This live, in-person masterclass offered a rare opportunity to observe photographer Timofey Abel’s intuitive approach to editorial portraiture. Known for his emotionally resonant and minimalist style, Timofey invited participants behind the scenes as he built a portrait from the ground up—not with rigid formulas, but through instinct, presence, and connection.

Throughout the session, attendees experienced the full arc of his process: choosing a location based on mood and light, guiding a subject’s presence without over-directing, and composing images that felt timeless, understated, and deeply human. The focus was on learning to see—to refine visual sensitivity, trust intuition, and create with purpose rather than perfectionism.

This masterclass was designed for photographers, creatives, and visual storytellers drawn to a slower, more intentional approach—one that blends fashion, fine art, and emotional honesty into enduring work.

Participants left with a renewed sense of clarity and connection, rediscovering how simplicity, light, and presence can shape portraits that resonate.

What Students Learned

• How to observe and interpret light

• Techniques for building trust and connection with subjects on set

• The importance of instinct and emotional truth over technical perfection

• Ways to create editorial-level imagery with minimal setups

• How to slow down, see deeply, and make portraits that feel alive