A workshop review by Sonia Ahmad

I had the chance to attend a creative photography workshop with Michael Crawley last Saturday morning. The workshop was intriguingly titled 'Creating Historical Photos,' with good reason. Michael's work is known for its stunning historical accuracy, with subjects posed as characters from the past. Some of his photos are so authentic; they seem to have been taken in the 1800s. For instance, his portrait of reenactor President Abraham Lincoln could easily be mistaken for one of Mathew Brady's originals.

Monitor on wall that reads "Impactful Images" and shows three historical photos

This workshop was tailored for history enthusiasts or anyone eager to create photographs with a historical impact. It was divided into three fascinating segments.

The first part of the workshop was all about research. Michael explained how to find reliable historical reference images and shared some reputable sources for accurate information. He also revealed where to source period clothing and other essential props to enhance the authenticity of a scene. Michael aims to create artwork that transports the viewer to a different time, immersing them in the period. He emphasized the importance of accuracy in his work, drawing inspiration from his carefully preserved family photographs, including those of his great-grandfather, grandfather, mother, and father. These images tell a story, capturing who they were and what they cherished. He also gave tips on finding reenactment events in Texas and coordinating with reenactors for photo shoots.

Instructor using a tool to button his historical vest

In the second segment, Michael showcased his collection of historical replicas—items like powder shotguns and monoculars that are faithful to the originals. His commitment to historical accuracy is evident in every detail. He even demonstrated how to pose to reflect the period's style.

Instructor standing up and donning historical clothing, including a hat, white coat, and brown vest

The final part of the workshop focused on post-processing. Michael walked us through the process of adding tints to photographs to achieve that vintage look. He covered color adjustments, hue and saturation tweaks, and the use of textures—all of which can make a massive difference in the final image. He introduced us to the Nik Collection, a powerful software suite for creating and replicating historical images.

As a portrait artist, I always seek new techniques to enhance my work. Michael's workshop was a goldmine of information, opening up new creative avenues for me. I had a blast experimenting with what I learned and created a series of photographs I'm proud of.