Photography

Portrait Photography Courses

ByCity Academy

Improver

An improver-level course exploring portrait styles, lighting, composition and model direction through theory, practical exercises and live model shoots.

View 11 available dates

Choose a date before booking

Upcoming classes

11 classes

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
16 Oct 2026
Friday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
HollyFalconer
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
15 Nov 2026
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
HollyFalconer
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
3 Dec 2026
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
HollyFalconer
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
8 Jan 2027
Friday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
CityAcademy PhotographyTutors
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
27 Jan 2027
Wednesday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
CityAcademy PhotographyTutors
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
25 Feb 2027
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
CityAcademy PhotographyTutors
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
20 Mar 2027
Saturday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
CityAcademy PhotographyTutors
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
11 Apr 2027
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
CityAcademy PhotographyTutors
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
6 May 2027
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
One-day class1 day
CityAcademy PhotographyTutors
Photoion StudioWaterloo
£159.00
  • Sat 12 Sep, 10:00 - 16:00

    Book now
    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 daySat 10:00£159
    HollyFalconerPhotoion Studio
    HollyFalconer
    £159
  • Fri 16 Oct, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 dayFri 10:00£159
    HollyFalconerPhotoion Studio
    HollyFalconer
    £159
  • Sun 15 Nov, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 daySun 10:00£159
    HollyFalconerPhotoion Studio
    HollyFalconer
    £159
  • Thu 3 Dec, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 dayThu 10:00£159
    HollyFalconerPhotoion Studio
    HollyFalconer
    £159
  • Fri 8 Jan, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 dayFri 10:00£159
    CityAcademy PhotographyTutorsPhotoion Studio
    CityAcademy Photography
    £159
  • Wed 27 Jan, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 dayWed 10:00£159
    CityAcademy PhotographyTutorsPhotoion Studio
    CityAcademy Photography
    £159
  • Thu 25 Feb, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 dayThu 10:00£159
    CityAcademy PhotographyTutorsPhotoion Studio
    CityAcademy Photography
    £159
  • Sat 20 Mar, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 daySat 10:00£159
    CityAcademy PhotographyTutorsPhotoion Studio
    CityAcademy Photography
    £159
  • Sun 11 Apr, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 daySun 10:00£159
    CityAcademy PhotographyTutorsPhotoion Studio
    CityAcademy Photography
    £159
  • Thu 6 May, 10:00 - 16:00

    1 day
    Photoion Studio
    1 dayThu 10:00£159
    CityAcademy PhotographyTutorsPhotoion Studio
    CityAcademy Photography
    £159

Showing 1 to 10 of 11 sessions

About this course

The course examines candid, urban, posed, fine art and fashion portraiture, with learners photographing a model in natural and studio lighting settings. Sessions combine classroom theory with practical exercises covering hard and soft light, composition, storytelling, movement and posing direction. Learners are introduced to studio lighting equipment and setups while receiving guidance and feedback during model shoots. The course also considers how lighting, texture and composition can shape mood and narrative in a portrait.

What you'll learn

  • Apply natural light techniques, including the use of hard and soft light for different effects
  • Use composition to introduce drama, texture and narrative into portrait images
  • Photograph moving subjects and candid moments
  • Direct models using posing techniques suited to portrait photography
  • Recognise and work across a range of portrait styles
  • Operate within introductory studio lighting setups and equipment

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improvers with an existing understanding of exposure and confidence using a camera’s manual settings. It involves practical exercises and live model shoots, alongside classroom-based theory and guidance.

  • Not aimed at learners who are completely new to photography
  • Includes practical work with a live model
  • A camera with full manual controls is needed, although one can be borrowed for class use

Before you go

  • Bring a mirrorless, DSLR or compact camera with full manual controls.
  • A camera can be borrowed for use during class time if requested in advance.

Where this course runs

City Academy

London's leading performing arts academy

21 photography courses on Learn.London

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