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"Excellent!
Very organized. Very Articulate. Very Approachable"

Kirsten, Chelsea; Natural Light Portraits, 2008 Find out what other students have said...

Natural Light Portraits


Section 2: January 20 (eve), 23, 27 (eve), 2010
Full: Section 1: January 14 (eve), 16, 21 (eve), 2010


Both sections offer the same material.
Cost: $300 + taxes

Natural Light Portraits Workshop is our second most popular course!

During the course we will be looking at creative elements of portraiture including practical use of existing light conditions and your surrounding architectural features. Specifically we will cover:

Informal portrait

  • creative elements of exposure including backlighting and silhouettes as well as other natural lighting options
  • use of camera based flash
  • composition and perspective as they relate to portraiture
  • styles of portraiture - from formal to candid to photojournalistic - with examples from other photographers
  • working with your subject - ie how to make them smile NATURALLY - this is very, very important!
  • learning how to place and manage large groups of people for a portrait

In the afternoon you will have an opportunity to produce portraits of people brought in to challenge you with their specific portrait requests. It will be your job to interpret your model and produce a fine portrait!

This course builds on elements taught in Creative Fundamentals - imaginative exposure techniques, use of focus, etc. As important as the technical details we will spend time learning to create a rapport with your subject to get the appropriate portrait.

Natural Light Portraits is appropriate for people who want to challenge their photo skills beyond the basics.

Location

We will be working in an indoor, central Ottawa/Hull location using available light supported with the possibility of hand held flash (flash on your camera).

We hold the practical session inside expansive halls with enormous glass walls that allow plenty of natural day light. The practical location also provides normally lit indoor areas where participants can test their shooting skills in a variety of scenarios with different light sources.

Read some related articles:
People Pictures!
Photographing weddings and events

"Is this a digital or film course?" It is a photography course - about creating better portraits. The emphasis is on your skills behind the camera and your ability to effectively use the camera you have. Many participants bring digital cameras. Many choose film. Some bring both! Having people with both technologies on a course helps to compare the differences. Do not worry about your equipment - all you need is a 35mm SLR camera and lens(es) - no "point and shoot" cameras please.

Find out more about course dates and the course outline, and registration details.

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