On Location

The Art of Portraiture

with Norman Mauskopf

Course Description

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.

Additional Information

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Advanced Amateurs
What You Should Know:

Working knowledge of digital workflow and manual mode on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Participants must be able to download, select, and transfer images to their own jump drive for class.

Portfolio Required:
Basic portrait-making skills are required for this workshop. Please see the Portfolios section of General Information for guidelines on your submission of recent portraits.
Categories
Portraiture
about
Norman Mauskopf

Norman Mauskopf is a W. Eugene Smith Fellowship recipient who has had four photography books published: A Time Not Here, Dark Horses, Rodeo, and, most recently, Descendants, about Northern New Mexico Hispanic culture. His photographs have been included in solo and group exhibitions, including two shows at the Visa pour l’Image festival in Perpignan, France. Over the course of his 40-year career, Norman has completed a wide range of assignments for numerous corporate clients and magazines, including Wired, Islands, Travel + Leisure, Outside, and Rolling Stone.

Get to know Norman in our Inspiration Series video »

You May Also Like

The Art of iPhone Photography: From Capture to Edit

with Pei Ketron

March 19 and 21, 2024

the WORK of art

with Lori Vrba and Tobia Makover

March 23 and 24, 2024

Exploration of Personal Style

with Oghalé Alex

March 28 – 31, 2024

Photo Editing Essentials

with Andrea Wise

April 27 and 28, 2024

Serving as Witness to Your Life: A Photographic Practice

with Ibarionex Perello

February 6 – 27, 2024

iPhone in the Landscape

with Sue Bloom

April 8 – 18, 2024

The Creative Alchemy of Fine-Art Photography

with Thibault Roland

March 11 – 28, 2024

Craft and Vision in Still-Life Photography

with Tara Sellios

April 18 – 21, 2024

Botanicals and Plant-Based Printing Processes

with Anne Eder

March 20 – April 17, 2024

NOW WHAT: Strategies for Mid-Career Photographers

with Aline Smithson

February 20 and 22, 2024

Explore the Landscape Within: A Creative Writing Workshop for Photographers and Writers

with Elizabeth Jacobson

February 26 – March 14, 2024

The Artistry of Android ICM Image-Making

with Stephanie Johnson

March 19 – April 5, 2024