Portrait Photography: Essential Skills and Creative Approaches
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£595
- Start Date(s): 18 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, five days
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
18 - 22 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
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.
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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.
Here’s what our previous attendees said:
'This course was fab! I've learnt loads about the equipment I already have, and what I should progress onto next.' TB
'I was very impressed with the tutor. They were supportive, observant and inclusive.' GS
'I thoroughly enjoyed it! I wanted to learn a new skill having previously attended a photography short course at NTU before, and improve my portrait photography. I learnt loads of new skills, new ideas and a fresh enthusiasm. I enjoyed the opportunity to photography models in a studio setting.' BT
'This course has given me a lot of confidence and I look forward to using these skills in the future.'
What you’ll study
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.
- 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.
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.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University City Campus.
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.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art & Design's Bonington building, where the photography facilities give you access to digital equipment, studio spaces, and editing suites.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
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.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £595.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first day:
- a digital SLR camera
- memory stick
- notepad and pen.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
18 - 22 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all photography short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813