Exposure Therapy (Street Portraiture): Facing Fear and Finding Connection | Biddy's Tea Room
Arts
Fine Art
Experience a Unique, Psychology-Based Approach to PhotographyHave you ever seen someone on the street you wanted to photograph but hesitated? Maybe you took the shot, but it didn’t capture what you envisioned. That hesitation—the fear of rejection, the stories we tell ourselves—is universal. I’ve worked through it and continue to manage it. This workshop is designed to help you move past fear, reframe self-doubt, and connect more deeply with yourself and the people you photograph. Rather than focusing on camera settings, we explore the psychology of connection, helping you transform your approach to photography—and life. The biggest improvement isn’t in the gear you use but in you- how you see, think, and engage with the world. You’ll learn techniques to approach strangers with confidence, shift self-talk, and foster trust—all in a supportive, small-group setting. We’ll also discuss the legal, ethical, and moral dimensions of street portraiture. You’ll have the chance to observe my approach, progress at your own pace, and gradually step into making portraits with confidence. 📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM (BST)
📍 Meeting Point: Biddy’s Tea Room, Norwich This hands-on session will gently challenge you to expand your comfort zone at your own pace. Whether you're new to street portraiture or refining your skills, you’ll gain practical tools to build confidence, sharpen awareness, and see both the world—and yourself—differently. To keep the experience personal and supportive, we limit the group to eight participants. If this resonates with you, don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to grow and refine your photography in a welcoming space! Workshop Structure📍 Morning Meet-Up
We begin in a cosy setting with a warm drink and a treat, introducing key concepts and outlining the plan for the day. 📷 Morning Practical Session
A guided photo walk where you'll observe live demonstrations, engage with strangers, and receive real-time feedback. 🍽️ Lunch Break
A chance to recharge and reflect (lunch not included). 📷 Afternoon Practical Session
Further hands-on practice, refining skills and deepening engagement. 🍻 Pub Wrap-Up
We end the day in a cosy pub, unwinding over a well-earned drink and reflecting on our experiences—because celebrating progress matters. Who Is This Workshop For?Open to all levels, this workshop is for anyone with a camera, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge themselves. Whether you're new to portraiture or an experienced photographer, you'll gain technical skills and psychological insights to enhance your work. This is more than a workshop—it's an opportunity to transform how you see the world and yourself through photography and human connection. What to BringPack light! Bring a digital camera (a 50 or 35mm lens is ideal), comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. What You’ll GainBuild Confidence – Approach and photograph strangers with greater ease. Expand Your Comfort Zone – Step beyond hesitation in a supportive space. Sharpen Awareness – Spot compelling portraits in everyday moments. Shift Your Inner Dialogue – Reframe self-doubt and transform fear into curiosity. Manage Social Anxiety & Rejection – Develop strategies to navigate hesitation and fear. Mindfully Improve Your Portraiture – Use mindfulness to create more meaningful images. Reframe the Stories You Tell Yourself – Understand how mindset shapes experience and break free from limiting beliefs. Get Inspired – Reignite passion through fresh techniques and new connections. Make Meaningful Connections – Share the experience with like-minded participants. Engage Both Mind & Body – Enjoy a dynamic, interactive day of learning. About Your Workshop FacilitatorGabrielle Motola is an award-winning photographer, author, colourist, speaker, and therapeutic photography practitioner with over 15 years of teaching experience. She has worked with corporate clients, private students, and universities worldwide, including Apple, The International Centre of Photography, the BBC, Hahnemühle, Canon Europe, and Olympus. Renowned for her evocative street portraiture and solo motorcycle journeys, Gabrielle holds a postgraduate degree in Therapeutic Photography. Her teaching blends creative exploration with personal growth, helping participants build confidence and deepen their connection to their work and themselves. Learn more about Gabrielle and her work at www.gabriellemotola.com or connect with her on Instagram: @gmotophotos What Participants Are Saying: Everything was a revelation. It was almost like the workshop reintroduced me to the child in me. Inhibited yet daring. I thought I had lost her. - Sujata S I feel like I've known Gabrielle and some of the other participants for years despite the fact I had never even met any of them before! This speaks to Gabrielle's ability to create a really safe and welcoming learning space in which we were all able to connect with each other, support each other in this journey, and learn from each other. I have a deep hope that we stay in touch. - Julie B I just want to say what an incredible experience I found the workshop to be. I started off feeling really nervous and ended up actually enjoying stopping strangers and asking them for a portrait! I think being able to see Gabrielle at work and watch the reaction of the people who she asked for a portrait was a huge help. I feel like I’ve genuinely had a huge mindset shift that will not only help me in my photographic practice but in all areas of my life. - Katy D I can definitely recommend this workshop to everyone! The way it is structured allowed me to gradually (and quickly!) start and succeed! I loved the honesty and support throughout the whole afternoon. It definitely was more than just a photography workshop! - Lukasz I Read Google Reviews
Information Source: Gabrielle Motola (Admin) | eventbrite