The Art of Portraiture

Documentary photographer, portraitist, and longtime Workshops instructor Norman Mauskopf leads this intensive series of in-person sessions on the myriad types of photographic portraits and the elements that ensure their success.

First and foremost, we consider the portrait to be an image of a person who is aware of being photographed, and our emphasis is placed on working in close proximity to our subjects, as opposed to photographing them from afar. Norman offers guidance on the importance of eye contact with the camera, a subject’s relationship to the environment, and how multiple subjects relate to one another within a frame.

We also delve into how much time to take, whether or not to direct your subject, the ins and outs of seeking permission, and other logistical, technical, and ethical issues. Discussion topics range from critiques of participants’ assignments to visually guided lectures that showcase work by well-known photographers.

Weekly assignments build upon each other, progressing from simple to complex. As participants photograph people of various ages and stations in life, we examine compositional elements and explore the intricate parameters of different environments, learning how to manage natural and artificial light, both indoors and outdoors.

By the workshop’s end, you’ve built a strong portfolio of insightful and intimate portraits.