AN exhibition of striking self-portraits exploring gender and identity is the inspiration behind an upcoming photography workshop.

Professional photographer Kev Howard will lead the workshop at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Monday, October 15, from 6.30pm to 9pm, to coincide with the exhibition Claude Cahun: Beneath The Mask.

The Southbank Centre’s Haywood Touring exhibition is on show in the theatre’s gallery until Sunday, November 11, and features the work of French photographer Claude Cahun.

Born Lucy Schwob, Cahun adopted the pseudonym in 1917 to free herself from the narrow confines of gender. She achieved posthumous fame for her self-portraits in which she assumed multiple personae.

The workshop will explore the studio techniques of lighting and stylised imagery, drawing on the 42 contemporary prints of Cahun’s work within the Gala exhibition. Working with a full studio rig and various attachments, Kev will provide expert advice on techniques such as high and low key lighting, poses and how to put the sitter at ease, use of props, use of movement, forcing perspectives and angles, use of wide angle lens and experimenting with reflections using mirrors.

Kev, who has more than 20 years of experience in photography, said: “I love working with people to explore both their true selves, which is revealed in my portraits, or to work more sculpturally to create figurative abstract images.

“I like to take what is familiar and look at the subject in new ways; ways which make the viewer engage with the image.”

The workshop, priced at £3 per person, is suitable for beginners and experienced photographers and no equipment is needed. To book, contact 03000 266 600 or visit www.galadurham.co.uk