ABOUT

GPP (Gulf Photo Plus) believes in the art and science of photography as a medium of creative expression, and exists to inform, educate and inspire photographers of all levels. The Dubai-based company organises year-round photography workshops, inspirational talks, exhibitions and events for the local photography community, and is famed the world over for its biannual photofests. February 2016 was the 12th edition of the annual GPP event in Dubai.

The 8-day GPP2016 photography extravaganza was the largest to date, featuring 14 top photography instructors, attracting amateur and professional photographers from all over the world. Since its inception in 2004, this world-class, one of a kind photography event has secured its place on every passionate photographer’s bucket list.

Join us in Dubai, for GPP2017 in February.

www.gulfphotoplus.com

Why Can't You Afford to Miss PopUP GPP?

Following the success of PopUP GPP Seattle, Singapore and London, GPP is continuing with their winning formula - the best instructors, exceptional organisation and a passion for photography... next stop, Berlin 29th & 30th OCTOBER 2016

Learn from the best

Join PopUp GPP’s stellar line-up - Zack Arias, Gregory Heisler, David Hobby and Joe McNally - for an unforgettable weekend of photography learning, inspiration and fun. In two jam-packed days you’ll learn from each of the photographers in four carefully planned sessions designed to boost your photography skills, creativity and career. See inside the mind of a lighting master, understand the creative thought processes of legendary photographers and pick up invaluable business tips from social media icons.

We’ll also be planning some exciting social events, special offers from our partners and many other activities around PopUP GPP Berlin.

WHO IS POPUP AIMED AT?

PopUP GPP is aimed at amateur photographers to seasoned pros. You will learn new tricks and new ways to use old tricks by some of the world's top photographers! Whether it’s photographing subjects in the studio, on-location, street, corporate, fashion and more, you don't want to miss this. From posing and directing to lighting and refining your light and more importantly how to be motivated and inspired to go out and do better photography, this is for you. Just come with an open mind (and a good grasp of the fundamentals of photography and basic lighting) and leave inspired!

Be inspired

These unique sessions go beyond the online tutorials, lighting diagrams and instructional books and DVDs, to give you an intensive dose of real creative and photographic inspiration that you won’t find anywhere else. The inspiration doesn’t stop there; whether you’re networking with fellow photographers or chatting with the instructors, you’ll be inspired to take your photography further than ever before.


Click here to see the program

Program

Saturday 29th October, 9.30am-1.00pm

THE ASSIGNMENT GUY

Joe McNally

In the course of a nearly 40 year career shooting for major editorial and commercial clients, Joe has developed a far reaching set of skills in response to shooting assignments ranging from Hollywood celebs to leading figures in the sports world to the cutting edge of science and the allure of pop culture. A resolute generalist, he has shot it all. In this fast paced session Joe will show work and the behind the scenes of that work, from BTS videos and stills to sketches and dialogue about lessons learned. He will then put those skills into practice, turning the stage and the theater into a location shoot, and walk his way through the process of finding a picture, assessing the location, judging the nature of the light to be brought to bear, establishing context, and leading someone’s eye through the foreground, middle ground and background of a photo.

It will be a very practical session, as Joe creates a scene with the use of one light, two lights, three lights….or perhaps more. He involves the audience, articulating his thought process out loud and answering questions while he literally “builds” a photograph. Pursuant to his notion that “there are no secrets in this business” he shows work, shoots pictures, answers questions and puts on display a wide range of the skills and knowledge necessary to stay alive as a photographer.

Saturday 29th October, 2.30pm-6.00pm

YOU AREN'T A PHOTOGRAPHER. YOU ARE A DIRECTOR.

Zack Arias

A director is usually thought of as someone who sits in a chair on a movie set and barks orders out to the actors and crew involved in making the director's vision of the movie at hand. For the crew you have people in charge of the camera. People in charge of the light. People in charge of the sets and costumes. Etc. Etc. Everyone is working together to create the Director's vision. You also have the actors on set. They are the ones in front of the camera delivering the lines and emotions needed to fulfil all of this. Dozens of talented people and millions of dollars are all coming together to create 24 still images per second.

On a photo shoot you are the director. You are also the camera operator. You are in charge of the light. You select the wardrobe. Everything is on you to make one image of the subject in front of your lens. When your subject is in front of your camera your number one job at this point is director. You bring everything together to create the image you want. In this class Zack is going to walk you through the process of being a director, a camera operator, and a lighting technician to create the image you need. You'll learn about lights, lenses, exposure, moods, posing, directing, and seeing this process worked out from start to finish.

You'll walk away from this class thinking less like a photographer and more like a director.

Sunday 30th October, 9.30am-1.00pm

EVOCATIVE LIGHT: SEE IT, UNDERSTAND IT, CREATE IT!

Gregory Heisler

There are a myriad of photo websites, tutorials, webinars, and blogs. So many of them are focused on the gear (after all, that's what sells!). The stuff. "If I only bought that new modifier…" What matters even more than the how is the why. Once you begin to understand light, you can begin to see it better, enjoy it more, think in terms of it, and even make it happen when and where you want. It's the only thing your camera's sensor sees, so you want to use it expressively, not be at its mercy.

In this jam-packed intensive, Gregory will show many of his iconic portraits as well as share his thought process and demonstrate some of the underlying principles live onstage. Not just what he used and how he used it, but more importantly, why he chose to use it in the first place. After all, it's these decisions that ultimately shape our images. There are countless techniques, none of which substitute for vision.Come curious, leave inspired.​

Sunday 30th October, 2.00pm-5.30pm

BEYOND TECHNIQUE: FINDING A MEANINGFUL PATH AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

David Hobby

So, you have a nice camera and you understand f/stops and shutter speeds. You might even be comfortable using light. Now what? ​ ​ Surely photography has to be about more than learning the next trick - or purchasing the next shiny piece of kit. What makes you happy as a photographer? Is happiness even your goal? What about money? Are the two goals mutually exclusive? ​ ​ What do you want to do with your camera? Do you even know? Do you want to change the world, or maybe just change yourself? ​ ​This session won't be about composition, exposure or lighting (okay, maybe a little bit about lighting). Instead, we'll step outside our comfort zones and examine what is possible through our photography. This will require a change of perspective. It will mean challenging some long-held assumptions. It may cause you to change your compass point - or to create one for the very first time and most importantly, to learn how to follow it.

LOCATION & NEED A PLACE TO STAY

WHEN

Saturday 29th October, 2016
9:30am - 6.00pm

Sunday 30th October, 2016
9:30am - 5.30pm



WHERE

Babylon

Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, Mitte, 10178 Berlin, Germany

The venue is located on Rosa-luxemburg-Plaz, opposite the Volksbühne. There is handicapped access at the side entrance to the venue with a ramp.

Closest Public Transport Links:
Subway: Rosa-Luxembourg-Platz
S-Bahn: Alexanderplatz
Bus: 100, 200, 340, 348 – stop: Alexanderplatz

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS



WE ARE HERE TO HELP

If you require any further information please contact us.

Email: hello@popupgpp.com
Telephone: +971 4 3808545

Office Hours:
Saturday - Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Dubai Time (GMT +4)
Friday: Closed.

Need a place to stay ?

There are a wide range of hotels in the Mitte-Alexanderplatz area of Berlin, close to the Babylon where the event will be held. Booking.com have some great rates on hotels!

Alternatively, check out www.airbnb.com for properties close to the event.

*Please note that hotels are subject to 19% tax in Germany.

Events

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY TALK WITH ZACK ARIAS


Street photography is about a moment; a slice of unscripted life. It’s about getting in close and getting the shot. Join Zack Arias, an editorial and commercial photographer at this talk brought to you by FUJIFILM as part of the PopUP GPP Berlin event where he will share his tips and techniques for blending into the scene and candidly capturing the people and places around you.
FREE to Attend but registration is a must.

Please click here to register your space.
When: Sunday 30th October, 6.15pm - 7.30pm
Where: Click here for location

Talk supported by:
FujilFilm

POPUP MIXER!


Join us, the organisers, instructors and partners on Saturday evening (Oct 29) for a post-PopUP GPP social mixer. One of the aims of PopUP GPP is to connect like minded photographers together and have a fun time so we'd love to say Hello over a few drinks and nibbles after a long day of inspiration and information.

Where: Volksbar, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 39, 10178 Berlin ( Directions )
When: Saturday 29, 7:00pm

Offers

Watch this space for special PopUp GPP offers from our Partners!

If you would like to sponsor PopUp Berlin please contact us at hello@popupgpp.com.

Highlights from Previous Years PopUps

Highlights from Previous years Popups

Join PopUp GPP’s stellar line-up - Zack Arias, Gregory Heisler, David Hobby and Joe McNally - for an unforgettable weekend of photography learning, inspiration and fun. In two jam-packed days you’ll learn from each of the photographers in four carefully planned sessions designed to boost your photography skills, creativity and career. See inside the mind of a lighting master, understand the creative thought processes of legendary photographers and pick up invaluable business tips from social media icons.

We’ll also be planning some exciting social events, special offers from our partners and many other activities around PopUP GPP Berlin





Photo Gallery


TESTIMONIALS


Watching Gregory Heisler work with humble tools at #gppseattle was so much fun.

A photo posted by Danny Ngan (@dannyngan) on

I got to meet Zack Arias at #GPPSeattle ! #GulfPhotoPlus

A photo posted by Stephen Giang (@stephengiang) on

Gregory Heisler at Work at Gulf Photo Plus Seattle #gppseattle #gregoryheisler #bw

A photo posted by Jeff Carlson (@jeffcarlson) on



Things to do in Berlin

Photography in berlin

PiB

PiB | Photography in Berlin is a bilingual platform for fine art photography in Berlin dedicated to presenting selected highlights from the city's versatile photography scene - ranging from established institutions to independent galleries and project spaces. Check them out here.

PiB


The Top 11 Best Photo Spots in Berlin

There’s nothing quite like refreshing your passion for photography than a weekend full of inspirational talks and being surrounded by likeminded photographers. What more could you want to get those creative juices flowing! BUT don’t just leave it there… Pick up that camera and go and use all that newfound knowledge to explore the area.

Berliner Sarah Lindemann from VisitBerlin.de shares her insider knowledge with these Top 11 best Photo Spots in Berlin. You can check out the original blog post linked here.

The Top 11 Best Photo Spots in Berlin
Oberbaumbrücken-Panorama © visumate, Foto: Silvia Matzkowiak

At least since the advent of digital photography, every traveller has carried a camera in every bag. Sharing one’s experiences with friends and family has become the norm. But let’s be honest, how much can we still surprise someone with photos of the Brandenburg Gate showing the same view already snapped by thousands before us? That’s why I decided to head out and about in the city and find some of the best photo spots in Berlin away from the usual places. Let’s get started with my (TOP 11) photo safari around Berlin:

  1. The classic: view of the TV tower from Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz
    The lift takes just 20 seconds to climb 100 metres in the air to give you an instant, wonderful view of the German capital. Many Berlin landmarks are visible from up here: the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, Potsdamer Platz, and the TV Tower. If the weather’s clear, a good view of the entire Berlin panorama is guaranteed.

    Opening Hours:
    Winter: 10am – 6pm (last entry 30 mins before closing time)
    Tickets Start at €6.50 for adults
    Website: www.panoramapunkt.de

    The classic: view of the TV tower from Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz
    Blick von der Siegessäule © visitBerlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

  2. The Victory Column: far-reaching views across the city
    After climbing the 285 steps to the viewing platform, you might want to take a deep breath first. But your effort will be rewarded with far-reaching views of the city and its key traffic routes. A special feature is the view of the Tiergarten park which can only be captured in its entirety from atop the Victory Column.

    Admission fees and opening hours can be found linked here.

  3. Park am Nordbahnhof: a surprising view of the TV Tower
    The park around Nordbahnhof is not known to many. But once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with an unexpected view of the TV Tower. This is my secret tip for photographing Berlin’s unmistakable landmark from a different perspective.

  4. Elsebrücke: the best sunset of the city
    For me, this is the best place to watch the sun set (and take photos), so it’s not surprising that one’s rarely alone on this bridge at sunset. In the foreground, the well-known Molecule Men make a great subject for experimenting with light and shadow.

    Elsebrücke: the best sunset of the city
    Elsebrücke © visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann

  5. Viktoriapark: waterfall and urban landscape
    Viktoriapark in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district and the eponymous Kreuzberg hill offer several nice shots: the view of the waterfall in particular gives experienced amateur photographers a chance to practise using long-term exposure. Once on top, enjoy the view and capture a few shots of the panorama that is Berlin.

  6. Klunkerkranich: the roof terrace above the Neukölln arcades
    High above the roofs of Neukölln, some creative folk have created an idyllic oasis with great attention to detail With a drink in your hand, you can enjoy the view over Berlin and snap a few beautiful panoramic shots of the city.

  7. Tempelhofer Feld: Berlin’s new outdoors sports complex
    Whether on skis in winter or on two wheels in summer, Tempelhofer Feld, the former Tempelhof airport, offers enough space for a variety of activities. The numerous recreational athletes make for particularly great photo subjects against the backdrop of the former airport building.

    Tempelhofer Feld: Berlin’s new outdoors sports complex
    Teufelsberg © visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann

  8. Teufelsberg: Berlin’s highest peak
    The former US listening post on the high plateau of the Teufelsberg can be visited on a guided tour. The platform offers a unique view over the Grunewald, the Havel, and the Radio Tower and, in good weather, even over to the TV Tower on the other side of the city. The street art galleries of the Kunsthaus and the ruins of the white radio interception domes are also interesting shots.

  9. Oranienstraße: a Kreuzberg neighbourhood
    This is where Berliners and visitors from around the world mingle in the many cafés and bars. Good shots of this multicultural flair are available particularly along Oranienstraße, while a detour into a rear courtyard typical of Kreuzberg is also worthwhile.

  10. Schöneberger Südgelände: a wilderness in the big city
    After the closure of the former marshalling yard in Tempelhof, nature has since reclaimed the land. The combination of a wild environment and the industrial heritage left behind offers plenty of photo opportunities. The café in the former bridge shop is a great place to take a break and review your pictures.

    Schöneberger Südgelände: a wilderness in the big city
    Schöneberger Südgelände © visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann

  11. Oberbaumbrücke: the classic Berlin bridge
    Granted, the Oberbaumbrücke has never been a secret tip, but it still belongs to this list because the view from here over the Spree towards the TV Tower is a classic photo motif for good reason. If you’re lucky, there will be musicians playing on the street and the atmosphere at sunset will be perfect.

Looking for more to do while in Berlin? VisitBerlin.de have a wealth of information and resources from the best sightseeing locations in the city to cool nightlife and more – Check them out!

FAQS

  1. How does Pop Up GPP work? 

    The Pop Up GPP experience is designed to maximise your exposure to four of the world’s best photography instructors. In one weekend you’ll attend an intensive 3.5-hour session with each instructor, giving you a complete package of photography awesomeness that you won’t find anywhere else.

  2. Why should I attend?

    Pop Up GPP Berlin is bringing together world-renowned photography instructors Zack Arias, Gregory Heisler, Joe McNally and David Hobby in Berlin.

    Each instructor has developed a unique, 3.5-hour session - specific to their particular style and strengths – that you will not find anywhere else. The seminar-style sessions will cover a range of essential photography skills and subjects – from lighting and the creative process, to live demos and posing your subjects. Pop Up GPP Berlin will educate and inspire you to boost your creativity and your photography business.

  3. How do I know if Pop Up GPP is right for me?

    PopUP GPP is aimed at amateur photographers to seasoned pros. You will learn new tricks and new ways to use old tricks by some of the world's top photographers! Whether its photographing subjects in the studio, on-location, street, corporate, fashion and more, you don't want to miss this. From posing and directing to lighting and refining your light and more importantly how to be motivated and inspired to go out and do better photography, this is for you. Just come with an open mind (and a good grasp of the fundamentals of photography and basic lighting) and leave inspired!

  4. Where is Pop Up GPP taking place?

    We will be in Babylon Cinema, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, Mitte, 10178 Berlin, Germany.

  5. What should I bring with me?

    Something to take notes on – laptop, tablet, or good old fashioned paper and pen.

    You will not be shooting in class, so there’s no need to bring your camera although we may have some vendors at Pop Up GPP, so you may want to bring it to try any accessories. You will be able to ask questions and interact with the photographers during the seminars, so prep some questions.

  6. How do I sign up and pay for PopUP GPP?

    You have two payment options:

    1. Click here and select the number of tickets you would like to purchase. You can make payment via PayPal or Credit Card.
    2. You can send us a wire transfer – contact us on hello@popupgpp.com for bank details.
  7. How much is one ticket?

    The rate of €299 includes access to all 4 PopUP GPP sessions on both days, click here to book.
    You can make payment via PayPal or Credit Card.

  8. Can I buy a ticket for one day only?

    This is a tough one - while we insist and strongly encourage that you come for the entire weekend to get the most out of the PopUP experience, we understand that some of you may not be able to make it for one of the days due to travel commitments or shoots, etc. so we have decided to accommodate those of you who find yourself in a situation like that. Email us at hello@popupgpp.com and tell us which day you would like to come for and we will reply to you with instructions on how to make that happen.

  9. Can I register at the event ?

    Sorry, no payments can be made at the event.

  10. Can I bring my camera?

    Still cameras are welcome. No audio or video recording please! This includes your mobile devices.

  11. I bought my tickets – what’s next?

    You’ll receive an order confirmation to your registered email address, then…just sit tight! Closer to the date, we’ll send you a reminder email with all of the essential event information (where to go, registration process on the day, etc).

  12. I bought one or more tickets. Something’s come up - can I get a refund?

    You can - however, subject to these conditions.

    • Before September 29th, 2016 - 11:59pm Dubai time:
      You can get a refund of 80% of the workshop value.

    • After September 29th, 2016:
      Refund: Sorry, folks - no refund after this point.

  13. I am not ready to buy my ticket yet - how do I stay up to date with the event?

    Just enter your email address on top of this page to stay in the loop with all Pop Up GPP Berlin updates. You can also follow us on Twitter or like our Facebook page, too.  

  14. I need a place to stay for the weekend – what do you recommend?

    There are a wide range of hotels in the Mitte-Alexanderplatz area of Berlin, close to the Babylon where the event will be held. Booking.com have some great rates on hotels!

    Alternatively, check out www.airbnb.com for properties close to the event.

What's Next ?

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE US TO POP UP NEXT?

I would like to see the next PopUP event in










CONTACT

By Email

Email us at hello@popupgpp.com

We promise to get back to you within 24 hours except on weekends - our weekends are Friday and Saturday in Dubai so bear with us if you send an email on the weekend.

By Telephone

We're nice on the phone too so call us during working hours which are from Saturday to Thursday 10am to 7pm , Dubai time. Friday closed

or +971 4 380 8545 (UAE)

Our website

You can find out what we are up to, our up and running and future events by visiting our website.

www.gulfphotoplus.com