The Available Light Portraiture Workshop builds on the foundation of traditional portrait lighting styles and posing to produce more relaxed and non-camera aware images.

Character and high drama lighting contrast will be explored. The focus of this course will be learning how to produce 'directed candid's' through flow posing techniques, use of background and environment, and rapport.

In order to create portrait photography that stands out in today's marketplace you need to learn how to shoot with a contemporary edge. Finding your 'edge' and learning how to communicate effectively with your subject is an important step in a portrait photographers evolution.

Students should have a strong working knowledge of their Digital SLR cameras (Intermediate Level) and a familiarity with the five portrait lighting styles.

Day One Morning :

Through slide shows and lecture we will review the 5
portrait lighting styles and traditional posing basics - hands, cropping,
rule of thirds, dynamic weight distribution. Contrast range for creating
mood will be discussed.

Afternoon:

Light modification techniques for balancing contrast ratio
and for manipulating light direction and introduction of contemporary
portrait images for inspiration and discussion.

Day Two Morning:

Outdoor flow posing, light modification demo and session
with models.

Afternoon:

Outdoor flow posing, light modification demo and session
with models continued. Final questions.

Final critique session of images shot during the workshop will take place online through our community forum gallery. More information regarding this will given by the instructor during class.

Level:

Intermediate Level. Participants should have a strong working knowledge of their personal SLR camera operation and be familiar with basic portraiture styles.

Enrollment:

Maximum 14 participants.

Equipment Needed:

Bring your camera (must have manual controls) and at least 1 lens.
Optional: additional lenses

We Provide:

Detailed course notes in binder.
All equipment and professional models when shooting in a professional studio setting as part of this course.

Early-Bird Discount:

Most of our courses and workshops offer a 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.

Some courses and workshops offer a discount if you're among the first 3 people who register. This discount will replace the 'standard' Early Bird Discount mentioned above, and will be applied automatically during the online registration process (as long as it is available). Check the course/workshop listing page for more details.

CAPIC & PPABC Members:

A 5% discount is available to CAPIC and PPABC members when registering online. Please be prepared to show your membership cards on the first day of your workshop.

Group Discount:

A 5% discount will be appplied if 3 or more people register at the same time for the same workshop. (All 3 tuitions must be paid for by one credit card to be considered a group registration.) Please follow the instructions on the online registration page.

In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.

If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:

For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.

For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

Within 45 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.

Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.

Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35

VPW can give no refunds:

If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.

Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.

Course Cancellation:

Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.

Instructor Replacement:

In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.

Liability

In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.

Please note: An administration charge of $25 applies to all refunds

Read complete refund and liability policy

The Contemporary Portraiture Workshop is taught by the following instructor:

Read Aura's Biography

Please choose your workshop date from the registration table below.