MIPP is hosting its new Wedding Photography Workshop, taking place on Friday the 20th, Saturday the 21st, and Saturday the 22nd of November, and a follow-up on Saturday the 28th of November across multiple locations in Malta.
Complete with all the bells and whistles, this workshop brings local talents. Therese Debono, Rachel Muscat, Franklin Balzan, Ines Bahr, Shane P. Watts, and Frank Farrugia for a maximum of 10 students, providing in-depth knowledge and a hands-on experience with real-life couples, hair and makeup, styling, flowers, and more.
This workshop is INTERMEDIATE level; therefore, knowing how to operate your camera in manual exposure mode is a must! There will not be any opportunity for the tutors to help you with your settings.
You will learn:
- Working with variable light—natural light, mixed light, backlighting, low light, etc
- Being prepared for fleeting moments
- Compose compelling wedding photos
- Posing and directing
- Working as part of a team
- Preparing and planning – logistics on the wedding day
- Working with a variety of couples
What we will provide:
- Education and industry know-how
- Locations
- Real-Life Couples
- Styling
- Hair and Makeup
- Floral—The Malta Florist Sliema
- 6 x Tutors
Schedule: 4 Days over 2 Weekends 2026
Friday 20th of November (5.30pm – 8.30pm) at the MIPP – 76 Triq Brittanja Paola
Orientation: Planning and Preparing for a Wedding
Led by Frank Farrugia, the orientation will provide students with an overview of the weekend and an insight into the admin associated with weddings, the bit that no one likes to talk about but is a harsh reality of running a photography business. Meetings, contracts, call sheets, liaising with other vendors, etc. – the pre-production of weddings.
Saturday, 21st of November (9:00am – 12:30pm) – STUDIO IN BIRKIRKARA
Three presentations by three incredible photographers, Therese, Rachel and Franklin, will provide a detailed overview of their experience and guide students in various approaches, creatively, technically and professionally.
12:30pm – 1:30pm (BREAK AND TRAVEL TO SAN ANTON GARDENS)
Saturday, 21st of November (1:30pm – 3:15pm) – ON LOCATION
A beautiful combination of Therese Debono’s natural, relaxed and documentary approach with Rachel Muscat’s elegant, refined and editorial style. The posing focuses on creating genuine connections while maintaining a timeless and artistic feel. Rather than using stiff or overly structured poses, couples are gently guided through natural movements, soft interactions and intimate moments. Attention is given to body language, flattering angles, beautiful composition and subtle details such as hand placement, posture and movement. The aim is to achieve a balance between spontaneous emotion and carefully considered posing, creating wedding photographs that feel effortless, romantic, sophisticated and authentic, while allowing each couple’s personality and love story to shine through.
Saturday, 21st of November (3:15pm – 5:00pm) – ON LOCATION
During this hands-on session, Franklin will demonstrate his distinctive approach to couple portraiture, moving beyond traditional posing through creative exploration and visual experimentation. By building a genuine connection with the couple and creating a relaxed, memorable experience, he will explore how love can be expressed beyond the obvious gestures of a kiss or embrace. Through thoughtful compositions, movement, energy, creative use of light, and a subtle touch of surrealism, Franklin will demonstrate how to create portraits that are not only visually striking but also authentic, emotive, and deeply personal.
Sunday, 22nd of November (9:00am – 1:00pm) – ON LOCATION @ PALAZZO PARISIO, NAXXAR
Beginning with a short introduction to her approach, Ines Bahr will guide participants through an interactive photography session focused on capturing the genuine emotions, natural connections, and spontaneous moments of a wedding day. From the quiet anticipation of getting ready to the intimate moments shared between a same-sex couple, the workshop will explore how to tell a story as it naturally unfolds.
Moving between indoor and outdoor settings, Ines will demonstrate how gentle direction, thoughtful observation, and an intuitive use of light can create authentic, emotive imagery while allowing moments to flow naturally.
12:30pm – 1:30pm (LUNCH) @ LUNA PALAZZO PARISIO
Sunday, 22nd of November (1:30pm – 5:00pm) – ON LOCATION @ PALAZZO PARISIO, NAXXAR
Shane will lead a hands-on portrait photography workshop exploring natural posing, seamless transitions between poses, and how to capture a variety of different shots from a single pose. He will demonstrate how to work creatively with light and shadow, including the use of harsh light to create striking, dynamic and impactful portraits.
Saturday, 28th of November (9:30am – 12:30pm) – AT THE STUDIO IN PAOLA
TUTORS
THERESE DEBONO – www.theresedebono.com
“My passion for photography is fuelled by the warmth of the sun and the beauty of each couple’s individual story. I believe in a quiet, unobtrusive approach, gently guiding when necessary but allowing moments to unfold naturally. While I’m happy to provide direction, I prioritise authenticity over posed shots, ensuring your wedding images reflect the genuine emotion of the day. My ultimate goal is to deliver a timeless collection of images that capture the essence of your love, preserving precious memories to be cherished for a lifetime.”
Some of Therese Debono’s wedding work…
Images Above: Therese Debono
RACHEL MUSCAT – www.muscatphoto.com
Rachel Muscat is a photographer who loves capturing people as they really are. Her work is all about emotion, connection and the little in-between moments that often end up meaning the most.
With a natural, documentary approach and a cinematic eye, Rachel focuses on creating images that feel honest, relaxed and full of atmosphere. Weddings are at the heart of her work, from the quiet, intimate moments to the energy, laughter and chaos of the celebration.
Alongside weddings, Rachel also photographs portraits and lifestyle sessions, always bringing the same personal approach and focus on making people feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Some of Rachel Muscat’s wedding work…
Images Above: Rachel Muscat
FRANKLIN BALZAN – www.fbalzan.com
“I would describe my photographic style in three words: timeless, authentic and soulful. My portrait style is fun, light and arty – not for the lovers of traditional stuff or the faint-hearted. I strive to create a connection with the couple and make them laugh or create some emotions with them – something dynamic – after that we have spotted the right compositional elements.”
Some of Franklin Balzan’s wedding work…
Images Above: Franklin Balzan
INES BAHR – www.inesbahr-photography.com
At the heart of my wedding photography is “authenticity”. I’m drawn to the moments that happen naturally—the laughter, quiet glances, little gestures, and unexpected moments that make each wedding so personal. I want my photographs to capture not only how the day looked but also “how it truly felt”.
My background in fashion and editorial photography naturally shapes the way I see a wedding, with a strong sense for “light, composition, movement, and style. ” I love bringing that editorial eye into real moments without taking away from their spontaneity.
My approach is a balance of “documentary storytelling and editorial elegance. “I’m an observer for much of the day, stepping in with gentle direction when needed and then giving space for things to unfold naturally.
For me, it’s about creating beautiful, timeless, and cinematic photographs while keeping the experience relaxed and genuine. Ultimately, my philosophy is simple: “I’m there to capture the wedding, not to turn the wedding into a photoshoot.
Some of Ines Bahr’s wedding work…
Images Above: Ines Bahr
SHANE WATTS – www.shanepwatts.com
“My approach to wedding photography combines candid storytelling with creative, carefully composed portraits. I’m drawn to moments that reveal the character of each wedding; the emotion, humour and interactions between people, alongside the details that make the day personal.
I use light, composition and the surroundings to create distinctive images, while keeping the experience relaxed for my couples. Some moments benefit from a little direction; others are best left to unfold naturally. My aim is to create photographs that are visually striking while staying true to the people and atmosphere of the day.”
Some of Shane P. Watt’s work…
Images Above: Shane P. Watts
FRANK FARRUGIA – www.frankfarrugiaphotography.com
“Frank is an Australian‑Maltese wedding, fashion, and portrait photographer with over 20 years of experience working across Malta, Europe, and Australia with over 1000 weddings to date. His style incorporates elements of all 3 genres.
Known for his editorial, emotion‑filled aesthetic, he’s equally skilled behind the scenes and in mentoring others, sustaining a visual style that balances technical quality with heartfelt storytelling. In Malta, he also serves as the President of the Malta Institute of Professional Photographers (MIPP), actively mentoring emerging photographers and fostering professional growth within the industry.”
Some of Frank Farrugia’s work…
Images Above: Frank Farrugia
To receive the full benefit of the workshop, you will need to have the following. Please consider this upon booking your place:
WHAT WILL YOU NEED FOR THE WORKSHOP?
- At least 1 x camera DSLR or mirrorless body
- At least 1-2 lenses minimum, ideally a wide angle and zoom or primes
- 64MB Memory Card, Battery, Spare Battery/Charger
- Laptop and relevant accessories
- Comfortable clothing and footwear however we will ask you to dress the part
- Refreshments will be provided; however, feel free to bring snacks to sustain your energy and focus
CAN STUDENTS USE THE WORKSHOP IMAGES FOR THEIR PORTFOLIOS?
We appreciate that students may be developing their portfolios and wish to include images from this workshop for their folio. We also appreciate that the IP surrounding this course belongs to that of the MIPP and the tutors taking part. Therefore, as per professional practice philosophy, all students will be required to sign a release between the models, tutors and MIPP stating that students can publish photos from the workshop, however with an accompanying caption/credit to ‘Taken at MIPP Workshop/Tutor: Tutors Name‘. As creatives, we all must respect the creative process and intellectual property crediting where due.