Introduction to Studio Portraits
In this workshop, we’ll start with one light and a reflector to make lots of beautiful portraits of live models in the studio.
One-light portraits can be so compelling that you might not even want to progress to more lights and different set-ups. We’ll explore the benefits and techniques of adding additional lights so you have the option of going deeper.
We’ll learn about simple posing techniques, how to set up a simple (inexpensive) studio that you can use at home – or on location – and how to get results that look and feel timeless and professional. Best of all, you are learning hands-on with your camera and a professional by your side to guide and help you along the way.
This workshop will be held in person at Dallas Center for Photography.
What You’ll Learn:
- The value of studio shooting – what are the pros and cons?
- Types of studio lighting equipment and when to use what
- How to use a light trigger with flash/strobes
- Posing techniques to flatter your subject
- Measuring light in the studio using light meters and your camera’s histogram.
- Backgrounds: What do they really do?
- What is a lighting diagram?
- When to use which type of light modifier
- How to set up a home studio that works best for you
- Continuous vs. flash lighting and the strengths and weaknesses of each
What You’ll Need:
- Your camera, a charged battery, and an empty, formatted memory card.
- A pen and something to take notes with.
- Your camera manual or after-market instruction book.
- Optional: Any lenses or accessories you might want to use or ask about.
- Cost per person is $245.
- All DCP members receive a discount on class registration! Not a member? Join now!
- This workshop is held at Dallas Center for Photography – 4756 Algiers Street, Dallas, TX 75207.
- Workshop price includes modeling fees and lunch.
- Doors open at 8:45am. Workshop starts promptly at 9:00am and ends at 5:00pm.
- Advance registration and payment is required.
- Maximum number of students is 12. Minimum number to make a class is 6.
- Parking is available in the DCP parking lot and along Algiers Street.
Q: How late can I sign up for a workshop?
A: As long as the workshop doesn’t show as “sold out,” you can register up until 5:00pm the day before the workshop date.
Q: Is lunch included in the workshop?
A: Yes, we will be providing individually packaged lunches. The cost is included in your fee.
Q: If I am attending the workshop with my friend/spouse/sibling, do we each have to register for the class, even if we only have one camera?
A: Yes, each person attending the workshop must register for a seat.
Q: How will I know if a workshop makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be cancelled, you will receive an email no later than the night before the scheduled class date.
Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: If you cancel 7 days or more ahead of the scheduled date of the class, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. A cancellation between 5 to 7 days ahead of scheduled date will receive 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. There is no refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 4 days of start time of the class or workshop. Full details on cancellations are on our Policies page.
Michael Mulvey
Artist, Educator, and Photographer. Michael Mulvey’s work is rooted in the visualization of sociological practices.
His research interests range from capturing the cultural divide along the border with Mexico to the gentrification of West Dallas Neighborhoods, using methods of the documentary, alternative process, and conceptually constructed still lifes to create various pathways to access cultural complexities. His practice includes the use of analog and digital devices as well as site-specific installation and photo sculpture. His most recent work features pictograms made in cameraless space on the film of items collected from the land during the gentrification process. They represent the memory of what came before and are now in a permanent visual record formed in historic photographic processes.
Michael continues his work in journalism where he first started his creative and visual career of storytelling with images. Earning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 2006 while a staff photographer with The Dallas Morning News. The award was for coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, America’s most costly weather event, and the beginning of the global warming trend resulting in extreme energy super storms.
Michael holds an M.F.A in Studio Art from the College of Visual Arts at Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, and a B.S in Journalism from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.