Photography Workshops

Portrait photography workshops


Objectives: To teach portrait and flash photography techniques that will help you get great pictures of family and friends; and to have fun!! I show you how to make the best use of natural light and your camera flash, and I provide a model to be your subject. You work outside on location and/or in my studio.

Workshop 1 is held in the studio and outside on location and concentrates on the use of natural light, on-camera flash and reflectors.  It is run either in the morning from 9.00 am until 12.30 pm, or in the afternoon from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.  Price: $160 including GST.

Workshop 2 is held in the studio and concentrates on the use of studio flash equipment. It is run either in the morning from 9.30 am until 12.30 pm, or in the afternoon from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Price: $160 including GST.

Workshop 3 is a full-day workshop that combines workshops 1 and 2 and runs from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.  Price: $299 including GST.

Dates: Workshops are run on demand, with a maximum of two photographers.  They are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, but if requested a workshop can be scheduled for a weekday; or run for one photographer.  If you are interested in attending please contact me. 

If you wish to give a gift of a workshop to a friend or relative, you can purchase a voucher that can be redeemed at a suitable date.

Workshop location: Workshops are held at my studio, and the surrounding buildings, paddocks, gardens and native bush on my rural property at 1559 State Highway 16, Woodhill (between Kumeu and Helensville). Just 30 minutes drive from the Auckland CBD.

Facilities: The office and studio building is 6m wide x 12m long, so quite compact - hence the restriction on numbers. The studio area is 6m by 6m with seating and bench space/chairs for working on computers. Kitchen facilities include a microwave and fridge. There is a bathroom, and a make-up and changing room for models.

Note: I regret that the studio does not have facilities for those with physical disabilities, and many of the outdoor locations are on uneven ground or steep hillsides. If you have any questions about this please contact me.

Models: I work with a group of experienced amateur adult models, and which model is used on the day depends on availability.  An experienced young female model and care-giver can be contracted for those who would prefer to work with a model under the age of 18.

Studio Lighting: Depending on the workshop, techniques range from the use of natural light combined with on-camera flash and/or a reflector, to the use of up to 5 electronic flashes with wireless connection. I teach you how to create, reduce or accentuate shadows, and highlight selected areas of a model's features. Workshop 3 can end with a fun session using LED and laser lights.

Studio Backdrops and Props: There are 9 different colours of wall-to-floor backdrop (2.7 metre wide x 11 metres long) to choose from, including white and black. We use a variety of simple studio props including satin throws.

Outdoor locations: These include natural features such as paddocks with long grass and wild flowers, native bush, old buildings, gates, fences, trees or gaps through foliage, with or without props. Shots can cover from head to full-body.

Workshop notes: Basic notes are provided, but participants are advised to make additional notes during the day.

Bring: Camera equipment and any flash gear. USB stick to transfer images. Note pad.  Food and drinks for the day - tea, coffee, milk and bottled water are provided. If you have one, you may wish to bring your laptop.

Feedback and Examples

View feedback and some examples of portrait photos taken by past participants.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By registering for the workshop you will agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
  • No registration is accepted until the registration fee has been paid.
  • Registrations are accepted in order of payment, and any given workshop is closed off once two people have registered.
  • If a workshop is cancelled by me the registration fee is refundable. It is not refundable if a registrant later cancels or fails to turn up. The fee paid may be transferred to a later Portrait Workshop on condition that two participants attended the workshop that was missed by the registrant.
  • The copyright of each photograph is owned by the photographer who took it.
  • Each model and photographer will sign a model release, which includes the terms and conditions listed below.
  • Each model may receive copies of her/his photographs as part payment for her/his services.
  • Photographs taken of the models may only be used for the photographer’s or model’s personal use and promotion, such as on a web site, Facebook or Flickr. If posted on a web site they must not exceed 700 pixels in width or height, and be clearly identified as being totally restricted for any other use. Do not assign a Creative Commons Licence.
  • The photographs may not be used or sold for any commercial purpose, either by the photographer or the model; in the event that such a request eventuates, a new legal agreement and model release must be agreed and signed between the model and the photographer.