Hosting Iwona Podlasińska

As a child photographer, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to learn and grow in my craft. This past week, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting the incredible, award-winning child photographer Iwona Podlasińska for her much-anticipated Cotswold photography workshops. It was inspiring, educational, and such a fun experience that I won’t soon forget!

Both workshops were an absolute joy to be a part of. We were fortunate to work with some truly wonderful models, and together with Iwona, we captured magical shots we were all very proud of. Iwona’s ability to create such unique and emotional imagery with children is something I’ve long admired, and it was an honor to have her share her insights, skills, and techniques with us all.

One of the highlights of the workshops was the opportunity to learn directly from Iwona. Her creative process is remarkable, and her attention to detail—from lighting to composition and connecting with the child models—was eye-opening. I came away from both sessions feeling incredibly inspired and brimming with new ideas to incorporate into my own work.

A special thank you must go to Stonehouse Court Hotel, which provided us with the perfect setting for these workshops. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, the hotel’s picturesque grounds offered plenty of possibilities for stunning shots, and the space itself was ideal for both learning and practicing. We couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop for these sessions!

Of course, it wasn’t all work and no play. After the workshops, I had the pleasure of showing Iwona a little part of what makes the Cotswolds so special. We visited the charming town of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its rich history and beautiful architecture, before heading to The Farmer’s Dog pub, where we sampled some local brews from Hawkstone Brewery.

Overall, hosting Iwona for her workshops was an unforgettable experience. It was such a privilege to meet her, work with such amazing participants, and learn from one of the best in the field. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned into practice, and I hope that everyone who attended feels as inspired as I do.

To everyone who came along—thank you for making the workshops so special! And to Iwona—thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us, and for a wonderful few days full of learning, fun, and creativity!