There’s no doubt that Drag is an art form and let’s be honest, it’s one that absolutely deserves to be front and centre with a camera capturing every fierce moment.
Now let’s say there was an opportunity to get an up close and personal experience with such a fabulous artists, while learning some tricks and expertise for creating the most breath-taking imagery to show off said artistry. That sounds fun right?
What’s happening?
Renowned fashion and portrait photographer Matt Ford is excited to announce a season of
exclusive drag queen portrait photography workshops, set to take place at the brand-new
Matt Ford Studio in Hackney Downs, London, part of the vibrant Eat Work Art community.
These workshops are for any keen portrait photographer and/or Drag Race fans alike and the first workshop will feature Crystal, one of the breakout stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
With a focus on Matt’s ‘Colour pop lighting’, this hands-on masterclass is inspired by
Crystal’s iconic club night promotional photography, which Matt has often captured as well
as other major club events for the promoters of Little Gay Brother and Feel It Party
amongst others.
Crystal and Matt have collaborated extensively, making this a rare opportunity to learn the
craft directly from two established figures in the drag and Queer portrait photography
worlds. You’re effectively going to have the chance to watch two incredible parts of the artist world colliding in a fun and skill enhancing environment.
Each month, a new drag queen star will headline a unique workshop, offering students an
in-depth exploration of different photography styles. Upcoming workshops will include additional drag race icons such as: Cara Melle, Charity Kase, Victoria Scone and more!
(Dates and themes to be announced soon)
Dress by @inga_kovalerova
Floral pieces by @yanskates
Gloves and headpiece by @markeyew
Behind the Camera
Naturally we wanted to chat to Mr Ford himself so we can get more insight into what’s going on through his lens and the inspiration behind his work.
When did you first discover your passion for photography?
I originally trained as a TV and film makeup artist, and photography started as a hobby that accidentally turned into a career. I’ve always just wanted to shoot the inside sleeves and artwork for albums (if anyone remembers those). Now, I just enjoy doing anything creative
What was the initial inspiration behind running a drag-themed workshop?
I’ve been photographing drag queens and queer culture for about 20 years, and I often get asked how I create certain lighting effects and setups. I thought it would be a great idea to teach others through a workshop. I’m opening a new photo studio in May, so I’m planning lots of unique workshops that any photography enthusiast (drag fans or not) can get involved in. I can’t wait.
Is there a particular message you’re looking to portray with the photoshoots?
Each shoot is different. Drag is often about referencing famous styles, genres, or people, so each shoot and message varies completely. I take inspiration from many places. For example, I have a shoot coming out soon where I photographed Chorizo May dressed in her iconic “naked Marge Simpson” outfit. We put a twist on it and created insane black and white images of her hitchhiking outside DragCon directly referencing Madonna in her Sex book. It’s the Drag Race/Simpsons/Madonna mash-up you never knew you needed! I can’t wait to post that one.
What can someone expect if they come along to a workshop?
I want to dive deep into my technique and teach people how to set up color gel lighting for portraits. I’ll also share my method of working with performers and how to bring out the best energy in them. Afterward, each student will have the chance to take their own portraits of the featured queen with the new skills they’ve learned. It’s going to be informative but also a lot of fun.
What kind of antics were going on behind the scenes with Crystal?
What happens on set, stays on set. Just kidding. Crystal is one of my favorite queens to work with, and we’ve done some great projects together. Most famously, we worked on the Vote Babes campaign last year, which was featured in Gay Times and Sky News. Crystal is always open to my ideas, even if they don’t make sense at first. Having that trust has always helped turned our shoots into a piece of artwork.
Check out the campaign here
Other than those already announced, do you have your eyes on any other Drag Race icons for future photoshoots?
I have second shoot in the pipeline with Black Peppa. We’re planning an epic sci-fi set, and the production is going to be something totally unexpected and visually stunning. It’s unlike anything I’ve done before in a portrait but will draw inspiration from my own Sci-fi landscape Polaroids. Watch this space! As with the Polaroids, I’m going to shoot everything in camera with practical effects and no AI.
Take a look here
Finally, just for fun, do you have a drag name for yourself if you ever practiced the art?
I’ve done drag a few times, but let’s put it this way – I don’t think I’d ever win Drag Race! I’ll leave that to the pros.
Workshops will be held at Matt Ford Studio, a brand-new multi-purpose photo studio that
officially opens on May 1st. Located in the creative heart of Hackney Downs, Matt Ford
Studio will host not only photography workshops but also photoshoots, studio rentals, life
drawing sessions, and pop-up photography exhibitions.
Crystal in particular will be in the studio on Saturday the 7th of June and with just 6 spots available, there’s no time for hesitation when booking.
To secure your place in ‘HOW TO SLAY DRAG QUEEN PORTRAITS. PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP’, visit Matt Ford Studio Workshops. Spaces are extremely limited on each of the workshops to ensure individual attention, so don’t miss out!
