Portrait Photography Short Course Announced!

I am thrilled to announce that in late July, for the first time, I will be running a short course on portrait photography. The four week course will be held in Southeast Melbourne from July 20, and will have a maximum of ten places. You can book a place in this course now by phoning 03 9885 7952 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm) or emailing enquiries@ashburtoncc.org.au. The course will be run on Monday 7:30-9:30pm or Saturday 2:00-4:00pm depending on demand.

Here are the details so far. This is my first draft of the course plan, and any or all of these details may change prior to the commencement of the course, however they are a good idea of what you should expect. The price has been finalised.

Creative Portrait Photography
Tutor: Neil Creek

Learn how to take creative photos of family and friends using flash and natural lighting.

Cost: $130AUD
Location: Ashburton Community Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Date: TBA – After 20th July
Days: Monday 7:30-9:30pm or Saturday 2:00-4:00pm depending on demand
Classes: 4 x 2 hour sessions including one location shoot with model

Requirements: Participants must bring a digital camera with a flash hotshoe* and full manual controls and have basic photographic knowledge. Maximum 10 students (minimum 6)
* Sony Alpha users will be unable to use their camera in the flash exercises with the provided lighting gear due to the proprietary flash mount.

• Session 1 – Introduction to Portrait Photography, lighting, basic camera operation and functions of shutter speed and aperture, studying example portrait photos
• Session 2 – Importance of light in creative photography, types of light, light quality and direction. Familiarization with electronic flash and in-class interactive demonstrations with lighting gear provided
• Session 3 – Viewpoint, angle and pose, adding impact to your images with creative composition & viewpoint with in-class interactive demonstrations with lighting gear provided
• Session 4 – Go on location to experience photographing a model in natural light, and using flash to supplement natural light. This will be a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Students will receive detailed class notes to accompany the sessions, and students will be encouraged to participate in the demonstrations to gain a hands-on perspective of the lessons.

Depending on the demand for this short course, a second one may be run concurrently. If demand is very high, one or two more courses may be run following the first one or two.

I would very much like to know if you are interested in participating in this course. I am looking at the possibility of offering off-camera lighting kits at special prices if I can find an interested retailer. Do you have any other ideas that would make this course even more valuable to particpants?

I hope to see you there!