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CreativeLive

Portraits Under Pressure

via CreativeLive

Overview

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AFTER THIS CLASS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

  • Leverage new techniques for choosing the light and locations for a successful portrait
  • Know how to build a rapport and utilize clear communication with your subjects
  • Set up a developed concept as well as how to light on the fly
  • Use successful strategies for marketing yourself as a photographer and how to get your work in front of editors

ABOUT VICTORIA’S CLASS:

Portraits require more than just great lighting and equipment. Sometimes a shoot doesn’t go as planned. The location is drab, the client isn’t in the best mood, or you forget to charge your camera batteries. Great portrait photography artists are able to think on their feet, connect with their subjects -- and capture great images under pressure. The best portraits often come from portrait sessions that didn't go exactly as planned, when challenges turn into assets.

Celebrity portrait photographer Victoria Will shows you how to use your environment to capture a unique, sharp image that reflects the person in the portrait. She’ll also highlight how to quickly evaluate a less than perfect situation and make it work for you and your subject. Take your portraits from amateur to near Mona Lisa gallery worthy by learning how to shoot portraits under pressure.

You’ll watch Victoria photograph real people in limited settings, discovering multiple opportunities in a limited space. Learn her three portrait musts for preparation, point-of-view, and connection. Gain insight into how to make every frame count and how to get the shots the editor requested, as well as those that speak to your vision. Learn how to make your subject feel comfortable in only a few moments while capturing exquisite photo collections in Portraits Under Pressure.

WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR:

The photographer looking to improve their portraiture through thoughtful lighting, creative techniques and leveraging the environment around you to get a consistent appearance.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Victoria Will’s background as an American photojournalist and celebrity photographer has helped her to develop techniques on editorial assignments to quickly connect with a subject. Her career began as a photojournalist for the New York Post and grew into a sharp portrait photography focus that opened opportunities to photograph celebrities. She continues to work in New York as an artist specializing in portraits and commercial work.

Syllabus

  • Class Introduction
  • Evaluating Location and Set-Up with Assistant
  • Editorial/Celebrity Style Shoot
  • Culling Editorial/Celebrity Style Shoot
  • Victoria's Portrait Journey
  • Victoria's Sundance Experience
  • The Power of the Portrait
  • How to Connect with Your Subject
  • Shooting a Commercial Image Part 1
  • Shooting a Commercial Image Part 2
  • Culling the Commercial Shoot
  • Marketing: Websites and Portfolios
  • Social Media & Blogs
  • Interview: Lacey Browne, Money Magazine Photo Editor
  • Wardrobe and Make-Up Best Practices
  • How to Work with Agents and Reps
  • How to Work with Assistants: Skype Interview
  • The Importance of Being Prepared
  • Shoot: Conquering Dark Tight Spaces
  • Culling Dark Tight Spaces Shoot
  • Shoot: Conquering Boring Spaces
  • Culling Boring Spaces Shoot
  • Shoot: Working with Groups - Part 1
  • Shoot: Working with Groups - Part 2
  • Culling Working with Groups Shoot
  • Portfolio Best Practices
  • Portfolio Best Practices Q&A
  • Portfolio Critique

Taught by

Victoria Will

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