Discover how to pose and be photogenic as well as how to control natural light to capture striking portraits!

Duration 6 hours

Up to 8 students

Aim

Do you struggle to make your outdoor portraits feel natural and confident?

Do you wish you knew how to use available light to flatter your subject—or guide someone into a pose that actually works?

This workshop will give you the tools to overcome those doubts. You’ll learn the essential principles of natural light and simple posing techniques to create authentic, expressive portraits on location.

We’ll explore how to make your subject feel at ease, how to work with both natural light and flash (inbuilt or external), and how to shoot portraits that truly connect.

Bring a friend or family member to practise with—and leave feeling more confident, creative, and in control behind the lens.

Workshop Themes

- Introduction to Lighting

Types of Light (natural vs artificial)

One Light Source Characteristics

Hard, Soft, and Diffused light and more...

- Common Mistakes

- Posing Tips

- Looking at Portrait Portfolios

Objectives

At the end of the workshop you will be able to:

- Understand the key principles of lighting and posing in portrait photography—and start to recognise what makes a portrait work

- Put your learning into practice by creating your own portraits using natural or simple artificial light

- Reflect on your images and talk about the choices you made around light, pose, and mood

We’ll keep things hands-on and supportive, so you leave feeling more confident, creative, and ready to keep exploring portrait photography on your own.

General Workshop Outline

10:30- 11:30

Introductions

Beginning of theory session – PART I – explaining and demonstrating the basic principles of lighting and one basic lighting set up (Rembrandt lighting) with student contributions and questions

11:30 – 11:40

Short Break

11:40 - 12:45 pm

Continuation of theory session – PART II – Discussing common mistakes, posing tips and looking at interesting portrait photographers

12:45 - 13:15

Lunch Break

13:15 - 15:15

Play Time - theory into practice – with feedback in parallel – PART I

You will be taking photographs of each other based on specific tasks I will be giving you. I will be guiding you giving you individual attention and feedback with practical tips on how to achieve your desired results by controlling your camera, your lighting and instructing your model.

15:15 – 15:25

Short Break (if needed)

15:25 – 16:20

Play Time - theory into practice– PART II

Continuation of practice and group feedback. Looking at each other’s photographs, commenting on them in a non-judgemental environment, suggesting new ideas and reflecting on your creative process of lighting and posing your subject.

16:20- 16:30

Summing up on the workshop themes, leaving your workshop feedback and suggesting ideas for further workshops based on your needs.

Handouts

After the end of the workshop I will be sending you e-handouts by email

Camera guidelines

A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideally the best type of camera you can have if you want to really explore and experiment with photography. However, all camera devices are welcome, including smartphones or tablets and you will still benefit from the workshop.

FAQs

Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Minimum age is 12 years old students attending on their own. For younger children please contact us.

(CRB checked)

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

For any questions contact eva@bright-on-photography.co.uk

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

YES or show your registration on your phone

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

YES

Description supplied by the event organiser.