Environmental Portraiture in Natural Light

Making consistently great portraits for magazines and clients takes “on-demand” creativity, confidence in your techniques, and strong communication skills. From initial client contact to developing a concept to essential production decisions, editorial and lifestyle photographer Jeff Lipsky shares his technical skills and offers real-life advice about situations that can arise when photographing people, for people (aka clients).

Join Jeff in his hometown of Los Angeles for this four-day workshop, during which you learn how to read and shape the beautiful natural light of sunny California to create memorable portraits. Students receive technical and creative guidance regarding production, gear, concept development and design. Taking advantage of several of Jeff’s favorite locations in Los Angeles, including an urban downtown setting and the Malibu coast, he first leads you through a typical “daylight studio shoot,” then participants working in small teams experiment with their own portraits in the many flavors of available natural light.

Building relationships, not only with your clients but with your subject, be they a celebrity or a “real” person is an important focus. Participants work with professional models to practice rapport building and giving clear direction. Each day, Jeff gives an assignment that focuses on creating portraits for magazine covers, editorial spreads, or lifestyle stories. The images from these daily assignments are reviewed by Jeff and the group the following day.

Time is devoted to discussing the emotional and political delicacies often required for this particular line of work. Jeff also freely dispenses tips on “the rest of the job,” including scouting locations, collaborating with and directing a photographic team (assistants, hair and makeup, and digital techs), the process of self-promotion (directed toward magazine clients), and how to look for an agent.

Join Jeff in Los Angeles and learn the skills needed to draw the best out of your subjects, keep your clients happy, and keep you employed.