Photography Class: How to Help You Take Better Portraits

A New Approach to Portrait Photography, Get Confident Working With Models, Get the Best Out of the Light Around You

Created by: Chris Scott
Photographer & Content Creator

What Will I Learn?

• Learn how to shoot portraits in your own home in a classic way, utilising the space you’ve got
• Utilising everyday equipment for your shoot
• Introduction to basic styling techniques for portraits
• How to interact with your model or sitter to get them comfortable and relaxed before your session starts
• Communicating your Intentions / expectations and successfully managing that of your sitter’s
• How to create the ideal set-up for a classic portrait
• Learning how and when to use fill-in or reflected light
• How to make sure that when you go on location, you bring the right amount of kit (equipment itinerary) and keep aware so you don’t forget anything when you pa l
• Discover posing and being a confident director of y our model. Learn what good expressions and body positioning look like
• You will learn the benefits and limitations of available light, both daylight and artificial light
• Styling - patterns on clothing and their effect on your model’s appearance
• Awareness of how model/sitter’s appearance is affected by a neutral background
• Control of the set - learning how to manage your surroundings during your shoot
• Understanding how to shoot with a shallow depth of field and recognising how it affects your image
• Using a monitor during your shoot & sharing with your model - pros & cons
• Getting friends or relatives to help you with your photo shoot - posing for portraits or helping you out on shoots
• Ideas on how to create your own self portrait diary
• Introduction to shooting professional headshots

Requirements

• Camera or smartphone
• Desire to acquire the skills of a photographer specialising in portraits

Target audience

• Beginner & intermediate photographers
• Content creators interesting in increasing their portrait skills for portraits & self portraits
• Photographers who wish to refresh their approach to taking portraits
• People who want to learn a different approach to portraiture
• People dedicated to learning a new skill
• Beginners who want to learn photography in a simpler way