A woman brings a particular sensitivity and point of view to photography, an ability to draw out the beauty of a bride, and an empathy with the special emotion of the occasion.
This exclusive three-day Roman retreat and workshop is limited to six selected women photographers, to develop the special talent inherent in the female eye.
Renowned portrait and wedding photographer Rochelle Cheever will hold an in-depth retreat to a select group of working women photographers, sharing her intimate knowledge of the Eternal City, where she was raised and has spent most of her life. Over the course of three days, you will begin to transform your images from photographs to fine art, drawing inspiration from the masters — Michelangelo, Bernini and Carvaggio. You will have the opportunity to build a unique portfolio with the glory of Rome as a backdrop, guided by Rochelle’s intimate knowledge of the city and its secrets. Photographers will meet and establish relationships with Italian contacts and vendors such as wedding planners, and share in Rochelle’s of the practical aspects of building and maintaining a business.
Day One: Michelangelo
After breakfast , you will meet with other photographers to visit the Sistine Chapel, focusing on Michelangelo’s use of form, color and framing, learning how these techniques can be applied to your own photographic work.
In the afternoon we’ll have a portrait shoot with a professional model on location at the Pantheon and at Rochelle’s nearby“sweet spots,“ directly applying the lessons of the morning.
Over evening and dinner, we’ll discuss the business of destination wedding photography in Italy, discovering what the client really wants, booking and marketing yourself, and managing your work flow. A local Italy destination wedding planner will be present to meet and also give some business advise.
Day Two: Bernini
The morning will be spent at the Galleria Borghese, exploring Bernini’s use of movement, grouping and his genius for transforming the tactile into the visual.
After lunch, we’ll shoot models portraying a newly-engaged couple (an “e-session”), with the backdrop of the magnificent Ponte di Sant’Angelo, which is lined with sculptures designed by Bernini.
During the evening meal, a guest speaker will discuss the creation design, printing and marketing of fine art wedding albums. It’s an opportunity to see samples of the most exquisite albums, and to establish a business rapport with the company that produces them.
Day Three: Caravaggio
In our morning session, the master’s use of chiarascuro, light and shadow will be explored as it can be applied to fine art photography. We’ll see the paintings that catapulted Caravaggio to fame at the historic locations for which they were commissioned ,such as the Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi and the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo.
The afternoon shoot at the Coliseum will use models in the role of bride and groom, as Rochelle Cheever shares her prodigious experience and expertise in the field of wedding photography, the woman’s eye that allows her to capture the unique emotional rapport between each couple.
For our last evening together, we’ll explore the glory of Rome by night.
Application and pricing:
Participation in the workshop is open to English-speaking photographers, by invitation only. The cost of the three-day workshop includes accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, transportation within Rome, gallery and museum entrance fees, and the cost of models, wardrobe, hair and makeup artists. Transportation to Rome and airport transfers plus travel insurance are not included.
Included is a 3-night stay at the very central and elegant
Residenza Borghese each with a private room and bathroom. Adjacent to Via Veneto where La Dolce Vita began In the 1960s and a 5 minute walk to the Spanish Steps & Villa Borghese.
To be considered for inclusion in this exclusive workshop retreat, and for further details contact: info@rochellecheever.com
