Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Photographic Narrative: Content, Context and Technique

The Photographic Narrative: Content, Context and Technique


"The Photographic Narrative: Content, Context and Technique"


A Tyee Master Class with Christopher Grabowski.

Saturday, April 28 - Sunday, April 29, 2012
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.

$195 includes snacks and refreshments

Registration limited to: 20

Where: The Tyee’s Vancouver Newsroom


Register for Documentary Photogrpahy: Content, Context & Technique -- A Tyee Master Class with Christopher Grabowski in Vancouver, British Columbia  on Eventbrite

Not every picture is worth a thousand words.


With a click of the shutter, a well-trained photographer silently conveys the essence of a subject, story or scene. And in the digital age, capturing an important moment can have major repercussions. Photography today doesn't just document history, it catalyses the future. Through social media and online publishing, powerful images can quickly reach all ranks of society and corners of the globe -- changing hearts, minds and even governments.

An understanding of photographic principle and technique is requisite for today's journalist, activist, artist, writer and engaged citizen.

In this Tyee Master Class, award-winning photographer Christopher Grabowski offers a comprehensive introduction to the genre of photojournalism for amateur and experienced photographers alike. From lighting and composition to some of the trickier ethical questions of subject-photographer relationship and exploitation, this class covers all the basics, leaving room for informal Q&A with a world-renowned master working in the field.

Lessons will be conveyed through analysis of historic and contemporary works, seminar-style discussion, and practical demonstrations of photographic technique, including:

- Aperture and shutter speed, and their effects on the image
- Daylight and flash exposure, balancing of different light sources, histogram
- Off-camera flash techniques
- Portrait lighting
- Image composition
- Elements of digital formatting
- Photo-narrative structures, informative and symbolic image content

Over two intensive afternoon sessions, participants will develop a discerning eye and the practical know-how to weave photographic elements into their work or play, whatever their motivation.

Who’s it for? Amateur and professional photographers, journalists, travelers, bloggers, artists, hobbyists -- anyone with a story to tell through pictures.

Required Materials: Access to a single lens reflex (SLR) camera and a basic understanding of its features.

Christopher Grabowski's photographs and photo-essays have appeared in various European publications as well as the Globe and Mail, The Washington Post, Financial Times, El Mundo, Utne Reader, MacLean's, Ottawa Citizen and Geist. He has received several awards in photojournalism. Among them, the Michener-Deacon Fellowship, Canada's premier award encouraging the pursuit of investigative journalism that serves the public interest.

Visit Christopher's website.

Don't live in Vancouver? The Tyee has partnered with the Rosedale on Robson hotel to offer a 25% discount to Master Class participants. The Rosedale on Robson is a locally-owned, eco-friendly hotel within walking distance of the classes. Just mention you want The Tyee rate at the time of booking.