Union Square Photography Friends

Join photographer Freek Dirkx and model Melixa for an intimate creative portrait workshop focused on artistic expression, movement, lighting, and storytelling.

During this 2-hour session, we'll explore techniques for creating striking, emotive images using a combination of studio lighting, dynamic posing, color, and atmosphere. Melixa will work with participants through a variety of looks and concepts designed to encourage creativity and help photographers develop their personal style.

This workshop is ideal for photographers who want to move beyond standard portraiture and experiment with mood, fashion-inspired imagery, and fine-art concepts.

### What we'll cover

• Working with creative lighting setups
• Directing and posing a model
• Creating movement and emotion in portraits
• Using color and styling to enhance a concept
• Building stronger visual storytelling
• Developing your creative vision during a shoot

### Model Styling

Melixa will be photographed in a variety of artistic looks, including lingerie and implied topless concepts. All imagery will remain tasteful, professional, and focused on artistic portraiture rather than glamour or adult content.

### Who is this for?

• Beginner photographers looking to gain confidence working with models
• Intermediate and advanced photographers seeking fresh creative inspiration
• Portrait, fashion, and fine-art photographers interested in expanding their portfolio

### What to Bring

• Camera with portrait lens(es)
• Fully charged batteries and memory cards
• A willingness to experiment and get creative

Only 4 spots available to ensure plenty of shooting opportunities for every participant.
Come create, learn, and leave with a portfolio of unique images and new ideas for your future shoots.

Click HERE for Tereza's Instagram

The total costs are $275, payable at registration
This includes studio rent, the model fee, and a model release.

Open to all levels of experience.

• You must be 18 years or older.
• There are only 4 seats, so every photographer has enough time to practice the different lighting setups.
• There is no video recording allowed during the workshop
• As I have a financial responsibility towards the model and studio only members who paid in advance will have access to this event
• A model release is included

I hope to see you at this unique workshop.

This is a small, hands-on workshop on sculptural artistic nude photography — negative space as a compositional tool, geometry over gesture, restraint as a style. We work with one professional model in a clean white studio environment and spend the session learning to see form the way a sculptor does: line, curve, shadow, silence.
About the model: Rossana is visiting New York for the first time, in from Italy. A fresh eye in the city, and it shows in the work.

What we'll cover:

• Building a genuinely minimal set — light, seamless, and nothing else
• Directing pose and camera angle to turn the body into line and shape
• Negative space as composition, not empty space
• Exposure and contrast control for a clean, high-key or graphic look
• Editing philosophy for restraint — knowing what not to add in post

Format:
Small group, capped at 4 photographers. This is a skill-building session, not a shared photo-op — everyone works their own angle, finds their own frame, and leaves with a body of work that's theirs.

Content level: Artistic nude. Tasteful, professional, studio-controlled. This is not a boudoir or fashion-lingerie session — expect full nude figure work in the minimalist tradition.

Who this is for: Photographers with basic camera control (manual exposure, comfortable with studio strobes) who want to develop an eye for composition rather than gear. Beginners welcome if you know your way around your camera; this is not a "how to use your camera" session.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older — valid ID checked at the door, no exceptions
• Professional conduct required at all times. This is a working studio session with a professional model, run under strict respect and consent guidelines. Anyone who can't hold that standard will be asked to leave, no refund.
• Bring your own camera and a lens you're comfortable with (no phones for capture)

What's included: Studio time, lighting setup, single model, small-group instruction, and a signed model release.

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Space is limited to 4 seats to keep this an actual workshop, not a crowd. Questions are welcome before you book.