Photographing people – secrets of successful portraiture mixed level

About this course

The course examines portraiture across studio, street and documentary contexts, using examples from renowned portrait photographers to compare different approaches to photographing people. Demonstrations and practical tasks cover composition, camera settings, directing subjects, and the use of natural and artificial light in indoor and outdoor situations. Learners practise the techniques during sessions and complete tasks between classes, sharing their photographs with the tutor and group. The course also considers common challenges in portrait photography and ways to address them through camera technique and lighting.

What you'll learn

• Apply camera settings to produce effective portrait photographs
• Direct and photograph people in a range of situations
• Use natural and artificial light when creating portraits
• Adapt composition and camera techniques to indoor and outdoor portraiture

Is this course right for you?

Although catalogued as All Levels, the stated entry guidance is for learners who already have a good understanding of basic photography, including aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Participation involves practical tasks during and between sessions, with photographs shared with the tutor and group.

• Requires a good understanding of basic camera skills
• Includes practical work during sessions and between classes
• Photographs are shared with the tutor and other learners

Before you go

• Learners need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls.
• A speedlight is desirable.