Even if you have worked as a photographer for many years, there is always something new to learn. At Theilgaard Academy we have extensive experience in offering workshops for photographers who want further training in portrait photography or need professional sparring and mentoring.
Helga Theilgaard is one of Denmark's most experienced portrait photographers and over the years has developed and refined her unique methods of person instruction. Techniques are a central part of our portrait photography education and give you concrete tools to create deeper, more authentic portraits.
In all simplicity, person instruction is about a person's expression reflecting how they feel at the moment. If your portrait person is standing and thinking about being photographed -- and perhaps even feels nervous about the situation -- the picture will reflect just that. The result will be a portrait of someone conscious of the camera, instead of an authentic moment. It is only through conscious personal instruction that you achieve authentic expression.
It is only through conscious personal instruction that you can create real, present expression. Maybe you've been photographing for many years and know different tricks, but do you always know exactly how to guide your model to be in the right place -- both emotionally and mentally?
If not, that's exactly what Helga can teach you.
At Theilgaard Academy we offer a wide range of courses and workshops aimed at ambitious photographers who want to hone their skills and explore new creative directions. Our workshops cover a wide range of topics including lighting, composition, storytelling, image processing and Photoshop, giving you a deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of photography.
Practical experience is always in focus. Our workshops are designed to challenge you at your current level while introducing you to new techniques and working methods. We believe that a photography education should be a dynamic process where you learn by doing — that's why our workshops include lots of hands-on exercises and personal feedback from trainers.
Our teaching
In our teaching, we attach great importance to the narrative element of images. For a professional photographer, the ability to create coherent and visually powerful narratives is essential. For a professional photographer, the ability to create a coherent and visually powerful narrative is essential. Through composition, lighting and finishing, you will learn how to strengthen the story in your images so that they have more depth and impact.
We believe that a strong photography education is about more than learning new techniques. It's also about personal development as a photographer. That's why our photography workshops include a thorough exploration of each photographer's personal style and expression.
Through intensive collaboration with teachers, participants will have the opportunity to hone their creative vision and become more confident in their work. The element of self-reflection and style development are decisive factors to be able to stand strong as a professional photographer in a competitive industry.
Whether you want to improve your technical skills with a basic course or are looking for an advanced workshop to explore new creative directions, at Theilgaard Academy we have a photography course to suit your needs. Our goal is to create an inspiring and educational atmosphere where photographers can grow both technically and artistically.
Our Approach
With a holistic approach that combines theory and practice, we ensure that you not only learn new techniques, but also gain a deeper understanding of how to create images that capture and engage your audience. At Theilgaard Academy we offer a unique combination of theoretical instruction and practical exercises, so that you gain the necessary knowledge and experience to strengthen your photographic craft.
Our workshops are created to challenge and inspire, and we look forward to helping you realise your full potential as a photographer.
In doubt?
If you have any doubts about which photography education or course is relevant for you, you are always welcome to contact Helga or Michael by phone or email.
Clarifying conversation
You can also book a clarifying conversation here if you are considering a longer course. It is free and non-binding and you get the opportunity to get a pair of Denmark's sharpest eyes on your photographs and your photographic practice, regardless of your level.
Sign up for clarifying conversation here >
Theilgaard Academy offers photography courses at all levels, both for amateur photographers, professionals or those who work with communication, content creation and SoMe and would like to have new skills in portrait photography and photography in general.
If you want to be taught by two of Denmark's best photographers, take part in one of our popular photo workshops at and around our beautiful photography school in the middle of Copenhagen.
I’m a visual artist and photographer, and over the past 20 years I’ve created a number of significant nationwide exhibitions and book publications — most recently the exhibitions I’m Here Now and The Rootless – We Who Remain.
I also work with communicating and teaching art and photography through workshops and talks, and I’ve helped hundreds of professional, independent and emerging photographers define their photographic language and make their images truly stand out.
I trained under Rigmor Mydtskov, Photographer to Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, as well as at Fatamorgana – The Danish School of Art Photography, and the European Film College.
If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact me at
or by phone on +45 26 84 40 43.
I’m a photographer and image retoucher, and an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop. I trained as a photojournalist and have worked as a photographer for more than 20 years for magazines, publishers and companies.
Alongside this, I have specialised in post-production and portrait retouching, as well as finishing fine art prints for museums and exhibitions. I also work on my own artistic projects.
Over the years, I’ve taught at institutions including Fatamorgana – The Danish School of Art Photography, and the Photography Programme under KTS/Next.
If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact me at michael@theilgaardacademy.com or by phone on +45 31 79 94 79.
