Portrait Photography — Direction and Expression
Sundays 11:30am-1:30 pm, May 10-June 7 (no class May 24)

This four-week course focuses on photographing people—specifically how to direct, frame, and capture a subject with clarity and intention.

While technical skills are addressed, the emphasis is on interaction, timing, and subtle adjustments that will enhance the final image.

Students will learn how to move beyond simply taking a photo of a person and instead creating a considered portrait.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Direct a subject in a clear and natural way

• Understand how small changes in pose and positioning affect an image

• Use light to shape a face and create depth

• Frame and compose portraits with intention

• Recognize strong vs weak portrait images

• Work confidently with a subject in a studio setting

Course Structure

1. Foundations of Portraiture. Introduction to framing, perspective, and the relationship between subject and camera.

2. Working with a Subject. How to give direction, create a comfortable environment, and guide subtle movements.

3. Light and the Face. How light interacts with facial features. Adjusting light for different results.

4. Practical Studio Sessions. Students photograph a subject in guided sessions, focusing on direction, timing, and refinement.

5. Review and Critique. Discussion of student work, focusing on expression, composition, and clarity.

Course Details

• Duration: 10 hours total (4 weekly sessions of 2.5 hours each)

• Format: Small group (maximum 8 students)

• Level: Intermediate

Requirements:

Participants should be comfortable shooting in manual mode and have a basic understanding of exposure and lighting.

Outcome

Students will develop the ability to work confidently with a subject to produce portraits that are intentional, consistent, and visually strong.