Timeless Elegance: A Look Back at the Vintage Christmas Photography Workshop in Limerick
The holiday magic didn’t just stay in the air—it’s now in our portfolios!
My collaborator Avia Gurman-Murphy and I (as Fine Art photographers) were thrilled to host the Vintage Christmas Photography Workshop this past December at 101 Limerick. This immersive event was dedicated to the art of capturing the soul, patina, and unique character of bygone eras.
As one of the premier photography workshops in Ireland for vintage aesthetics, the session was a resounding success. We welcomed a group of talented photographers to the heart of Limerick City to explore the elegance of “Old Hollywood” and the playful spark of the 1950s.
Mastering the Vintage Aesthetic & Retro Patina
More than just a photoshoot, the morning focused on the foundations of Fine Art vintage photography.
Giving Images a Soul
We delved into the specific visual codes that give an image its “timeless” quality. Participants learned how to move beyond standard digital clarity to embrace the grain, textures, and moods that define historical photography.
In-Camera Creative Play
Using professional guidance, we experimented with light manipulation and styling to create a rich, nostalgic atmosphere directly in-camera. By focusing on practical techniques rather than heavy post-production, photographers unlocked a more authentic way to tell stories through their lenses.
Two Sets, Two Eras: Creative Storytelling in Limerick
The core of the workshop featured two distinct, professionally styled sets designed to provide high-end content for any professional photography portfolio.
1. The Pin-up Sparkle: 1950s Joy
Our first set captured the playful and alluring spirit of the classic 1950s Pin-up.
- The Vibe: Bright, character-filled, and joyful.
- Technical Focus: Working with high-key lighting and posing to recreate the iconic commercial aesthetic of the mid-century.
2. Vintage Glamour & Film Noir: Old Hollywood
The second set offered a moody contrast, diving into the dramatic world of Vintage Glam and Film Noir.
- The Vibe: Mystery, elegance, and cinematic drama.
- Technical Focus: Using low-key lighting, shadows, and festive fairy lights to create depth and a sense of “urban melancholy” within a vintage context.
Our Models: Anastasiia Voloshchuk, Galyna Orlova & Gabriel Dùpen.
Is Your Portfolio Ready for a Creative Boost?
If you missed this December edition or want to join a community that pushes the boundaries of Fine Art photography in Ireland, we would love to have you at our next event.
- Upcoming Dates & Registration: Workshop Waiting List
- Find out more about us: My Instagram and Avia’s Instagram
Stay tuned to discover more of our artistic adventures!
About the Facilitators: Céline Mermier & Avia Gurman-Murphy
This workshop is a testament to what happens when technical expertise meets passionate collaboration.
Céline Mermier is a French Fine Art photographer based in Ireland. Recently awarded Photographer of the Year 2024 in Dublin, she also shares her expertise as a photography teacher at the College of FET. Her work is known for its dreamy, poetic, and storytelling qualities.
Avia Gurman-Murphy is an interdisciplinary artist based in East Clare. Her work blends Fine Art photography with ritual and performance, exploring deep themes of transformation and belonging.
Together, we are dedicated to teaching photographers how to create images that invite contemplation, emotion, and timeless beauty.
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