5 Portrait Photography courses in Edinburgh

The course will introduce you to some of the most enduring photographic portraits and provide discussion on why they remain so seminal. The course includes an introduction to lighting and composition techniques for portraiture, as well as providing guidance on shutter speed, aperture, lenses, and other visual controls. You will use studio flash lighting to explore basic techniques in formal and informal portrait photography – though all of the techniques taught are transferrable to natural and other lighting media. There will be time for participants to photograph under three standard lighting set-ups. Some digital SLR photography experience is recommended. Morning The morning session centres on discussion of the work of some classic portrait photographers and standard techniques employed. The discussions will include elements of composition, pose, gesture, format and technique. Afternoon The afternoon session will cover practical studio lighting, standard lighting set-ups, direction of sitters, and time permitting also a brief introduction to some of the editing capabilities of Adobe Photoshop. Project Days are designed for those who are already familiar with digital photography processes but who want to pursue a particular aspect or develop more specific skills in one or more areas. This course is the perfect follow-on from our Digital SLR training courses and will support you in building upon your existing knowledge of DSLR camera skills and becoming a better photographer in general. It will help you to work confidently on your own creative projects and develop the artist in you.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

In this workshop you will be shown methods to create beautiful portraits with minimal equipment. Focusing on indoor portrait photography and the use of natural and available light we find ways to effectively work with sitters and light to further your existing practice. You will have existing knowledge and good understanding of digital photography, so the workshop can focus on experimentation with natural light source, positioning, composition, communication, reflection and pose.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

Sometimes, the simplest photos are the hardest ones to take. How do you make an impeccable portrait of a loved-one or of a friend on the spot, and with only the help of natural lighting? Basically, how do you manage without a studio and all its controllability, and end up satisfied with an expressive and successful portrait?It is essential to take the environment into consideration when composing a portrait. Managing the background's colours and graphics, choosing the point of view, directing the model - these are all points that will be covered during the course.Light control is an equally important aspect; in particular, analysing a given moment's light and using it wisely are elements that will be explained to help you make a successful portrait.This workshop will teach you:- How to observe the environment so as to guide your aesthetic choices: point of view, directing a model- How to "read" light and place your subject accordingly- How to correctly define parameters in your camera according to your desired result- How to frame and compose an image to highlight the subjectThe workshop includes a theoretical explanation, a main "practical" part, as well as a class debriefing at the end. Pre-requisites for this workshop:

During this two-day workshop, you will learn how to tell a compelling story via photographs. Participants will gain the tools for conceiving of and crafting their own projects, with pointers on how to find ideas, develop your vision, and self-edit. We will cover a broad range of themes, including subject interaction, ethical dimensions, natural light usage and composition. There will also be practical guidance on financing projects, and where to place finished work.Between the two sessions there will be an assignment, intended to provide a practical application of newly acquired skills – this will be reviewed in our second meeting.This workshop is perfect for those with a good understanding of digital photography, seeking to hone their storytelling abilities and push the boundaries of documentary photography.Day 1:– Introduction to photographic storytelling.– Case study of Michael’s work in relation to the practicalities involved with funding, organising and producing a documentary project.– Discussion on the work of inspirational photographers, film makers, and artists.– Consideration of the ethical challenges encountered when producing documentary photography.– Introduction of practical task, and review of images.There will be a practical assignment to be carried out before the 2nd session.Day 2:– Photo story workshop and discussion on style.– Editing: how to select the right pictures to suit narrative objectives.– How to work within time constraints.– Practical task– Portfolio review of work produced during the workshop.– Presentation on opportunities, competitions, and publishing documentary photography projects.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

This one-day workshop will introduce you to the history and development of still life and product photography and its use in commerce and fine art. We will look at the work of historical and contemporary practitioners leading to a practical demonstration of still life photography, encompassing the relevant lighting, styling and composition. The day will include a simple product photography and lighting session exploring camera techniques and equipment you can use to create your own images. Please bring along a small object you would like to photograph as part of the day. Morning The day will start with an introduction to the still life genre, looking at its development through photography both as a commercial and artistic tool. We’ll then build and light a still life setup – providing guidance and examples of different lighting techniques, composition and styling skills. Afternoon The afternoon will focus on product photography and lighting for sales. This will include information on equipment and technical requirements, along with some handy tips, tricks and hacks! We’ll also demonstrate ‘Focus Stacking’ – an advanced technique for combining multiple images. The day will conclude with a practical session, where you will get a chance to work in small groups to photograph the objects you have brought in, we’ll also provide some sample objects if required. This is a great opportunity to put the day’s learning into practice with our tutor’s support on hand. Project Days are designed for those who are already familiar with some digital photography processes but who want to pursue a particular aspect and develop skills in a specific genre. This course is the perfect follow-on from our Digital SLR training courses and will support you in building upon your existing knowledge of camera skills and allow you to work confidently on your own projects. Some prior digital SLR photography experience is therefore recommended.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.