Neon Light and Painterly Polaroids

This workshop is a collaborative experience led by two photographers, Anna Lisa Wagner and Maria Knofe, with distinct visual languages. 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

DAY 2 (OPTIONAL — PRIVATE SESSIONS)

• One-on-one shooting sessions with each artist

• Both instructors model for participants

• Personalized guidance tailored to your vision

• Space to refine ideas and create portfolio-level images

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.

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.