Working portrait photographers must navigate an ever-growing set of challenges while maintaining a unique creative vision and a natural and authentic connection to their subject. A photo shoot that goes perfectly as planned is a rare occurrence and having a set of skills and techniques to meet and overcome setbacks is the hallmark of a professional, be they emerging artists or seasoned veterans.
In this highly interactive and inclusive four-day workshop, Joe Pugliese collaborates with participants, approaching the idea of a portrait session as a moving target. It’s crucial to determine which practices yield results with the most impact, regardless of limitations of budget, time, subject, and/or client demands. With that in mind, we visualize the ideal outcome of a shoot and work to achieve it in mock scenarios that present common hurdles that can arise during any production, big or small. Be prepared to tackle a wide range of assignments covering varying styles of editorial portraiture, including studio lighting, environmental portraiture – with and without the use of flash. Every aspect of a shoot is considered—from start to finish—including workflow and pre-production, creative direction, lighting design, subject interaction, editing, and post-production.
Joe’s experience spans years of magazine covers, features, and advertising assignments, and his unique perspective is demonstrated during portfolio reviews and feedback sessions on the workshop’s assignments. You leave with renewed inspiration and a confident approach to take into any editorial photo shoot.
COVID-19 Update: For all in-person workshops and trips in 2023, Santa Fe Workshops highly recommends that all participants, staff, and instructors attending be up to date with Covid vaccinations (per definition of the CDC).
Proficient in digital workflow and custom functions on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera, and a working knowledge of artificial lighting.
Please see the Portfolio Section of Registration Information for guidelines on your submission of recent portraits, including examples that show your use of both natural and artificial lighting.
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for Pop-up workshops.
$2,695 includes instruction, model and location fees, four group lunches, and a group dinner. Does not include other meals, local transportation, or accommodations (if needed).
Joe Pugliese began his photography career while in high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. His first job was mixing darkroom chemistry at his local daily newspaper and from there he freelanced for the Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle and The San Jose Mercury News, eventually landing an internship at the Los Angeles Times.
After college he moved to Southern California to shoot on staff for the Times. Shortly thereafter his focus shifted to portraiture and after meeting and working for Art Streiber, he set his sights on a career as a magazine photographer.
Since then, he has been fortunate enough to meet and photograph many of the most fascinating newsmakers, actors, scientists, politicians, musicians, and athletes of our time. His clients include major magazines, entertainment companies, advertising agencies, and design firms.
Joe lives in Los Angeles and travels extensively for work across the country and worldwide. He is represented by B&A Reps in New York City.
Website: joepug.com
Instagram: @joepug
