Workshops and Lectures
We’ve all seen drawing workshops and art history classes,
but how many of us have experienced erotic education?
The Festival features engaging, high-quality educational opportunities. We trust you’ll learn to think about things in new ways at these lectures, and walk away with a new or finely-tuned skill from these workshops.
All of these are open to anyone 18 years old or older. We encourage you to attend, play, and create something erotic of your own.
Workshops below are listed by date.
Networking: A Cup of Coffee Today, 100 Clients Tomorrow
Presenter: Mariah Carle
This class covers the importance of networking both in person and online. Mariah will give examples of successful follow-ups and reminders. She’ll provide tips on how to use your new connections and when to keep in touch with old ones. She’ll also go over the advantages of a strong network of creatives to both enrich your cash flow as well as your creativity.
From 2005 to 2010, Mariah traveled the US working as a nude figure model. She has worked with over 600 photographers and fine artists and has been published in an extensive collection of web and print media as well as gallery exhibits. In 2011 she opened a full service photography studio in Oakland, CA. Her successful experience in nude modeling as a business allows her to teach others how they can create art, have fun, and get paid.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex
Date: June 16, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM, 2 hours
Cost: $20
Presenter: Robin Sword
The publishing world has changed significantly in the last decade. Today, many people are choosing to self-publish and self-market their books. Join Robin to learn about the publishing options available to today’s author, and for a valuable marketing discussion.
Robin is a professional authors’ assistant. She coordinates the publishing process, from the manuscript to the published book. Robin also offers research, organization, and editing services.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex
Date: June 16, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM, 2 Hours
Cost: $20 – Canceled
Real Sex in Front of a Camera? A Demonstration Photo Shoot
Presenter: David Steinberg
What are the emotional and artistic dynamics involved in trying to capture something honest and intimate about sex on film? How does a photographer help people feel free to reveal the emotional subtleties of their sexual connection to him and to the outside world? Is it possible for a couple to engage in honest sex during a photo session? What can a photograph show about the intimate aspects of sex to people who don’t witness that sex in person?
Since 1999, David Steinberg has photographed over 160 couples of varying ages, body types, ethnicities, sexual preferences, and sexual orientations with these questions in mind. He will talk about how he works with couples to help them feel comfortable, natural, respected, and safe, and then conduct a demonstration shoot where participants will be able to observe how all the theory comes out in practice, and ask questions afterwards. The models, whom he’s worked with previously, will also talk about their experience of being photographed, and what was important to them in terms of being able to enjoy having sex spontaneously in front of the camera.
David is a 2012 Master of Erotic Art.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Main Space
Date: June 16, 2012
Time: 4:00 PM, 2 hours
Cost: $40
Presenter: David Steinberg
Before we could ever discover the real nature of our sexuality, most of us learned that our sexual feelings and desires were wrong — too weak, too strong, inappropriate, immoral, unnatural, misdirected. As we became sexually active, we often had experiences that were confusing, embarrassing, perhaps even humiliating and frightening.
The sexual shame born of these teachings and experiences stands in the way of our being able to be open to and enjoy the full wonder and power of our sexual natures. This workshop will be an opportunity to acknowledge the issue of sexual shame and to begin to lift the curtain of secrecy that gives sexual shame so much power over our lives.
David is a 2012 Master of Erotic Art.
Location: Fremont Studios
Date: June 17, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM, 1 hour
Cost: Free with Festival admission for that day
SOLD OUT Photography Workshop 1: Explore
Instructor: Thomas Park
Two photographic workshops will be offered to experienced and aspiring photographers on Sunday, June 17. Each workshop will 3-4 hours, consisting of a lecture/discussion section on photographic concepts (gear, lighting, composition, working with models) followed by one or more hands-on sessions working with professional models.
Learn to harness the modes, settings and features of your digital camera in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. We will explore the creative possibilities of using different lenses, focal lengths, exposure settings and image compositions.
Bring it all together in a photo shoot with one of our gorgeous nude models, including special guest Russian model Anzhelika for this workshop.
Location: Location provided with reservation
Date: June 17, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM, 3-4 hours
Cost: $225
SOLD OUT Photography Workshop 2: Play
Instructor: Thomas Park
Two photographic workshops will be offered to experienced and aspiring photographers on Sunday, June 17. Each workshop will 3-4 hours, consisting of a lecture/discussion section on photographic concepts (gear, lighting, composition, working with models) followed by one or more hands-on sessions working with professional models.
A more advanced workshop aimed towards photographers wanting to learn about studio lighting or take their lighting stages to the next level. Working with our models, we will build up and explain several looks piece by piece, with a focus on creating dramatic scenes in a tight, consistent manner. Participants should be experienced and very comfortable with their cameras. Attendees of the morning “Explore” workshop are also welcomed.
Location: Location provided with reservation
Date: June 17, 2012
Time: 3:00 PM, 3-4 hours
Cost: $225
Meet the Jury: Visual Art Jury Panel Discussion
Moderated by: Jim Duvall
Attend this discussion and meet some of the 2012 visual art jurors (pending availability). This year’s jurors are Dan Savage, Daniel McGlothlen, Ellen Forney, Jim Duvall and Mistress Matisse.
Learn about the visual art jury process, and hear what the jurors were thinking as they chose the art for the 2012 exhibition. What pieces did they choose, and why? How do they feel about the show now that is is here in person, hanging in the exhibition?
Attendees will be welcomed to ask the jurors questions.
Location: Fremont Studios
Date: June 17, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM, 1 hour
Cost: Free with Festival admission for that day
SOLD OUT – An Intimate Evening with Christopher Ryan, co-author of bestseller SEX AT DAWN
Presenter: Christopher Ryan
Join us for an intimate evening with Christopher Ryan, co-author of Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality. This New York Times bestseller reexamines much of what we think we know about sex. Seattle’s Dan Savage says it’s: “The single most important book about human sexuality since Alfred Kinsey unleashed Sexual Behavior in the Human Male on the American public in 1948.” Newsweek states it’s: “Funny, witty, and light… the book is a scandal in the best sense, one that will have you reading the best parts aloud and reassessing your ideas about humanity’s basic urges well after the book is done.”
Christopher will provide an engaging presentation followed by questions, conversation, and mingling. Books will be available for purchase and Christopher will be signing copies.
Location: Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St (South Lake Union)
Date: June 18, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM, 2 hours
Cost: $20
Open Photography Session at the Center for Sex Positive Culture
Facilitator: Jim Duvall
The Center for Sex Positive Culture is typically a “no photography zone”, but for this weekend you can enjoy the rare opportunity of shooting anything you want in the Center. Models and photographers are encouraged to attend all day and take advantage of this sexy setting.
All you have to do is follow some basic rules: clean it up, or put it back; if you make a mess or move stuff, just restore it to its original condition before you move on. You are responsible for your own releases. Bring your own lights, camera and makeup. Do not shoot people without their permission. We will have a meet-and-greet time from 11:00 am to noon with coffee and snacks so you can mingle and get to know people to potentially photograph, but we do not promise models will be available and encourage you to network and plan ahead of time. It is recommended that you look over the RSVP lists on our Facebook and FetLife event listings, and book a time with your favorite photographer or model in advance.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Main Space
Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 11:00 AM, 6 hours
Cost: $25
Negotiating Fees: How to Get Paid for Doing What You Love
Presenter: Mariah Carle
This class will cover the importance of negotiating fees. It will include specific examples of how to open the conversation to your modeling or photography fees, luxury value VS bargain basement, presenting a counter-offer, accepting non-cash payment, understanding clients’ set budgets, and when to leave the job on the table and walk away. Anyone interested in modeling or photography of any form should take this class.
From 2005 to 2010, Mariah traveled the US working as a nude figure model. She has worked with over 600 photographers and fine artists and has been published in an extensive collection of web and print media as well as gallery exhibits. In 2011 she opened a full service photography studio in Oakland, CA. Her successful experience in nude modeling as a business allows her to teach others how they can create art, have fun, and get paid.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex
Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM, 2 hours
Cost: $20
So, Why Do You Do Erotic Photography?
Presenter: Michael Rosen
Yes, you want to express your creativity, but why erotic photography? Meet gals/guys? Make money? Make a difference? It’s complicated? How has your motivation changed over your career? This is not an instructor led session, but rather a facilitated group discussion. All points of view will be respected!
If you would like to, please feel encouraged to bring a USB thumb drive with JPEGs to illustrate your concepts of erotic photography; we’ll accommodate mini presentations/discussions of about ten minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Michael has been creating celebrated erotic and sexually explicit work since 1977, has presented at the Festival twice and been an invited artist three times, had numerous one and two person shows, and has been in very many group shows and publications.
Michael is a 2012 Master of Erotic Art.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex
Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM, 2 hours
Cost: $20
From Private Passion to Public Project: The La Figa Story
Presenters: Tiberio Simone and Matt Freedman
What does it take to turn an erotic idea into an award-winning photo book? The book publishing industry today is changing fast. How do you know if your idea is a winner? And is it possible to do anything other than lose money?
James Beard award-winning Chef Tiberio Simone and photographer Matt Freedman teamed up in 2006 to begin creating a spectacular collection of sensual photography – models wearing nothing but Tiberio’s edible art. Five years and 50+ photo shoots later, their book – La Figa: Visions of Food and Form – was launched at the Festival in 2011.
Along the way, this previously unpublished pair faced many forks in the road: How would publishers and the public receive their idea? How would they take the book beyond a simple a collection of photographs? Would it sell? Would they seek a traditional publisher, or self-publish? How would their book be marketed and distributed?
In this panel Tiberio and Matt will share lessons learned on their creative journey from concept to coffee-table, as well as show some images from the book, and behind-the-scenes video.
Moderated by Dan McComb – a documentary filmmaker currently editing his first feature-length film, Beyond Naked, about 4 first-timers who accept a challenge to ride naked in the 2011 Fremont Solstice Parade.
There will be a book-signing immediately after the workshop.
Location: Fremont Studios
Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 2:30 PM, 1 hour
Cost: Free with Festival admission for that day
Branding: Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul
Presenter: Mariah Carle
This class will cover the importance of branding your image as well as your “business name”. A brand with a strong name and known presence is hired more often for higher pay than a brand with no known reputation. A model’s reputation is only part of her brand, as it is for photographers. This workshop will cover how to set up a stage/business name, how to research your markets, and common mistakes that cost many creative professionals their jobs. You will learn the tools to create a unique brand that fits into the work you want to get hired for.
From 2005 to 2010, Mariah traveled the US working as a nude figure model. She has worked with over 600 photographers and fine artists and has been published in an extensive collection of web and print media as well as gallery exhibits. In 2011 she opened a full service photography studio in Oakland, CA. Her successful experience in nude modeling as a business allows her to teach others how they can create art, have fun, and get paid.
Location: Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex
Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 4:00 PM, 2 hours
Cost: $20
Creating Honest Sexual Images of People with Disabilities
Presenter: David Steinberg
Photographs that honestly portray people being sexual are hard to find in general, and all but impossible to find of people with disabilities. David Steinberg has made a project of honestly photographing real people having real sex. He is particularly interested in photographing people with disabilities, to affirm the sexuality and the sexual desirability of people with disabilities, and to offer people with disabilities non-fetishizing sexual imagery that they can, hopefully, relate to personally.
To date he has photographed nine couples that include people with a variety of physical disabilities (cerebral palsy, polio, spina bifida, chronic pain, and others). In this workshop, he discusses the importance and the process of photographing people with disabilities being sexual, and shows a collection of images from these photo sessions.
Note that this workshop includes graphically sexual images.
David is a 2012 Master of Erotic Art.
Location: Fremont Studios
Date: June 24, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM, 1 hour
Cost: Free with Festival admission for that day
One-on-One 30 Minute Portfolio Reviews for Photographers
Instructor: Alison Park-Douglas
Are you looking to clarify your artistic vision? Make sure your portfolio is cohesive? Get information on how to market yourself to clients? A Portfolio Review is a cornerstone consultation that is invaluable for your photography business. I’ll go over your creative and professional goals, and help you determine which markets are most suitable for your work. You’ll get solid, valuable information about what you can do to improve your portfolio. My goal is for your portfolio to be a comprehensive presentation of your unique vision that speaks directly to your target markets.
Alison Park-Douglas graduated from Harvard University with Fine Arts degree. Her photography background includes working in a fine art gallery, as an Art Buyer/Producer for advertising agencies, a Sales Executive at a major stock photo agency, an artist representative, a studio manager for a successful editorial photographer, and as an artist consultant. She has been published in PDN magazine and website, and the ASPM National Bulletin. Her experience working in multiple aspects of the photo industry allows her to give artists insight into what clients are looking for.
Location: Fremont Studios
Date: June 24, 2012
Time: 30 minute appointments available between 3:00 and 6:00 PM. Purchase ticket and the instructor will then be in touch with you to set appointment time.
Cost: $95
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