Making insightful, communicative portraits of people is amongst the most challenging and rewarding of photographic pursuits. An effective portrait often reveals as much about the photographer as about the subject; the relationship mediated by the camera's presence is fascinating and complex. In addition to all of the usual factors involved in the creation of a compelling image-composition, technical control and lighting-the portrait photographer must collaborate with his or her subject. This workshop will explore both the technical and interpersonal aspects of portrait photography.
Time and again we are asked to make "beautiful" pictures of someone-your mother, child, etc. Through hands-on work with studio lighting, we will examine face shapes and features to determine the most appropriate lighting strategies and angles to flatter your subject. We will also touch on poses, gestures, expressions, and the roles clothing and make-up can play, especially in more formal photography.
Through demonstrations, slide shows and shooting assignments, (using each other as models) you will learn how to communicate, direct and move into a creative space with your subject. You will learn to pay attention to details, to creatively fill your frame, to anticipate and work with speed and perceptiveness.
Each assignment along with a critique will deepen your understanding of the concepts presented and provide valuable one-on-one feedback. These critiques are often a course highlight, precipitating many an exciting breakthrough.
By the end of the weekend workshop you will have a mini-portfolio of portrait images and a deepening awareness of your personal photographic vision.
Portrait Workshop Outline
Friday
1pm onward
Check-in
4pm
Class introduction, course outline review
5:30-6:30pm
Dinner
7pm
Course begins with portfolio review
8:30-10pm
Discussion of portrait photography with slide show illustrating history of portrait photography through master photographers' works, including slides from various styles and schools of contemporary photographic approaches to the portrait.
10pm
Snacks, chill-out
Saturday
8-9am
Breakfasts
9:15am
eliciting a response- anticipating the moment Lecture and exercise
12:30-1:30
Lunch
1:45pm
Intro to lighting and Substitutes for professional lighting equipment
2:15pm
Break into 2 groups:
-Critique of morning assignment-Trina
-Sculpting light on features-Laura demo, shoot for examples
