Introduction to Portrait Photography

The Stuff You Can’t Learn On YouTube

A Portrait Photography Presentation by Joe Edelman

“Portrait photography is the one genre that EVERY photographer should be competent at. If you own a camera, you WILL be asked to create a portrait of family or friends!” — Joe Edelman

If you own a good camera, you have probably been asked to shoot a portrait for a friend, relative, or colleague. That also means that you have likely realized that shooting portraits is much more than aiming your camera at someone and saying cheese!

Dive deep into the art and science of portraiture with me as I unravel the magic behind compelling photographs. This isn’t just another lecture – it’s a journey into the world of portrait photography like you’ve never seen before.

We will look at what truly defines a captivating portrait. Learn the nuanced dance of communication, the alchemy of lighting, and the secret language of posing or, better yet, NOT posing.

My “KISS IT” (Keep It Super Simple) techniques will demystify the seemingly complex world of portrait photography, ensuring that you walk away with actionable insights to elevate your craft.

With interactive studio demos, Joe will illuminate how to harness light effectively, even with limited gear. This is a rare opportunity to peer into his creative process and walk away with skills that YouTube tutorials just can’t teach!

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

The Art of Communication: Engage and prepare subjects for authentic captures.

Lens Mastery: Discover the perfect lens to flatter your portrait subjects.

The Magic of Lighting: Understand the WHYS and HOWS of creating mood and depth with simple setups.

Backdrop Dynamics: Choose backgrounds that accentuate and complement your subject.

The Sculpture of Posture: Elicit natural, relaxed stances that tell stories.

Crafting the Frame: Dive into the essentials of cropping and composition.

Camera Play: Explore depth of field, angles, and more for powerful portraits.

From Start to Finish: End-to-end techniques that transform regular shots into masterpieces.

… and much more!

Presentation Details

Duration: 90 minutes with time for Q&A.

Available as an In-Person or Virtual Presentation.

This subject also works very well as an in-person 3-hour hands-on workshop.

Download Included

This program includes a digital download with notes and links to additional learning information and any equipment discussed during the presentation.

Download link is shared at the end of the presentation and will be active for 72 hours after the presentation concludes.

Intended Audience

This interactive and inspiring session is intended for photographers of all skill levels and all interests.

The concepts and techniques apply to both digital and film photography across all genres.

Set up Needed

In-Person: Requires the use of a digital projector and screen or a large-screen TV with a HDMI connections.

Virtual: I can host up to 100 people via ZOOM, or I can present on your organization's account. The presentation is delivered from a professional Livestream studio with professional lighting and sound.

Have more questions? Are you ready to book? Contact me with this link.

Images of Live & Virtual Presentations

All of my presentations, in-person or virtual, are lively, interactive, inspiring, and packed with useful information, with a little bit of humor thrown in for good measure!

Click to enlarge photos