Poolside Universe: Redefining Fine-Art Photography
Architecture, fashion, and suspense collided during a one-of-a-kind event: the Poolside Universe workshop. Within the striking geometric lines of a private pool in Limerick, 11 photographers and 3 models pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling.
The Prelude: Building Synergy Over Lunch
The day didn’t begin with cameras, but with a collaborative lunch. Bringing all 11 photographers together for a meal was essential to break the ice. This shared moment allowed us to deconstruct the mood board and discuss the precise actions we would take at the water’s edge. This human connection is the foundation of the day’s artistic success.
Act I: A Tribute to the “Swimming Pool” Aesthetic
The opening set was a deliberate homage to Maria Svarbova. We wanted to explore that “Swimming Pool” atmosphere that has redefined modern Fine-Art photography—a world that feels both frozen in time and vibrant with color.
- The Plastic World: Working with 3 models simultaneously, we focused on the stiff, mannequin-like poses and static compositions that characterize Svarbova’s work.
- Symmetry & Pastel Contrast: We utilized the pool’s vanishing lines to create a sense of sterile perfection. The vibrant red swimsuits and crisp white swim caps popped against the water, creating that iconic pastel-yet-saturated palette.
- Locker Room Alignment: Moving to the wooden benches, we maintained this minimalist, repetitive rhythm, treating the models as architectural elements rather than just subjects.
Act II: Individual Immersion – Mastering the Space
In the second phase, the models separated to claim their own distinct universes:
- Poolside: A study of silhouettes and shadows cast against the bright tiles.
- In the Water: An exploration of aquatic movement and the fascinating distortions of light.
- The Dressing Rooms: A softer approach, focusing on skin textures against the neutral beige tiles and the horizontal lines of the benches.
The Surprise Twist: Hitchcock’s Shadow
Just as the photographers thought they had explored every corner, we revealed a surprise twist. We led them into the dim light of the dressing rooms for a set inspired by Alfred Hitchcock.
In the dark, through the relative cold and the metallic echo of the showers, the atmosphere shifted radically. Screams echoed against the beige tiled walls, creating an immediate electric tension. This unexpected pivot toward film noir forced the photographers to instantly adapt, capturing images charged with a dramatic intensity that contrasted sharply with the sterile beauty of the morning.
11 Photographers, 11 Visions
The beauty of Poolside Universe lies in its diversity. From the Svarbova-inspired “frozen” graphics to the cinematic dread of the Hitchcockian twist, every artist walked away with a different story to tell.
At a Glance:
- Date: April 18, 2026
- Location: Limerick, Ireland
- Vibe: Minimalist, Surreal, Cinematic.
Ready to Dive In?
The success of this edition confirms our mission to keep surprising the creative community in Ireland. Spaces are strictly limited to maintain the quality of exchange.
- Join the waitlist for our upcoming sessions Workshop Waiting List
- Find out more about us: My Instagram and Artis Aura.
Stay tuned to discover more of our artistic adventures!
Our Creative Journey: A Series of Immersive Experiences
Poolside Universe is the latest chapter in a series of thematic workshops designed to challenge traditional photography. Each edition serves as a new exploration of visual storytelling and technical mastery. If you missed our previous sessions, you can explore the diverse worlds we have built through these past experiences:
- Vintage Christmas Workshop: A nostalgic journey into timeless holiday aesthetics and classic lighting.
- Samhain Photography Workshop: An exploration of the thin veil between worlds, focusing on cinematic mystery and folklore.
- Beautiful Body (International Women’s Day): Held in honor of International Women’s Day, this session was a profound exploration of the human experience—the act of looking and being looked at. Beyond technical photography, it addressed the need to be seen with presence rather than judgment, celebrating the female nude and rediscovering true embodiment through a refined, artistic gaze.
Every workshop is a unique standalone event, but they all share the same mission: to help you transform technical skill into a singular, powerful artistic vision.
Who Are We? Facilitating the Creative Vision
This workshop is a testament to what happens when a solid concept, technical expertise, and passionate collaboration come together to create images of unmatched richness and intensity.
Céline Mermier is an award-winning French Fine Art photographer based in Ireland. Her dreamy and poetic work earned her the prestigious title of Photographer of the Year 2024 in Dublin. Beyond her personal practice, she shares her expertise as a photography instructor at the College of FET, helping others master the craft of visual storytelling.
Avia Gurman Murphy is an interdisciplinary artist based in East Clare. Her work seamlessly blends Fine Art photography, ritual, and performance to explore profound themes of belonging and transformation.
Together, we share a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to creating images that invite contemplation, evoke emotion, and push the boundaries of the “Fine Art” aesthetic.
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