Dark Potions Workshop – Wrap Up

Our Halloween workshop has been in the planning for the past few months. During that time Sam has been busy working hard to create spooky props and dark outfits.

We were joined by 12 photographers for each date and two amazing models, Sophie Daly and Charlotte Croucher. In order to keep the groups small and the shooting time high, I once again roped in the help of Tommy Reynolds as a group leader who did a brilliant job passing on his ideas and passion.

For the morning sessions Sophie took on the roll of a Alchemist. Sam created a table piled high with old bottles, books and other props she’d mostly found at boot sales. A bit of careful lighting, some coloured gels and plenty of smoke gave the final touch.

Charlotte took on the role of a Victorian vampire, complete with blood red contact lenses and her fangs she made herself. (Both Charlotte and Sophie are professional make-up artists as well as models)

After lunch it was all change as Sophie became a woodland witch. the weather varied across the two days so we made use of the inside locations when it was wet and used the grounds of Ravenswood when it was dry.

Charlottes second look was a “Miss Havisham” bride for which Tommy created a stunning lit scene on the stairs of the Baronial Hall at Ravenswood. He combined back light, smoke and an amazing optical snoot from Pixapro to create what was probably the best look of the workshop.

There’s nothing more frustrating to me than seeing a workshop organiser shooting photos for themselves at the expense of the attendees. As a result I took relatively few shots. Fortunately, the photographers who joined us took thousands of photos and below are just a few that I’ve been sent so far.