Mirage Club
First Workshop experience held in Joshua Tree National Park May 23rd and 24th
This workshop is a collaborative experience led by two photographers, Anna Lisa Wagner and Maria Knofe, each with a distinct visual language. Participants will explore two unique approaches to image-making: cinematic neon-lit film photography and painterly SX-70 Polaroids.
Set against the surreal landscape of Joshua Tree, this workshop blends technical teaching, creative exploration, and hands-on shooting.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
Two artists, two distinct visual worlds
Learn both film + Polaroid techniques in one experience
Shoot with experienced models who are also your instructors
Emphasis on creative intuition, not just technical settings
Small group for personalized guidance
PART I: Neon Light as Transformation
This segment focuses on using neon light in natural environments to create surreal, otherworldly imagery on film.
Participants will learn:
How to work with neon in outdoor/night settings
Balancing artificial light with ambient darkness
‘Painting’ with light and gradients
Film stock choices and how they respond to neon
Creating mood through color, contrast, and shadow
Directing the human form to interact with light
This is less about perfection, more about exploration — allowing light to distort, sculpt, and transform the subject.
PART II: Painting with Polaroid
This segment offers participants the opportunity to blend their knowledge of art and art history with that of instant film. Participants will learn how to apply a variety of traditional painting methodologies in order to:
Create unique and unconventional compositions within the limitations of a square frame
Capture a subject/scene using only available natural light
Create an intuitive and cohesive storyline using the allotted 8 frames per pack
Become comfortable with using Polaroid film as a medium for portraiture
Both instructors are experienced models, offering participants the rare opportunity to:
Direct and photograph skilled subjects
Observe how artists use their own bodies in composition
Learn posing as a form of storytelling
Explore vulnerability, movement, and abstraction
STRUCTURE
BEFORE
Online introduction session
Creative briefing + inspiration references
Technical overview (film + Polaroid basics)
DURING
DAY 1 (GROUP WORKSHOP)
On-location teaching in Joshua Tree
Live demonstrations by both artists
Two shooting blocks:
Neon Film Module (~2 hours)
SX-70 Polaroid Module (~2 hours)
Guided group shooting with hands-on support
WHO THIS IS FOR
Photographers looking to expand creatively
Artists curious about film and alternative processes
Anyone drawn to surreal, cinematic, or painterly imagery
All levels welcome, though basic camera knowledge is helpful.
VISUAL LANGUAGE
This workshop is rooted in:
Light as a subject, not just a tool
The human form as sculpture
Imperfection as part of the process
Atmosphere over technical precision
DATE & LOCATION
Memorial Day Weekend — Joshua Tree
Set across Memorial Day weekend, this workshop is designed as an immersive escape into landscape, light, and creative exploration.
The workshop will be held in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park, the exact locations will be disclosed to participants closer to the workshop dates. For accommodation, staying anywhere between the Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms entrances along the Twentynine Palms Highway will ensure a short drive. There are excellent options available in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms.
TAKEAWAYS
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of creative lighting
Hands-on experience with film + Polaroid
A portfolio of unique, experimental images
New ways of seeing and directing subjects
FINAL NOTE
This is not a traditional workshop. It is an invitation to step into two artistic worlds and explore what happens when technique meets intuition.
This option includes the full workshop experience across both days, designed for those who want a deeper, more personalized creative process.
In addition to the Day 1 group workshop, participants will have access to Day 2 private sessions — an intimate setting focused on refining your vision and creating portfolio-level work.
Includes:
Full access to Day 1 workshop (all modules + group shooting)
Day 2 one-on-one shooting sessions with both artists
Both instructors modeling during your session
Personalized creative direction and technical guidance
Day 2 offers the space to slow down, experiment, and develop your ideas with direct support — allowing for a more intentional and immersive experience.
Limited to 4 participants.
Please note: This is a complete package including Day 1 + Day 2. You do not need to purchase the Day 1 workshop separately.
—————————————————————————————————-
This workshop is a collaborative experience led by two photographers, Anna Lisa Wagner and Maria Knofe, each with a distinct visual language. Participants will explore two unique approaches to image-making: cinematic neon-lit film photography and painterly SX-70 Polaroids.
Set against the surreal landscape of Joshua Tree, this workshop blends technical teaching, creative exploration, and hands-on shooting.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
Two artists, two distinct visual worlds
Learn both film + Polaroid techniques in one experience
Shoot with experienced models who are also your instructors
Emphasis on creative intuition, not just technical settings
Small group for personalized guidance
PART I: Neon Light as Transformation
This segment focuses on using neon light in natural environments to create surreal, otherworldly imagery on film.
Participants will learn:
How to work with neon in outdoor/night settings
Balancing artificial light with ambient darkness
‘Painting’ with light and gradients
Film stock choices and how they respond to neon
Creating mood through color, contrast, and shadow
Directing the human form to interact with light
This is less about perfection, more about exploration — allowing light to distort, sculpt, and transform the subject.
PART II: Painting with Polaroid
This segment offers participants the opportunity to blend their knowledge of art and art history with that of instant film. Participants will learn how to apply a variety of traditional painting methodologies in order to:
Create unique and unconventional compositions within the limitations of a square frame
Capture a subject/scene using only available natural light
Create an intuitive and cohesive storyline using the allotted 8 frames per pack
Become comfortable with using Polaroid film as a medium for portraiture
Both instructors are experienced models, offering participants the rare opportunity to:
Direct and photograph skilled subjects
Observe how artists use their own bodies in composition
Learn posing as a form of storytelling
Explore vulnerability, movement, and abstraction
STRUCTURE
BEFORE
Online introduction session
Creative briefing + inspiration references
Technical overview (film + Polaroid basics)
DURING
DAY 1 (GROUP WORKSHOP) (May 24th)
On-location teaching in Joshua Tree
Live demonstrations by both artists
Two shooting blocks:
Neon Film Module (~2 hours)
SX-70 Polaroid Module (~2 hours)
Guided group shooting with hands-on support
DAY II (INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS) (May 25th)
individual sessions with both instructors
time to slow down and explore individual concepts
1 on 1 sessions
WHO THIS IS FOR
Photographers looking to expand creatively
Artists curious about film and alternative processes
Anyone drawn to surreal, cinematic, or painterly imagery
All levels welcome, though basic camera knowledge is helpful.
VISUAL LANGUAGE
This workshop is rooted in:
Light as a subject, not just a tool
The human form as sculpture
Imperfection as part of the process
Atmosphere over technical precision
DATE & LOCATION
Memorial Day Weekend — Joshua Tree
Set across Memorial Day weekend, this workshop is designed as an immersive escape into landscape, light, and creative exploration.
The workshop will be held in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park, the exact locations will be disclosed to participants closer to the workshop dates. For accommodation, staying anywhere between the Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms entrances along the Twentynine Palms Highway will ensure a short drive. There are excellent options available in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms.
TAKEAWAYS
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of creative lighting
Hands-on experience with film + Polaroid
A portfolio of unique, experimental images
New ways of seeing and directing subjects
FINAL NOTE
This is not a traditional workshop. It is an invitation to step into two artistic worlds and explore what happens when technique meets intuition.