Writing for Photographers:
A One-Day Masterclass

Learn how to write copy that’s as powerful as your pictures.

At the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford on September 13th, 2025.

Tracy Calder writing in a notebook

You’ve made photographs you’re proud of, but when it comes to writing copy that’s as powerful as your pictures, you feel overwhelmed.

How can you convey what is unique about your work and the passion you feel for your practice? What do editors actually want? How can you write captions and social media posts that stop people scrolling? What will keep people hanging onto your every word during a camera club talk? 

The answer lies in powerful storytelling.

Whether you’re writing a magazine article, artist statement, social media post, newsletter, project description, presentation, book proposal, caption or grant application, honing your storytelling skills is essential.

Good storytelling doesn’t just explain your work, it helps you make lasting connections with your dream audience. Ultimately, when the level of your writing meets the level of your art, you become unforgettable.

By the end of this masterclass, you’ll have the tools to write copy that not only supports your photography but allows you to share your ideas and thoughts with people who really need to hear them. This is your chance to turn writing into a skill you enjoy.

Tracy Calder portrait holding a camera

Over the last 25 years I’ve interviewed hundreds of photographers, turning their words into articles, books, talks, proposals, workshops and newsletters. 

Writing doesn’t have to be a slog. In fact, if you can tell a story, you can write powerful copy that moves and motivates people. I’d like to share my storytelling secrets with you.

No holding back, no arguments over Oxford commas and no complicated artspeak – just simple, actionable advice that will make writing feel as enjoyable as releasing the shutter.


What you’ll learn

  • How to raise the level of your writing to meet the level of your art.

  • Tips and tricks to develop your storytelling skills.

  • Editor’s pet peeves, and how to avoid them.

  • How to write with confidence in a voice that’s uniquely yours.

  • How to keep your audience awake in the back row.

Writing for Artists and Photographers is for you if you want to:

  • Write about your work in a way that feels easeful and enjoyable.

  • Harness the power of storytelling to make lasting connections with an audience.

  • Communicate your ideas with clarity, confidence and a voice that’s uniquely yours.

  • Receive support and encouragement from me and a small group of like-minded people.

  • Share your ideas and thoughts in a way that moves and motivates people.

Writing for Artists and Photographers might not be for you if you:

  • Prefer dry facts over emotive stories and anecdotes.

  • Enjoy artspeak (intentionally opaque and confusing language).

  • Take offence at misplaced punctuation and Oxford commas.

What’s included

  • Actionable advice and short tasks to find your voice and improve your writing quickly.

  • Access to the fabulous Pitt Rivers Museum.

  • One-to-one online feedback session after the masterclass (30 minutes). 

  • Plenty of time and opportunity to pick my brains! 

  • Detailed notes, with carefully curated recommendations.

  • Light lunch and non-alcoholic refreshments.

Taking place in the library room at the fabulous Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, we’ll get the chance to wander through this magical space that’s filled with 1000s of objects, each with a unique story to tell.

Taking place in the library room at the fabulous Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, we’ll get the chance to wander through this magical space that’s filled with 1000s of objects, each with a unique story to tell.

What People Are Saying

  • “You are one of those amazing humans that inspire me to ACT. Your essays are a kick in the butt! Because of your advice, I self-published my new adventure book for kids.”

    Sharon

  • “The best compliment a writer can receive is that he/she has caused the reader to think and, on rare occasions, inspire. Your writing does just that. Thank you”

    Abby

  • “Thank you for such a good weekend. I cannot believe how quickly the time went. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and generous sharing of knowledge was much appreciated. The weekend has reenergised me.”

    Sarah

  • “I subscribe to a number of newsletters from people I've come across on my creative journey, but yours is one of the few I read right to the end. Thank you for taking the time to communicate your thoughts and ideas – it’s always a joy to read.”

    Liz

A selection of my published work

Details

When

Saturday, 13th September.

10.30am to 4.30pm

Where

Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

Inspiring surroundings lead to inspiring ideas, so for this workshop we’ll be based in The Old Library, Pitt Rivers Museum – a building positively crammed to the rafters with objects; each with its own story to tell.     

What’s not included

Travel to and from Oxford.

Accommodation.

Price

£249 (max 10 participants)

Questions

Email me at tracy@tracycalder.com and I’ll get back to you ASAP!