camera bodies and what to look for in different models.

1 hour   -  $50  – class size 20 - 12/7/2011

REGISTER HERE

Class 2

Camera mechanics. This class is for those who have a digital 35mm SLR camera (camera with a removable lens) and have no idea what to do with it.  We will cover what all of those settings and dials do.  We will break down how and when to use the common settings and what they do.  We will touch on Jpeg vs. raw and file sizes.  We will cover manual and auto focus, zoom lenses, as well as an introduction to exposure.  How those camera mechanics all work together to take a photo.  (novice shooter)

2 hours   – $100 – class size 20 – 12/8/2011, 2/8/2012, 4/11/2012, 6/6/2012

REGISTER HERE

Class 3

Camera control. This class will be one of the most intensive as we dive into exposure and to control all of the settings to properly make a photo.  We will work in a classroom setting breaking down the numbers and how they work together and how you can manipulate them to be on control of your camera.  Students must have a good grip on camera mechanics or have taken Class two prior. (mid-range shooter)

2 hours -$100 – class size 20 -12/14/2011, 2/15/2012, 4/18/2012, 6/13/2012

REGISTER HERE

Class 4

Light and composition.   This class will start to touch on light, the different kinds and colors of light.   White balance, what it is used for and how to change it.  We will talk about the general rules of composition and what to look for in building your photographs showing lots of examples.  This class will take your pictures to another level. (mid range shooter)

2 hours – $100 – class size 20 – 12/15/2011, 2/16/2012, 4/19/2012, 6/14/2012

REGISTER HERE

Live shooting exercise class

Once a month we will offer a class to help practice what you have learned.  We will go on-location and practice what we learned in all previous classes.  Students must have a good grip on camera mechanics or have taken Class two and three prior.  (mid-range to advanced shooter) – 3 hours  – $200 – class size 10 – Stay tuned for available dates.

The fine print…..

Beginner classes are limited to the amount of  participants listed for each class, and registration closes 7 days before each class date.  A minimum of 10 participants is required to hold class in most cases (this decision is made at the discretion of Wirken Photography, and will be based on the number of students registered).  If the minimum student number is not met, Wirken Photography retains the right to contact all registered students and place them in another class that fits each student’s schedule.  48 hour cancellation is required or fee is forfeited.  Class fees are non-refundable, but if 48 hour or greater notice is given, you may apply your fee/transfer to another class.  See below for available dates and registration link.

Welcome!

Thanks for finding us and stopping by.  I am Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photography in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Wirkshop Series has been a project of mine for a little over a year and I am really excited to finally have a place for it to call home.

In the past 8 or so years I have been fortunate enough to find a new passion in life….teaching.  I love being able to share what I have learned from so many wonderful people in my life, with others.  Therefore I decided to start The Wirkshop Series.  In a nut shell it is a collection of classes for both the amateur and professional photographer focused on all things image making.  Take a minute to look around the site and learn  more about me, my teaching style as well as the classes we have to offer.

This is just the beginning so check back in with some very exciting announcements for upcoming Wirkshops offered by me as well some of the best wedding photographers nationally and abroad.

Thanks and enjoy!

Tyler