ANOTHER EXCITING DAY OF TEACHING!

My friend Philip and I just completed teaching a fun workshop on existing light portraiture sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) "Super 1-Day Program."  (See this post for my recent in-studio portraiture workshop.)  

We had two wonderful models---George, an actor, and Rebecca, a business woman---looking for fabulous headshots; and we had a great group of photographers, eager to learn how to "see the light."  Our goal was to set-up studio-quality portraits outdoors using only the existing light in the scene.  

The trick is to find the proper lighting conditions first and then to pose the model properly within that light.  It's quite a challenge that takes a great deal of practice.  But, mastering these skills allow you to travel and work efficiently, unburdened by reflectors or auxiliary lighting equipment, and achieve beautiful, professional-quality results.  

In the early afternoon, Philip and I discussed technique and showed examples from our own portfolios.  Then we caravanned to a nearby campus for the practical study of lighting and posing in a natural setting.  The group took turns looking for different places, studied how the light fell upon the models, and then finessed their positioning and posing until the studio-perfect portrait revealed itself.  

It was addictive!  

Such fun, our study continued long after the sun set, allowing us to demonstrate portrait lighting using not only existing natural light but also existing artificial light.  The above portrait of George was taken at night using the light from the lampposts illuminating a small walkway and plaza.  Wow!

The result is a strong headshot with a distinctive character -- perfect for adding interest to an actor's portfolio.  

Thanks to all of the models and photographers who made this workshop so fascinating!  

I was thrilled to spend the day with you.  

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I love creating strong distinctive portraits of unique people (like you!).  To arrange a portrait session, call me at 703-729-3780 or send me an email.   

My Northern Virginia wedding and portrait photography studio is conveniently located in Ashburn, Virginia, just west of Dulles International Airport and north of the Brambleton shopping center.  

Let's get that distinctive portrait going!