Long anticipated, this unique workshop will show you how to photograph people in ways that go far beyond the predictable portrait.

If you've ever wondered how to connect with subjects to capture a sense of depth and presence in your images, then this workshop is for you.

As photographers, we know it takes more than just "clicking a button" to make great portraits.

Having a basic understanding of composition, camera technique, and lighting is a great starting point.

But, we know there's still more to it.

In this workshop you will learn how to make the connection between yourself, camera and your subjects to produce powerful portraits.

During our time together, we will explore alternative techniques for working with subjects to best capture your photographic imagination. We will begin by reviewing what you currently bring to your portrait work and identifying ways to deepen it.

Through a range of exercises, we will develop a core set of practices for working with subjects in the portrait-making process.

Some of the practices will address:

- How can we connect with subjects in a way that enables them to connect with our vision?

- How do we invite subjects to show up, giving us their best?

- How can we help subjects to enter an emotional landscape that brings our photographic ideas to life?

Finally, you will have the opportunity to personalize these techniques so you have the tools to express your unique visual style.

This workshop will expand your knowledge, skills, and vision for making extra-ordinary portraits.

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------> Workshop Schedule <------

 

Saturday 10am - 1pm:

Introduction to the Photographer-Camera-Subject Connection in Portrait-Making
Mini Portrait Portfolio Reviews
The next step - How to Deepen Your Work

Lunch 1pm - 2pm

 

Saturday 2pm - 5pm:

Alternative Portrait Techniques
Demo Session 1
Practice Session 1

Sunday 10am - 1pm:

Alternative Portrait Techniques
Demo Session 2
Practice Session 2

Lunch 1pm - 2pm

 

Sunday 2pm - 5pm:

Personalizing your Portrait-Making
Techniques Establishing a Portrait Workflow for Different Situations
Projects to Further Develop Your Portrait-Making Skills

Ray Remi:

Ray Remi is a fine art photographer with interests in landscape and portrait photography.

An educator and psychologist by background, he has 20+ years of teaching experience in academic, business, and workshop venues.

Ray has worked extensively with creative professionals; assisting actors, photographers, and producers to realize their creative vision.

Ray migrated from Australia to Vancouver in 2002 and has also lived and worked in the U.K. & U.S. He started photographing in the 90’s and works in both digital and film formats. He's a hopeless Photoshop junkie and is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop CS2 - CS4.

Ray’s infectious enthusiasm for photography can be seen in his work and teaching style.

He has trained with numerous internationally renowned photographers; e.g. John Paul Caponigro, Kieth Carter, Ralph Gibson, Connie Imboden, Kurt Markus, Arno Rafael Minkkinen, Elizabeth Opalenik, Chris Rainier, Rodney Smith, Joyce Tennesson, etc. and is passionate about furthering his own training and helping others learn photography.

Level:

Intermediate Level. Participants must have some experience shooting portraits (but need not be advanced photographers). Furthermore, everyone should be comfortable working with their camera, and know about aperture, shutter speeds, ISO etc.

Enrollment:

Maximum 14 participants.

Equipment Needed:

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

We Provide:

Workshop as described above. All model, lighting equipment and location fees when shooting with models on location as part of the workshop.

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 'making Contact Workshop is taught by the following instructors:

Ray Remi