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Portrait Photography: Essential Skills and Creative Approaches

  • Level(s) of Study: Short course
  • Course Fee:

    £595

  • Start Date(s): 19 August 2024
  • Duration: Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm, five days
  • Study Mode(s): Short course
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Most of us wish to be able to take great portraits of our family and friends, as well as be able to capture striking images of people and cultures when travelling.

However, taking pictures of people can be a challenge, even for the most experienced photographer.

This very practical course will therefore help you take your portraits to the next level, control the light to capture the best shot, and gain confidence as a photographer.

During the course, you’ll be working with a professional model and learning how to edit your photos with Lightroom and Photoshop to create images with the wow factor.

The course will suit photographers at all levels of skill and experience.

You’ll find it helpful to have some knowledge of using your equipment in manual mode.

This is not a purely technical workshop that endlessly discusses gear - instead, it’s a pragmatic, hands-on course in the art and science of portrait photography.

  • You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
  • With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work.
  • Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices.
  • On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

What you’ll study

On this course, you will:

  • study the great photographers and dissect their images
  • learn about light and its behaviour - direction, intensity and quality
  • explore lighting on the move, and how to get the most from natural light and speedlights.
  • learn about composition and backgrounds
  • explore different approaches, including candid and corporate portraits.

How you’re taught

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University City Campus.

Further information

By the end of the course, you’ll have an appreciation of the challenges and joys of photographing people.

You’ll leave with images for your portfolio, and the technical skills and knowledge to continue taking great portraits.

Tutor profile:

Louise Mills is a professional wedding and portrait photographer based in Nottingham, who shoots both in her studio and on location.

Louise loves being behind the camera, taking those secret candid shots, orchestrating a shoot to create a mood and recording that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

She has worked extensively photographing weddings, families, and couples, as well as models, business professionals, and those in the performing arts, to produce editorial and publicity images.

Her past clients include Audi, Macmillan, RSVIP, Porsche, UNISON and Alea Casinos.

She is also the owner and director of Going Digital, a nationwide photography educational company.

You can view Louise’s photographs here.

Please bring with you to the first session:

  • any digital camera
  • memory stick
  • notepad and pen.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

Level: Beginner

Entry requirement: No portrait experience is required, though being able to work with your camera in manual mode will be useful.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £595.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

The fee for this course is £595.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

How to apply