Authentic Portraits - A Workshop

April 11, 2026

10am - 6pm in beautiful downtown Provo, UT

make pictures that feel like real people, not poses

• Live demos + hands-on shooting

• Photograph real models + get feedback

• Printed workbook + small-group workshop experience

This workshop has sold out all four previous years and we’re ready to roll for 2026.

The Authentic Portrait Workshop is for photographers who already know the basics and want something harder to teach and far more valuable: how to make portraits that feel real.

Here’s the thing. A technically correct picture can still feel empty. I’ll teach you the approach I’ve developed over years of photographing people—how to help someone relax, how to notice the small things that make a portrait feel human, how to make images with real heart and depth, and how to stop leaning so heavily on formulas (such as posing guides).

This is class on how to use a camera. We will not spend the day talking about f-stops, shutter speeds, or menu settings. This workshop is for photographers at nearly any level who already understand the fundamentals and want to make better portraits—ones with more connection, more honesty, and more impact.

During the day I’ll do a live demo with real models and then you’ll take a turn. We’ll take a look at what everyone shot and I’ll give you practical feedback you can use right away. You’ll also leave with a printed workbook to keep building on what you’ve learned after the workshop is over.

THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

• You hope we talk about megapixels and which camera is best

• You are brand new to photography and still learning about f-stops and shutter speeds

• You prefer a traditional “everyone smile at the camera” kind of portrait

• You aren’t willing to put to the test what you learn (this takes work)

If you find that any of the above bullet points resonate with you, that’s fine. It just means this workshop most likely won’t be a good fit.

So then, you might be wondering, who the heck should come to the workshop?

THIS IS FOR YOU IF:

• You already grasp concepts of the technical stuff and can make a decent portrait, but can tell there’s something missing and that it could be better

• You want to create meaningful, iconic portraits that are filled with real emotional zing

• You care about art and story more than buying a new lens

• You want actionable steps to help people relax and get out of their head about being photographed

  Go here to Reserve your spot! $550

With in-class instruction and hands-on demos, I’ll teach you how to improve your portrait game through simple exercises and mindset shifts. I’ll share what I’ve learned and practiced in my own business for the last 25 years to make meaningful and memorable portraits, and teach foundational principles to help you discover and hone your own creative vision.

Whether you’re taking pictures of your family just for fun or making portraits for clients, this content-rich workshop is designed to help you build your portrait photography toolkit and your creative identity so your images are memorable, meaningful, and engaging.

Read on below for all the details!

What Our Intensive Workshop Will Cover

• The tools to put people at ease, eliminating stressful portrait sessions and instead making them fun

• What to say to elicit authentic responses so the subject’s apprehension melts away and reveals the very best of them

• The language of photography and how understanding visual language will make or break your photographs

• The two elements that give a portrait soul

• The most flattering lighting scenarios

• The construction of a great portrait

• How following posing guides can ruin your photography and what to do instead

• Why what you leave out is often more important than what you include

• Gear and lens selection

Instruction, Demos, and Practice

In addition to in-depth class instruction and demos, you’ll put this content into practice yourself by photographing models in a supported environment with real-time feedback during the workshop. You’ll leave with increased confidence in your ability as a photographer and a crystal-clear understanding of how to make compelling, interesting portraits.

A small workshop size ensures all your questions can be answered all dang day.

What you’ll get from attending

• This workshop isn’t about correction so much as refinement. You’ll probably find that a lot of what you’re already doing is already working. What I bring is the extra layer—a boost of confidence and a few small shifts in seeing, approach, and intention that can take your portraits even further and give you a clearer path forward.

• You’ll leave with confidence when photographing people and a clear understanding of what gives portraits meaning and power.

• While I’m going to show you my own approach, it’s adaptable to your own. Heaven knows the world doesn’t need another Justin Hackworth, but we do need another you. After this workshop you’ll have an approach that works for you and fits your photographic style.

• You’ll have the tools to put people at ease, eliminating stressful portrait sessions and instead making them fun. Many people are apprehensive about being photographed and you’ll learn how to help their apprehension melt away.

Accolades from Previous Attendees

“This workshop was a pivotal moment in my career as a photographer. Justin provided each attendee actionable steps to achieve the kind of authentic portraits we all admire from his portfolio. I learned so much and I'm so excited to implement the things I learned at this workshop. Thanks Justin!”

“I came to learn from Justin and while he shared his own personal techniques that he developed he also encouraged us all to develop our own practices. And he gave us the tools and inspiration to encourage them. He instilled the idea in us that we are meeting and connecting with our subjects, making them feel seen, heard and ultimately accurately showcased in their portrait. Justin led meaningful discussions on ‘what makes a good portrait’ and didn't just talk at us, he fostered a community where we all could openly talk, have input, ask questions and feel safe. I traveled from out of state for this workshop and it was highly worth it. I'd do it again. This workshop left me with new ideas, creative insight and a fire to practice what I've learned. Justin is a gem of a human being, friend and artist.”

“This was a wonderful opportunity and worth what it took to get there. Justin is amazing and has such a unique personality and view on photography and getting the chance to be in person to learn from him was a dream! I know that I left having grown as a photographer and with a renewed inspiration to learn more and try new things in this field!”

“If you admire Justin's work, you notice that he's developed an incredible skill for capturing the true essence of people. Perhaps you're someone who thinks that all of that is left up to your subject and the circumstances. Au contraire. Justin will walk you through all the ins and outs of how to develop the skills, perspective, artistic, eye, and deliberate approach to help foster a situation that allows you to capture people as they really are. It's a day filled with delight, learning, opportunities to learn from all sorts of talented photographers, great snacks, and hands on practice. It's worth every penny, and will change the way you approach your work.”

“Thanks, Justin! There was so much that I loved about this workshop. It's no surprise to me that you thought of all the little details. Phenomenal snacks, beverage options galore, spiral bound notebooks of all the slides so I could take notes and not worry about having to capture everything you were sharing, great time with other people. Thanks for your thoughtfulness, preparation, and incredible teaching. I thoroughly enjoyed every second.”

“Justin knows his craft, is a genuine artist, and caring teacher. You can trust him to challenge you in meaningful ways that will help you grow as a photographer of people. You will get your money's worth, regardless of your experience level or innate artistic skill. And you will enjoy being around him.”

“Wonderful, Justin. 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.”

“The workshop was amazing. I feel like I learned a ton about different ways to improve. I’m particularly excited about the strategies for helping subjects feel comfortable and at ease.”

“Justin’s class was a ton of fun. He’s funny and engaging and really loves his craft. He’s a great teacher and I left inspired.”

“The Authentic Portrait workshop was awesome. It had a perfect mix of helpful technical information, creative ideas, practice, and feedback. Justin is really open about his approach and was very helpful.”

“Justin is very talented, very easy to talk to, and extremely knowledgeable. I loved his workshop and would recommend it to photographers of all levels. He was so helpful and encouraging.”

“Thanks for the amazing workshop. This helped me understand a better way to shoot and gave me a lot of guidance on how to be a better photographer.”

Who Should Attend

The workshop is designed to improve photographers’ skills at both the professional and amateur level. Whether you are photographing paid clients or just your own family, the instruction will meet you where you are and give you the tools to grow.

If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always got. It’s time to try something new.

Amateurs. Amateurs are of course welcome. It is not necessary to be a working photographer to attend. The only requirement is that you already know how to use a camera and are familiar with f-stops and shutter speeds.

Professionals. This class is perfect for working photographers who have experience with portrait photography and are seeking a new approach to make more meaningful portraits and break out of any ruts.

Can’t I Just Watch YouTube?

If YouTube was all you needed, would you be reading this right now? For this level of instruction, I think of YouTube like a thrift store. Yes, there is a really good shirt in there somewhere, but it’s going to really take some searching. There’s lots of information online about how to take better portraits. YouTube can be helpful, but it can only get you so far. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find the volume of information this workshop delivers in a cohesive, step-by-step format anywhere online. While you’ll sometimes find a single gem or two online, I’m astounded at how often photography instruction is irrelevant, wildly misguided, or straight-up inaccurate. The Authentic Portrait Workshop, with expert instruction, actionable steps, and hands-on practice, is a format I’ve never seen taught anywhere else. You’ll ask questions in real time and get feedback on work you create that same day. Can’t do that on YouTube. If this resonates with you, sign up here.

Some Questions … and Answers!

How much does it cost?

$550

How do I sign up?

I’m so glad you asked. Click on this link to sign up for the workshop. This is the fifth time I’ve hosted this and every other time it sold out, so don’t delay. Last year, it sold out before I even sent it to newsletter subscribers.

How can I contact Justin with additional questions?

By email: hello@justinhackworth.com

What's the refund policy?

The workshop is non-refundable. However, should your plans change, you're welcome to sell or gift your seat to someone else.

Is this workshop for professionals?

It is a good fit for working professional photographers who are interested in creating more authentic portraits. Also…

Can amateur photographers attend?

Abso-freaking-lutely. The only requirement is that you already know how to use a camera and are familiar with f-stops and shutter speeds.

What are the hours of the workshop?

We start at 10 am sharp, and the workshop officially ends at 6 pm, but I’ll stick around as long as necessary to answer all your questions.

Where will this take place?

At my studio in the historic Knight Block building. Here’s the address:

1 East Center Street, Suite 205, Provo, Utah.

If you are coming in from out of town, the Hyatt Place Provo and the Provo Marriott are within walking distance of the studio and there are lots of great restaurants and night clubs nearby. Just kidding about the night clubs—it’s Provo.

Will we break for lunch?

You bet we will. The one hour lunch is on your own and there are a number of fantastic lunch options within walking distance of the studio. A hefty range of delicious snacks and drinks will be provided all day long.

What should I bring?

Bring your camera (with fully charged battery), your favorite lenses, a memory card, and an open mind. I will give you a book that mirrors the slides that will be shown so that you can focus on what’s being said, rather than writing everything down.

How do I sign up?

Um … I already covered that, but I’m happy to mention it again. It’s actually my favorite question regarding this. You can sign up at this link right here.

ABOUT JUSTIN