A couple weeks ago, I got to spend the day doing one of my favorite things: helping fellow photographers find new ways to give their portraits some extra zing. The Authentic Portrait Workshop wasn’t about settings or gear — it was about seeing differently, (Elliott Erwitt says, it’s not about what you see, but how you see), connecting more deeply, and creating portraits that actually feel like something. (Sign up for our newsletter to be notified next time we do the workshop).
This workshop was built for photographers who already know the basics but are ready to move past the safe pictures and the low hanging fruit — the stuff that’s technically fine but sometimes a little lackluster, maybe a little forgettable — and into portraits with more soul and grit and heart.
In an email a few days before, in letting them know what to expect, I asked them to show up with an open mind. They did. They all did. They all came ready to push themselves and it showed.
We talked about some basic stuff, sure — but we also talked a lot about body language, rhythm, gestured and expressions, how to direct without over-directing, how to get someone to drop their "photo face" and just be human in front of the camera. It’s a process and it takes a little work but more than that, it takes a shift from the way most photographers approach portraits. I did a little demo that showed my approach, then let them loose to try it on their own.
There were so many elements of the day that I loved:
• Watching someone adapt their shooting approach mid-session and suddenly seeing a new way they’re excited about.
• Seeing photographers encourage each other, take creative risks, and actually play again. Not everyone that comes to this workshop is a working photographer, but the majority are, and some come feeling like the excitement and shine of shooting has started to fade. It’s so great to see that shine show up again for them.
• I heard more than once, “This is the kind of work I’ve been wanting to make!”
I finished the day feeling so inspired by all of them. Their energy was contagious.
Teaching this workshop reminded me why I care about portraits in the first place and why I rarely get tired of looking for, chasing that split second where someone looks a certain way, gestures, make a certain expression that start to show something that feels real.
I’m already dreaming up what the next version of this could look like and I can’t wait for when that day comes around. That’s likely going to be next winter, at the beginning of the year but this one sold out so fast I have been thinking of doing another one in the late summer or fall. If any of this resonates with you, if you’ve been craving more honesty, more spark, and more you in your portraits — I’d love to have you there next time. Here’s a form to add your name to my mailing list which is where I’ll announce the next one.
Workshop attendees and the models everyone had a chance to photograph
After the workshop, some emailed with some really kind words regarding their time.
One said:
Wonderful, just absolutely so good. Thank you for this special time of learning, a peek into your world, how you treat people and for the support and encouragement. You gave us your all and you're still doing that by sending additional insight and practices. And the photos you took of us! You have a giving heart and that is what I walked away seeing. You are an amazing, skilled photographer but how you treat people and connect is your "secret sauce".
Another said:
This workshop was a pivotal moment in my career as a photographer. You provided us all with actionable steps to achieve the kind of authentic portraits we all admire from your work. I learned so much and I'm so excited to implement the things I learned. Thanks Justin!
