Master in Portrait Photography

We begin by giving you an introduction to the many different techniques and tools you need to learn to master in person instruction, image comprehension, staging, lighting techniques, composition and image processing. Tools that we will work with in the training and which are absolutely essential to master, in order to achieve a solid foundation for your portrait photography.

In this module, we also increase your awareness in seeing and your way of taking portraits. And we look at why portrait photography is on the top 1 list of the absolute most important disciplines you need to master as a professional photographer.

We present a series of presentations and discussions about photography as art, talking about how psychological and social mechanisms are crucial for our image perception, and show a number of examples of photographers who have worked with a personal expression through their photography.

In addition, we dive into the wonderful world of image processing and you will be introduced to the special workflow, which is the basis on which you can create ready-made images at the top level. Fast and accurate.

We are constantly focused on what you want to tell with your photograph and how you get all the way from shooting to finished image.

In this module you will work with:

How to Become More Conscious in Portraying a Person

• Methods of working with the psychological nature of portraiture

• Compositional construction of the image's shape and idea

• Posing and staging a human

• Introduction to lighting techniques

• Image processing and the work with style and expression

• Practical photography, exercises and tasks along the way

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Personal Direction is the portrait photographer's most important tool.

In this module, we delve into Helga's unique methods of directing your portrait person in and out of emotional states, so that you always get authentic, present portraits that burn through.

We focus on the personal blockages that you as a photographer may experience during a photo shoot, and you get the tools you need to overcome them.

Along the way, you will be asked a number of exercises and tasks, so that you will be able to try the different methods in your own photography. You will naturally get feedback on your process and your portraits along the way.

In Photoshop, we continue to work on how to support your narrative and your experience of the person you have portrayed in your post-processing of your portraits.

In this module you will work with:

• Awareness in the work of portraying a human being

• Methods of person instruction and the work with the psychological nature of portraiture

• Tools for the emotional space and states

• Personal challenges and barriers

• Face shape, body shape and poses

• How to use image processing to support your narrative

• Narrative, aesthetics and image comprehension

• Practical photography, exercises and tasks along the way

Without light no picture. In this module you will learn how to build your light from scratch so that you never again have any doubts about how to illuminate your portrait to get just the right expression.

We focus on how many different expressions you can achieve with the light from a window or a single lamp, simply by working with distances, angles and different reflectors and modifiers. From here we continue to work witha series of more advanced lighting techniques with several lamps in the studio.

We work with daylight and set up a studio outdoors where we show you how to use direct sunlight, shadows and balancing light to achieve the desired result. In addition, we work with flash/daylight and mobile light for on-location photography, so you achieve a variety of lighting techniques to create the portrait you dream of.

You'll learn about shaping light, lighting directions, lighting contrast and tonal separation, allowing you to make a number of conscious choices in creating your narrative, defining your person's character, and expressing your personal photographic style.

Working further with Photoshop, we go deep into selective color adjustments, retouching, and post-copy, and you'll learn how to set up and use your Wacom and Photoshop tools for maximum efficiency and precision when finishing your portraits.

In this module you will work with:

• Magic of light with mastery of light expression, narrative and mood

• Larger light set-up in the studio

• On-location photography with mobile light

• Advanced color adjustment and retouching

• Development of style and look

• Setting up and using Wacom

• Narrative, aesthetics and image comprehension

• Practical photography, exercises and tasks along the way

In Module 4, we focus on developing your final project for the exhibition. Building on the art grip approach, an award-winning creative innovation approach designed to drive development processes, we explore the key challenges of your photography so you become sharper on what to work with in your project.

The method gives you a broader, deeper and richer process in your idea development and tools to enhance your creativity with innovative and professional photographs as a result.

Based on your idea for your project, you will get individual sparring with Michael and Helga, who will help you develop your personal approach to the task and equip you with technical knowledge of what it takes to be able to achieve your project. You'll get overview, clarity and a plan for how to get started.

In this module you will work with:

· Methods for Goal Setting and Idea Development

· Innovation process

· Strengthening your creativity

· Create overview and structure in the process

· Developing your personal imagery and visual signature in your photography

· Realization of an exhibition

We finish the training with a certification that allows you to get paper on and market yourself with the fact that you are a Master in Portrait Photography.

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The test is threefold — and consists of:

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• An exhibition with assessment by external censor

• An online certification test

• Assessment of efforts, tasks and development throughout the year

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You must pass all three parts to obtain your certification.

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In Module 6, we focus on business development and how you position yourself clearly as a photographer. After the in-person programme, you’ll get access to a tailored online course designed to help you build a strong photographic foundation and stand out in the market.

You’ll work with structure and planning, and you’ll get practical tools to create clarity, set direction, and execute consistently. We also cover the fundamentals of building a sustainable business: product development, pricing and monetisation, marketing, sales, and branding.

In this module, you will work on:
• Photographic passion and vision
• Structure and planning
• Building a solid business foundation
• Product development and monetisation
• Marketing and sales
• Personal branding
• Creative mindset and awareness

By the end of the module, you’ll have a clear plan for establishing and growing your photography business, and a stronger ability to combine creative quality with commercial direction — so you can position yourself effectively and operate as a professional.