Photography
Portraits and people photography
A practical beginner-level course in portrait, street, documentary and everyday photography, covering manual camera settings, lighting, composition and working with subjects.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
6 classes
| Starts | Schedule | Length | Teacher | Venue | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 Sept 2026 Tuesdays | 14:00 - 17:00 | Short course5 weeks | LorenzoBerni | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £259.00 | Book now |
12 Nov 2026 Thursdays | 10:00 - 13:00 | Short course5 weeks | SaraLeigh Lewis | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £259.00 | |
12 Jan 2027 Tuesdays | 14:00 - 17:00 | Short course5 weeks | SaraLeigh Lewis | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £259.00 | |
6 Mar 2027 Saturdays | 10:30 - 16:30 | Short course3 weeks | MichaelHarding | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £259.00 | |
20 Apr 2027 Tuesdays | 18:00 - 21:00 | Short course5 weeks | MichaelHarding | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £259.00 | |
12 May 2027 Wednesdays | 14:00 - 17:00 | Short course5 weeks | LorenzoBerni | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £259.00 |
Thu 12 Nov, 10:00 - 13:00
5 weeks5 weeksThu 10:00£259SaraLeigh LewisKeeley StreetTue 12 Jan, 14:00 - 17:00
5 weeks5 weeksTue 14:00£259SaraLeigh LewisKeeley StreetSat 6 Mar, 10:30 - 16:30
3 weeks3 weeksSat 10:30£259MichaelHardingKeeley StreetTue 20 Apr, 18:00 - 21:00
5 weeks5 weeksTue 18:00£259MichaelHardingKeeley StreetWed 12 May, 14:00 - 17:00
5 weeks5 weeksWed 14:00£259LorenzoBerniKeeley Street
About this course
The course examines how portraits communicate meaning in formal, informal, street, documentary and social contexts. Participants will work indoors and outdoors, using manual camera settings and different lighting approaches while considering posing, composition and editing. Teaching combines demonstrations, illustrated lectures, photograph discussions, group work and individual mini-projects. Learners will review their own images and those of other participants, and use Google Classroom to share comments, access materials and upload photographs for group discussion. A mini portraiture project is developed outside class.
What you'll learn
- Apply manual camera settings and make appropriate lighting choices for photographing people.
- Use posing and communication techniques when working with subjects indoors and outdoors.
- Compose and edit portraits to shape their meaning in different contexts.
- Produce and present a varied selection of photographs of people.
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for learners developing beyond fundamental photography techniques. It suits those who have completed a beginner photography course or already understand ISO, aperture, shutter speed and white balance, and can use a camera’s manual functions. Participation includes practical work, group discussion and individual projects, with some photography taking place outdoors.
- A camera with adjustable aperture and shutter speed is required for the course.
- Participants should be comfortable following written and spoken instructions, demonstrations and health and safety information in English.
- The course includes photographing people indoors, outdoors and in street settings.
Before you go
- Participants must bring an SLR or mirrorless camera and a notebook.
- Film users will need to buy up to five rolls and pay for processing; film is not processed at City Lit.
- Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, tripods and speedlights are available to try during class hours, but cannot be borrowed between classes.