Master Digital Portraiture Techniques (Intro & Intermediate, 1 or 2 days)

Discuss this workshop

Take your Portraiture skills to a higher level with this two-day in-depth training workshop that mixes theory and practical assignments in a range of shooting scenarios.

These workshops will improve your photographic skills by submerging you in a potent mix of practical activity coupled with in-depth portraiture instruction in a relaxed and friendly environment.

In Part 1 on day one, we start by defining the subject and looking briefly at the traditional and historic practices of Portraiture through Painting and the Fine Arts. You will make portraits using available light with a range of backgrounds and poses, then we look at reflectors and props and explore the influence of the background on the person photographed. Changes of viewpoint, lens focal length and depth of field are all discussed and tried out. We move on to take control of the light using flash and other artificial light sources. Stripping back the lights we deal with the way shadow can reveal character, shooting first in monochrome and then with gelled light sources in full RGB.

In Part 2 on day two, we try out candid portraiture and broaden the scope by photographing our subject within a mix of environments both inside and outside of the studio. A professional model is introduced and everyone will have the opportunity to practice a range of techniques with her in a multi-flash studio set-up. The intent here is to ensure that you understand how to produce results that are of a good commercial quality.

At key points on both days, we will look at the work of a range of different photographers, some famous and others contemporary, who’s style and approach illustrates the major techniques you will learn to use in the workshop. Throughout the workshop, the Instructor will guide you through the process and provide positive feedback. You will be encouraged to look and learn from your images and experiment as much as you can.

Itinerary/Workshop Structure

If you are looking to explore the basics, attendance in Part 1 may be sufficient to meet your needs. If you are looking to expand on your existing basic skill level and move into the area of Environmental Portraiture, attendance on Part 2 on day two is advised. The two parts of this workshop are designed to work as either stand-alone individual sessions or can be taken together to make a complete training experience.

Day 1/Part 1 – Saturday — Portraiture: Introduction

Day 2/Part 2 – Sunday — Portraiture: Intermediate

  • You will learn

    • History of Portraiture overview (Intro)
    • Major historic protagonists (Intro)
    • Studio portraiture basics (Intro)
    • Portraiture intent (Intro)
    • How to choose the right lens (Intro)
    • Contemporary portraiture
      specialists (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Available light techniques (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Posing and Props (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Interacting with your
      subject (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Getting the most from your
      subject (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Effective use of Aperture and
      Shutter Speed (Intro & Intermediate)
    • How to use artificial light
      sources (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Nikon Speedlights off-camera (Intro & Intermediate)
    • The advantages and disadvantages
      of working in B&W (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Using coloured gels for effect (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Understanding the
      “Decisive Moment” (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Lighting for Character (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Using Effects Filters (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Balancing available and
      artificial light sources (Intro & Intermediate)
    • Commercial portraiture basics (Intermediate)
    • Short and Broad lighting (Intermediate)
    • Butterfly and Rembrandt
      lighting (Intermediate)
    • Working in High Key and
      Low Key (Intermediate)
    • Setting-up and shooting
      internal & external candid portraits (Intermediate)
    • Environmental portrait basics (Intermediate)
  • What to bring

  • Required

    • DSLR camera
    • Fully charged battery
    • Memory Card
    • Fixed focal-length lenses between 50mm to 200mm if you have them or
    • Mid to Telephoto Zoom lens (24-120, 18-105, 18-135, 18-200, 70-200 or similar)
    • Nikon Speedlight(s) if you have them
  • Optional

    • Laptop computer to view images
  • What is provided

    • Free Instructional material
    • Direct learning from Nikonian Pro Instructor in an intensive hands-on environment
    • Reduced size class fro personal attention to your needs, regardless of skill level
    • Time with a professional photographic model (Intermediate)
  • Venue Information

      Please check your venue by specific city area location.

 

Shoot better portraits using a wide range of traditional and contemporary techniques

 

Master Digital Portraiture Techniques (Intro & Intermediate, 1 or 2 days) workshops are provided in the following locations:

City Area Date Instructor Price (Member) Price (Non-Member)
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Member prices are only applicable to Nikonians Silver, Gold and Platinum Members. Non-members can register as Nikonians members here. Nikonians Basic members can upgrade the membership level here. Membership payments help sustain the growth of the Nikonians community and its services such as the Nikonians Academy.