On Monday, September 22, 2025, the 2nd-year MFA cohort had the pleasure of welcoming photographer Kai Schmidt to the studios for a photography workshop! Kai is a graduate of the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf and a former pupil of our very own Stefan Kürten. Kai spent a full day with us in the studios, schooling us on various photography considerations, so that we can document our work via the camera. There is no doubt that the contemporary artist must be concerned with photography when applying for residency, open call, etc.

Some wise words from Kai, when considering photography, our work:

  • Avoid many light sources, work with one single light quality; isolate the lighting as to work with one light source (pick natural or staged lighting, not both), and utilize indirect lighting.
  • Use a tripod; micro movement will result in poorer quality.
  • Place the camera in the middle of your picture and take the shot.
  • If you are new to photography, build up your skills slowly.

📸 Max Heaton