Portrait Photography Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This course guides students through how to develop a portrait photography style, combining creative approaches and technical knowledge.
Through a series of technical sessions and practical exercises, students gain an insight into the history of portraiture and build their understanding of the medium, including how to work with a sitter, composition and inspiration.
Technical sessions cover a range of topics including portable and studio lighting, how to work with daylight, an introduction to Adobe Photoshop and key digital camera settings. Students will also have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice by working with a model.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in portrait photography who would like to build their knowledge and understanding of this medium. It would be an excellent fit for photographers, artists, creatives, art directors, etc. It is best suited for people who already have some knowledge of how to use a camera (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.).
Key information
Topics covered
- Looking at key portrait photographers' work and the history of photographic portraiture
- Regular discussions of each student's work
- Ways of approaching portraits and posea
- Portrait photography using a life model (clothed)
- Compositional techniques
- Key camera settings such as focusing methods, focal lengths and metering
- Advice on cameras and lenses
- Working with natural and ambient light
- Portable flash lighting (including fill-in flash and balancing daylight)
- Studio lighting (various studio flash lighting approaches)
- Doing an edit and an introduction to working with Photoshop
- Industry advice
Learning outcomes
- Develop a portrait photography style
- Gain knowledge of the history of portraiture and key portrait photographers' work
- Develop an understanding of various compositional techniques
- Become comfortable working with both natural and studio lighting
- Learn how to work with a sitter to make inspiring portraits
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- A digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless, with full manual controls)
- Spare memory card, spare battery and the camera's battery charger (recommended)
- Notepad
- Comfortable shoes and warm weather clothes for courses taking place over cooler months (for learning about daylight portraiture)
Students are welcome to bring analogue cameras to sometimes use on the course, and to develop their film in their own time (However, it is recommended they also have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual controls. While analogue photography techniques will not be studied on the course, the tutor regularly uses analogue cameras and can give advice on the topic)
IMPORTANT - Adobe ID Login for Short Course Students
Students will need to create an account with Adobe (unless you already have one) to access the Adobe suite at the college - instructions are included below. You will need to use a personal email address to create this. If you already have an account with Adobe, please make sure you bring your login details with you on the first day of the course.
Please note:
The software will only be accessible when logged into a UAL networked computer
The same account can be used outside of the University, but software will only be accessible through a personal paid subscription that students will need to set up independently
You can still create an account on the day but doing this beforehand will save time and avoid delays to the start of the class
If you already have an Adobe ID/ subscription you can use this on your short course rather than setting up a new account
During this course you may be using Adobe Photoshop. If you do not already have Photoshop, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial of Adobe Creative Cloud. Please note a credit card is required to register for the free trial. The subscription must be cancelled on the date provided by Adobe if you do not wish to continue into a paid account.
To create an account students will need to:
- Go to Adobe Sign in page
- Select 'Create an account'
- Enter your details and select 'Create account'
Tutor
Holly Falconer
Holly Falconer is a London-based photographer, whose work focuses on capturing groups and subcultures in the UK with a particular interest in the queer community. Her photography has been widely exhibited, and she has worked for Channel 4, Tate Etc, the BBC, i-D and Shelter, amongst others. Originally starting out as a writer for LGBTQIA+ publications, her work tells the stories of people via a collaborative approach and a vivid, intimate aesthetic.
Holly studied English Literature at University College London and has a Diploma in Magazine Journalism from City University. She has considerable experience in teaching photography at various institutions and is a short course tutor at Central Saint Martins.
Book a course
Loading