Photography In
Portrait Photography

The Portrait Photography course is designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to capture compelling and expressive portraits. This course covers the essentials of portrait photography, including understanding light and shadows, posing techniques, background selection, and post-processing. Participants will learn how to create impactful portraits that convey the personality and emotion of the subject.

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Overview

Portrait Photography

Course Learning Objectives

Course Overview:


This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques of portrait photography. Students will learn how to create visually appealing and effective portraits that capture the essence of their subjects. The course will cover the fundamentals of camera operation, lighting, composition, and posing, as well as more advanced techniques such as creative use of light, shadows, and storytelling.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):


Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand the fundamental principles of portrait photography, including camera operation, lighting, composition, and posing.
  • Apply creative vision and technical skills to produce high-quality portraits that effectively capture the subject's personality and character.
  • Analyze and critique the work of other photographers, identifying strengths and weaknesses in composition, lighting, and overall aesthetic.
  • Develop a personal photographic style by experimenting with different techniques and approaches to portrait photography.
  • Communicate effectively with subjects, directing them to achieve desired poses, expressions, and interactions.

    Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

    Throughout the course, students will learn to:
  • Operate a camera correctly, including settings for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
  • Identify and use different types of lighting, including natural light, studio strobes, and continuous light sources
  • Apply principles of composition to create visually appealing portraits
  • Use posing techniques to capture relaxed and natural expressions
  • Understand how to work with subjects of different ages, personalities, and cultures
  • Edit and enhance photographs using digital editing software
  • Create a portfolio of their best work

    Assessment:
    Assessment will be based on a combination of written assignments, quizzes, class discussions, group critiques, and a final portfolio project. Students will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from their peers and instructors throughout the course.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

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    Study contents

    Contents

    I. Understanding Portraits

  • Definition of portrait photography
  • Types of portraits (e.g. formal, informal, candid, posed) Importance of lighting in portrait photography
  • Understanding the subject's personality and expression

    II. Camera Settings and Equipment
  • Camera modes for portrait photography (e.g. manual, aperture priority, shutter priority)
  • -Understanding ISO, aperture, and shutter speed Lens selection for portrait photography (e.g. prime, zoom, macro)
  • Using a flash and off-camera flash techniques

    III. Composition and Framing
  • Rule of thirds and composition guidelines
  • Leading lines and framing techniques
  • Playing with negative space and empty space
  • Using the environment to create interesting backgrounds

    IV. Lighting for Portraits
  • Natural light vs artificial light
  • Understanding light direction and quality (hard, soft, diffused)
  • Using the sun as a light source (golden hour, sidelight)
  • Creating your own studio lighting setup

    V. Working with Your Subject
  • Building rapport and communication with your subject
  • Directing and posing your subject (posing, angles, expressions)
  • Encouraging natural behavior and candid moments
  • Working with children, pets, and seniors

    VI. Post-Processing and Editing
  • Basic editing techniques in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
  • Color grading and color correction
  • Adjusting exposure, contrast, and saturation
  • Retouching and removing blemishes

    VII. Additional Tips and Tricks
  • Understanding focal length and perspective distortion
  • Using reflection and symmetry in portraits
  • Creating a sense of depth and dimensionality
  • Experimenting with creative angles and perspectives

    VIII. Famous Portrait Photographers
  • Study the work of famous portrait photographers (e.g. Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange)
  • Analyze their composition, lighting, and subject interaction techniques
  • Learn from their successes and mistakes

    IX. Practice and Project Ideas
    Practice shooting portraits with different camera settings and equipment
    Experiment with different lighting setups and environments
    Practice directing and posing your subjects (family members, friends)
    Create a portfolio or project showcasing your best portrait work

    Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different techniques, and study the work of other photographers to improve your portrait photography skills!

    • Admission

    Admissions Criteria

    Admission is a crucial aspect of portrait photography, as it allows the photographer to capture the subject's likeness and personality in the most flattering and authentic way possible.
    Here are some tips for taking great portrait photos:

  • Make sure the subject is comfortable: A relaxed subject is more likely to have a natural and authentic expression.
  • Encourage them to take a few deep breaths, and try to put them at ease.
  • Use good lighting: Natural light is always the best, so try to shoot near a window or outside. If that's not possible, invest in a good lighting kit. Soft, diffused light is usually flattering.
  • Pay attention to composition: Consider the rule of thirds, symmetry, and leading lines when composing your shot.
  • Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add visual interest.
  • Focus on the eyes: The eyes are the most important feature in a portrait. Make sure they're in sharp focus and well-lit.
  • Capture candid moments: Don't just focus on posed shots. Try to capture candid moments, like laughter or a natural smile, to add authenticity to your photos.
  • Experiment with different poses: Don't be afraid to try out different poses and angles. Encourage your subject to relax and have fun with it.
  • Consider the background: A busy or distracting background can detract from your subject's face. Try to choose a simple, neutral background or use a prop to add interest.

    Some popular techniques for capturing great portraits include:
  • Sidelight: Shooting from the side can create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
  • Over-the-shoulder shots: Capturing your subject from behind adds intimacy and perspective.
  • Close-ups: Focus on specific features, like the eyes or lips, to add detail and interest.
  • Full-body shots: Showcasing your subject's entire figure can create a sense of grandeur or emphasize their personality.

    Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you shoot portraits, the more comfortable you'll become with posing, lighting, and composition.

    Tips for taking great portraits at home:
  • Use natural light: Open curtains and blinds to let natural light flood your space.
  • Invest in a reflector: A reflector can help soften harsh shadows and add warmth to your subject's face.
  • Get creative with props: Use everyday objects like books, flowers, or jewelry to add interest and personality to your shots.
  • Experiment with angles: Don't be afraid to get low or climb up high for unique perspectives.

    • Careers

    Start your Career now

  • Freelance Portrait Photographer: Offer your services to individuals, families, and businesses on a project-by-project basis. You can work from your own studio or travel to clients' locations.

  • Studio Portrait Photographer: Establish a studio and specialize in traditional, formal portraits of individuals and families. You can also offer packages for special occasions like weddings, graduations, and proms.

  • Fashion Portrait Photographer: Focus on capturing high-fashion portraits of models, celebrities, or fashion designers for editorial use, commercial campaigns, or personal portfolios.

  • Editorial Portrait Photographer: Work with publications, such as magazines or newspapers, to create portraits of newsmakers, celebrities, or influential figures.

  • Fine Art Portrait Photographer: Create artistic, conceptual portraits that push the boundaries of traditional portraiture. You can exhibit your work in galleries or sell it online.

  • Event Portrait Photographer: Capture portraits at events like weddings, parties, and corporate functions. You can work as a second shooter or primary photographer.

  • Commercial Portrait Photographer: Take portraits of business owners, executives, or employees for company branding, marketing materials, or employee publications.

    • Student reviews

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    Tuition fees

    Portrait Photography (Duration 2 Weeks)

    Learn the art of Portrait photography in 2 weeks

    300 $

    150 $ / Total Cost
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    All our study programmes include the following benefits

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    F.A.Q

    Frequently Asked Questions

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