Transcendent Portraiture

Great portraiture is about more than the right lens and the right lighting. It’s about having a vision and connecting with your subject to make images that transcend the simple headshot. In this workshop you fine-tune your vision and technique to approach portraiture like an artist and create gorgeous, surprising, moody, atmospheric images.

Fine-art and commercial photographer Fritz Liedtke leads you first through the “why” of portraiture and then through the “how to” as we explore—and learn from—the work of master artists. In addition to learning how to develop an authentic rapport with your subjects, you discover ways of posing and lighting them to look their best.

Through live instructor demonstrations and discussions, we cover multiple methods for directing and posing our subjects, working with natural light (and modifying it to your advantage), working with artificial lighting and off-camera flash equipment, and combining existing light with artificial light. Demonstrations also include post-processing of images to create the final look you originally envisioned. In this way, you understand the complete process of creating gorgeous portraits, from start to finish. Also discussed are strategies for locating and connecting with volunteer subjects to photograph.

Weekly assignments help you gain fluidity and confidence in your work, and by experimenting with portraiture post-processing, you accentuate the mood, feel, and style that best expresses your vision. You finish the workshop with new experience and insights—not to mention stunning images you can be proud of.