Class Description
Grab a friend and step behind (and in front of) the camera! In this hands-on summer workshop, you’ll learn the basics of portrait photography—from lighting and posing to shooting with purpose. You’ll practice taking professional headshots and business-style portraits, perfect for profiles, portfolios, or future opportunities. Along the way, you’ll build real-world skills in both photography and Adobe Lightroom, and leave with polished portraits you can actually use. Whether you’re snapping shots or striking a pose, this class is all about capturing confidence and creativity.
Learning Objectives: in this class, students will learn about
- Effective use of lighting and posing techniques to capture a variety of portrait styles, including professional headshots and creative portraits;
- Composing and shooting portraits with intentional framing, showing an understanding of how visual choices impact mood and message;
- Collaborating by directing and modeling portrait sessions, providing and responding to feedback in a supportive, creative environment;
- Using Adobe Lightroom to edit and retouch portraits, adjusting exposure, color, and clarity while maintaining a natural and professional appearance;
- Exporting and preparing final images in appropriate formats for digital profiles, resumes, or creative portfolios;
- The art of the peer critique and give peer critiques on the progress of student work;
- Opportunities and potential resources on career pathways;
- How to distribute, exhibit, and promote artwork for a variety of audiences.
Equipment
- iPads
- iMacs
- Sony A7Sii: LCC0042
- 24-105mm F/4 G Lens
- Tripods
- Lighting Equipment
- Scrim & Backdrops
Software
- Adobe Fresco
- Adobe Lightroom
Deliverables: Students and Class Projects
- Create a Small Portfolio of Finished Portraits:
- One or more final headshots suitable for professional use (school, job applications, portfolios, etc.)
- Final images will be edited and polished using Lightroom (or equivalent editing software)
- Access to their digital files for printing or online sharing
- Optional: Printed copy of best portrait (if printing resources are available)
- One or more final headshots suitable for professional use (school, job applications, portfolios, etc.)
