Close, Raw & Unfiltered

Inspired by the bold, direct approach of Bruce Gilden, this workshop combines theory and hands-on practice. You develop your own photographic voice, while learning to approach subjects with confidence and intention.

Hosted by Christian Stemmler, the workshop draws on his intuitive style and ability to capture raw, unfiltered moments.

By spending time on the streets, you are able to test and practice what you have learned, while receiving guidance, feedback, and support from your teacher.

Key takeaways

• A deeper understanding of street photography
• Practical experience shooting with purpose in a public space
• Constructive feedback on your images and storytelling approach
• Greater confidence in developing an individual visual language

Why you should join

This workshop is perfect for you if you have a personal interest in photography, want to hone your photography skills, or need these skills for professional use.

Program

Day 1 | 10:00–18:00: Seeing Differently

• Introduction to key principles: proximity, timing, narrative, and ethics
• Insights drawn from Bruce Gilden’s exhibition – Why these?
• Independent shooting time to observe, react, and capture moments
• Ongoing guidance, tips, and feedback from Christian Stemmler throughout the day
• Focus on starting a personal photographic storyline

Day 2 | 10:00–16:00: Shaping the Story

• Group review of selected images
• Presentation of individual work and ideas
• Discussion of process, intention, and narrative
• Constructive feedback and exchange within the group
• Refining and editing images into a cohesive story
• Gaining new perspectives on one’s own work

About the teacher

Christian Stemmler is a photographer based in Tbilisi, Georgia. He was born in former East Germany in 1977; growing up under communism he was 12 when the Berlin Wall fell.Stemmler began photographing at 17 while engrossed in Berlin’s nightlife and club culture, working in well-known venues such as Tresor, S036 and Ellen Allien’s record label Bpitch. His earlier work focuses on ravers, squatters, and the queer community, documenting their everyday movements, and nightlife culture. In 2002, he started working as a fashion assistant in one of Germany’s leading independent fashion, art, and music magazines, Style & the Family Tunes. In 2025, he published Anfang Berlin 1994-99 with Idea Books. It is a documentary-style photography book which captures his work specifically from Berlin’s 1990s underground scene.