Description
Two days to step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in photography.
There is something special about spending time with people who get just as excited about beautiful light, a perfect location or a magical childhood moment as you do.
That is exactly what I want this weekend to be.
On May 29–30, 2027, I invite you to join me in the Ottawa area, Canada for two days dedicated to children’s portrait photography – from finding inspiration and creating the image in camera to bringing it to life through editing.
This workshop is about learning, of course. But it is also about creating, experimenting, meeting other photographers and giving yourself two days to do something you genuinely love.
DAY ONE – From inspiration to the photograph
We will begin by exploring the ideas behind my photographs – how I find inspiration, recognize beautiful light, choose locations and create images that feel natural, emotional and a little magical.
Rather than spending the morning simply listening to technical theory, I want you to understand how I think before I press the shutter.
We will talk about working with natural and continuous light, composition, color, lenses and camera settings, but also about something I consider even more important: how to work with children without forcing moments and how to create an environment where real expressions and little stories can happen naturally.
After our morning together and a shared lunch, it will be time to take everything outside the classroom and put it into practice.
The photo session
Later in the day, we will photograph adorable child models in carefully prepared scenes.
This is where we create together.
You will have time to observe how I approach a scene, how I position myself in relation to the light, how I communicate with children and how small changes in perspective, composition or timing can completely transform a photograph.
And most importantly, you will photograph too – building your own collection of images to work with the following day.
DAY TWO – From RAW file to finished photograph
The second day is where everything comes together.
Using photographs created during our session, I will take you through my complete editing workflow and show you how I turn a RAW file into the finished images you know from my portfolio.
We will work primarily in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, exploring color, light, local adjustments, atmosphere, retouching and the finishing touches that help create my recognizable dreamy style.
This will not be about copying a recipe.
My goal is to help you understand why I make particular editing decisions, so you can take those ideas and use them in your own photography.
You will also have time to work on your own photographs from Day One and ask questions as we edit together.
What is included
Your workshop experience includes:
- two full days with me in a small group,
- creative and practical photography instruction,
- a styled photo session with child models,
- guidance while you photograph,
- a complete Lightroom Classic & Photoshop editing day,
- PDF materials from the presentation,
- a selection of my presets and overlays to use in your editing,
- lunch on Day One,
- snacks and drinks during the workshop,
- and, just as importantly, two days surrounded by people who share your love of photography.
Who is this workshop for?
You do not need to be a professional photographer.
This workshop is perfect for passionate hobbyists as well as professional photographers who want to develop their approach to photographing children, understand light better and discover new possibilities in editing.
You should, however, already know the basic operation of your camera and feel comfortable changing settings independently.
The group will be kept small so that everyone has space to photograph, ask questions and be part of the experience.
More than a workshop
You will leave the Ottawa area with new photographs, new editing techniques and plenty of ideas to try at home.
But I hope you leave with something else too.
New inspiration. New connections. More confidence in your own creativity. And that wonderful feeling that comes from spending an entire weekend doing something simply because you love it.
Photography has brought some extraordinary people into my life over the years, and creating that sense of community has become one of my favorite parts of teaching.
I would love for you to be part of it in Canada.
Ottawa area, Ontario, Canada | May 29–30, 2027
Places are limited.
Price & reservation
Full workshop price: $899 USD (approximately C$1,250)
You can reserve your place today with a $299 USD deposit.
The remaining $600 USD is payable in cash at the workshop.
The CAD amount is approximate and may vary depending on the current exchange rate.
I know that planning a trip months in advance can feel like a big commitment, so I want to give you flexibility if your plans change:
- cancellation by February 28, 2027 – 100% of your deposit will be refunded,
- cancellation between March 1 and March 31, 2027 – 50% of your deposit will be refunded,
- cancellation from April 1, 2027 – the deposit is non-refundable.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organizer, all payments made will be refunded in full.
Your place is confirmed once the $299 USD reservation deposit has been received.
Full price: $899 USD (approx. C$1,250) | Pay $299 USD now | $600 USD balance at the workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a professional photographer?
Not at all. Passionate hobby photographers are very welcome.
You should, however, already feel comfortable using your camera independently and understand basic settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO. This workshop is designed to help you develop your creative approach rather than teach the basic operation of a camera.
What equipment should I bring?
Bring your camera, your favorite portrait lens or lenses, spare batteries and enough memory cards for the photo session.
You do not need a particular camera brand or any specific equipment to participate. Bring the camera and lenses you already know and enjoy using.
For the editing day, please bring a laptop with Lightroom Classic and Photoshop installed and working.
Which lenses would you recommend?
There is no required lens. Bring the lenses you already enjoy using for portrait photography.
A versatile zoom or portrait prime will work perfectly. If you have several lenses, you are welcome to bring them, but there is no need to travel with your entire equipment collection.
Will I have the opportunity to photograph myself?
Absolutely. The photo session is not just a demonstration.
You will photograph the child models yourself and create your own images. I will be there to guide you, show you how I approach each scene and help whenever you need it.
These are also the photographs you can work with during our post-production session on Day Two.
Can I use the photographs I take during the workshop?
Yes. You are welcome to edit and use the photographs you create during the workshop in your portfolio, on your website and on social media.
When sharing your images online, I kindly ask you to tag or credit me, Iwona Podlasińska, as the workshop instructor and organizer. I always love seeing what participants create and sharing your work whenever I can.
Please note that photographs created during the workshop should not be submitted to photography competitions. The models, styling, locations and shooting situations are organized as part of a guided group workshop and are therefore not suitable as independently created competition entries.
The sessions are designed to give you an opportunity to practice, experiment, build your portfolio and leave the workshop with beautiful images you will be proud to share.
What software will we use for editing?
I will demonstrate my complete workflow using Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop.
Please make sure both programs are installed and working on your laptop before arriving at the workshop.
What is included in the workshop price?
The $899 workshop fee includes both workshop days, the organized photo session with child models, PDF materials from my presentation, selected presets and overlays, lunch on Day One, as well as snacks and drinks during the workshop.
Accommodation, travel and other meals are not included.
Where does the workshop take place?
The workshop will be held in Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada, approximately one hour from Ottawa.
The exact workshop address, meeting details and all practical information will be sent to participants closer to the event.
How do I get to Carleton Place?
For participants flying to Canada, Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is the most convenient airport.
Carleton Place is located west of Ottawa and is easily accessible by car. For participants arriving by plane, renting a car is the easiest and most flexible option, especially as our workshop includes an evening photo session.
Detailed directions to the workshop location will be provided to all participants closer to the event.
If you are travelling from abroad, I recommend arriving in the area at least one day before the workshop.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking will be available at or near the workshop location. Detailed parking information will be provided together with the exact address closer to the event.
Where should I stay?
I recommend staying in or near Carleton Place so you can easily reach the workshop location in the morning and return after our evening photo session.
There are hotels and other accommodation options in and around Carleton Place. You can also stay in the Ottawa area if you prefer, but please remember to allow additional time for driving.
Accommodation is not included in the workshop price.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you cancel by February 28, 2027, your $299 reservation deposit will be refunded in full.
For cancellations between March 1 and March 31, 2027, 50% of the reservation deposit will be refunded.
From April 1, 2027, the reservation deposit is non-refundable.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organizer, all payments made will be refunded in full.
