Places That Speak: Photographing Built Heritage Photography Workshop

Thursdays, April 9 - May 14 | 6 - 8:30 p.m.

with local photographer Ingrid Forster

WORKSHOP FULL

Notice: This workshop is now SOLD OUT.

  • Dates & Frequency: Weekly Thursday Evenings, April 9 - May 14

  • Time: 6 - 8:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Brown Homestead, Willowbank School of Restoration Art (April 30 only)

  • Investment: $165 for six-week workshop

    • Student price: $135 (must show proof of current enrollment)

  • Capacity: 10 participants maximum

  • Final Presentations & Reception: Thursday, May 21, 6 - 8 p.m.

Learn and explore the art of visual storytelling while documenting and celebrating Niagara’s built cultural heritage through this six-week photography workshop.

Places That Speak Photography Workshop invites participants to learn and develop their photography skills within a supportive, collaborative environment while creatively engaging with the places that shape our shared history.

Following six weeks of instruction, practice and assignments, a small reception will be held to celebrate everyone’s work on May 21, 2026 from 6pm - 8pm. Each participant will receive one high-quality print of their work. This print will first be publicly displayed as part of a group exhibition at The Brown Homestead until early June 2026. Following the exhibition, participants will take home their print.

Places That Speak Workshop - General Places That Speak Workshop - General
Sold out
Places That Speak Workshop - General
CA$165.00

This 6-week photography workshop is designed to teach the art of visual storytelling while documenting and celebrating St. Catharines’ built cultural heritage. The workshop will provide accessible, hands-on learning opportunities, prioritize collaboration and encourage participants to be innovative in their photography practice. By focusing on some of the unique heritage sites in St. Catharines and the Niagara Region, the workshop invites participants to connect with their environment, learn photography skills, share their perspectives, and creatively engage with the places that shape our shared history. 

Registration

If you are a student, please email us with proof of current enrollment (i.e. student ID) and we will send you a separate link to purchase your spot at the discounted student rate.

Meet Your Instructor: Ingrid Forster

Ingrid is a visual storyteller, lens-based artist, and photography educator who works in both analog and digital formats. She currently resides in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Ingrid incorporates her expertise in photographic history, visual culture, and archives and collections into her work and teaching.

She holds a Masters in Photographic Preservation and Collections Management and a Masters in Digital Media from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a B.F.A. in Art Education, Visual Arts and Photography, from Concordia University.

Her work has been published in print and online by various media outlets, artist publications, and cultural organizations. She has written for Photo Life Magazine, Photo Ed Magazine, academic journals, and has contributed research and writing to photography exhibitions and catalogues.

Workshop Details

Email us with any further questions you have regarding this offering.

  • All cameras and experience levels are welcome! Although a variety of photography techniques will be covered and technical support can be provided, this is a creative course and participants should come with a basic understanding of photography principles and how to use their camera.

    • Learn about the history of documentary photography as it relates to photographing built heritage, as well as new approaches in contemporary photography practice.

    • Learn how to capture the essence and mood of a place through visual storytelling. 

    • Develop an eye for noticing details and points of interest in heritage buildings, historic sites, and the surrounding landscape. 

    • Learn how to work with light and exposure indoors and outdoors to create more impactful photographs. 

    • Learn how to photograph interior and exterior details and textures. 

    • Learn creative techniques for photographing buildings/structures.

    • A camera for the duration of the workshop. 

    • A fully charged battery for each class.

    • A memory card/storage.

    • Access to a computer and basic photo editing software.

    • Internet connection and an email address. 

    • A tripod (ideal but not required).

    • Weekly presentations.

    • Hands-on learning (indoors and outdoors).

    • Collaborative group activities and discussion.

    • Take-home assignments.

Accessibility

Please note that the John Brown House is undergoing continued restoration work and is currently not wheelchair accessible. The outdoor washroom facilities and second storey of the house are accessible by stairs only.

We apologize for this inconvenience, and we continue to work to create an engaging experience for all visitors to our site.

Thank you to our Sponsor

Thank you to Main Street Services for generously sponsoring the Places That Speak Photography Workshop. Your financial contribution enables us to foster a deeper appreciation for built cultural heritage and architecture in our community.