At Play with Parker (An Intimate portrait intensive)
Asheville, NC | August 14-16, 2026 | 3 days | $1500 | 6 seats
Somewhere along the way to becoming "serious" photographers, a lot of us forgot how to play. We have found ourselves off the trail of that innate journey of curiosity leading to wonder.
The wonder that lured us into this art form in the first place has been traded for textbook setups, technical perfectionism, and the paralyzing pressure to create a “viral image” every single time we pick up a camera.
It’s time to shake that off.
This August, I am opening up my personal home studio to just six photographers for a three-day, immersive creative laboratory. Through play, intentional experimentation, and self-discovery, I intend to reignite the fire in your own creative process.
So why is play so important, Parker?
Great question! Let me tell you!
"Play isn't the opposite of mastery. It's the pathway to it."
some Play time activities:
Voice Lessons for the Photographer: Moving past the standard workshop model of “this is how to be me”, we will be exploring your personal experience, taste, and beliefs to find out what you want to actually say through the photograph.
The Architecture of Light (An Unconventional Approach): Let’s toss the textbook lighting diagrams that are trending. We will play with unconventional sources, harsh light, no light and natural found light to create mood, balance and voice. Lighting for a purpose.
The Psychology of Interaction: Deconstructing the delicate dance between photographer and subject. You’ll learn how to break down walls, introduce spontaneity, and direct a portrait session so it feels like a shared, living experiment.
Hands-on Creation (Film & Digital Welcome): You take the reins on the studio grounds with curated subjects. I’ll be right there beside you to bounce ideas off of, push your parameters, and help you embrace the "happy accidents" that make art human.
The Physical Reward: We’ll explore the art of curation and sequencing, and you will walk away with a stunning, museum-grade fine art print that you created during the workshop.
"When we're playing, we're no longer trying to prove that we're artists. We're simply being artists."
Grandma BB and my first camera. Playtime begins…
FAQ’s
What skill level is required to attend? I believe this workshop is of great value at any skill level. Beginners to master. After all, I will be trying to get you to that beginners mindset anyway!
Do I need a specific type of camera or gear? NOPE! Bring whatever you are most free to create with. Just know that whatever you bring and yourself will be pushed to its limits.
Will we be focusing on technical skills or creative concepts? YES! Both, as they are amazing playmates! One feels pretty lonely without the other. :(
How many attendees will be in the workshop? 6 maximum. Creative play requires genuine time, space, and attention. Keeping the circle tight means I can focus on your individual artistic needs. It also creates a safe, supportive environment where you can freely push your boundaries, make mistakes, and try something entirely new.
Will this all be indoor studio based? No! We will be working both indoor and outdoor locations as well as field trips! WHEEE!
Will we be working with studio lighting or natural light? YES! Both, as well as some you have probably never heard of! ;0}
Will there be models or subjects to photograph? YES! I will have plenty of subject matter to keep you playing for days! Your mom will be blowin’ up yer pager tellin’ you it’s time to come home!
Will we be doing post processing and printing? YES! The last day will be spent on curation, editing and printing practices. Just note, editing will be the shortest portion of this workshop, as I try to limit that in my own work and stick to very simple methods.
Will we be doing darkroom things? YES, but not a deep dive, more of a demonstration type level. However I would love everyone to experience shooting and processing at least one film photograph while we are here playing together. WARNING: It is mystical, magical and addictive!
Is this workshop focused on fine art, portraiture, fashion, or editorial? There will not be a focus on one or the other however we will be exploring all of these and finding the connection between them, you and your own story.
What exactly are voice lessons for a photographer? Your voice isn't a style you decide on one afternoon. It's something you uncover over time. It's found in the subjects you're drawn to, the light you notice, the emotions you chase, and the choices you make instinctively. It's the part of your work that someone recognizes before they even see your name. That. Lessons in that.
Where am I gonna stay? There are numerous hotels and Airbnbs very close by to choose from.
What if I have weird food, allergies or aversions? Don't you worry about that because Asheville has a plethora of amazing food choices! Just let me know if you have any allergies so I can select our lunches and our big family dinner!
Got a question that isn't on here? Send me a message.
You can't schedule wonder. But you can create the conditions where it likes to visit from time to time. I have found that play has always been one of those conditions. For this reason I do not make a hard schedule of times. But for all of you “A type” folks, a generalized guide would look something like this…
Friday August 14
Focus: Permission to fail, shaking off creative buildup, thinking differently about the camera, its settings, its purpose and seeing past the obvious.
A word from your Professor of Play
Arrive at studio at 9am to pick up the weeks permission slip to play
Creative morning of getting to know one another and ourselves followed by some process exercises to get our minds and hearts pointed in the right direction
Mini portfolio review. Here is where we will start to work; from a fresh perspective.
Lunch
Break out cameras and start the assignments
Large format film introduction
Dinner
Music circle??
Evening sessions till ??pm
Go home and rest
Saturday Aug 15
Focus: Hands-on interaction, lighting, embracing the unexpected, and intuitive shooting.
Arrive at studio at 9am
Morning light sessions. Finding, using and augmenting low light to fit the mood you want to achieve
Lunch
Hard light sessions
Field trip
Dinner
Field trip continued??
Go home and rest
Sunday Aug 16
Focus: Photo critiques, alternative thinking in edit, sequencing, and the joy of the physical print.
Arrive at studio at 9am
Cull, edit and group critique
Print the work you just created
Lunch
Recap, loose-ends and final thoughts
3pm Go home and repeat as necessary!
"Parker doesn't just change the way you shoot, he changes the way you think. About everything"
James C.
"Parker reminded me that photography is an art form, not just a service I provide."
Clare B.
"Simply put, one of the best photographers and teachers on the planet!"
My Mom
Tuition
TUITION COST $1500
Your tuition includes:
A one on one preparation meeting via Zoom.
3 days of education, inspiration and unintended therapy. ;0)
All model and location fees.
One amazing home cooked meal at my home.
Lunches, refreshments and snacks
Darkroom materials and chemistry.
Printing mediums and ink
The key to my gear bunker… use what ever ya like.
Tuition does not cover airfare, transportation to and from studio, lodging, breakfast or dinners (with the exception of the one night we cook for you!)
In photography there is no “RIGHT WAY”.
Now that that’s all settled, lets find your way.
Let’s make a play date AND earn your PhD (Play hard Degree)
Join Parker J Pfister in Asheville, NC for "At Play," an intimate 3-day portrait photography workshop intensive. Break away from rigid technical rules, silence your inner critic, and rediscover the profound power of creative experimentation and play.