If you’ve made the decision to start making money with your camera, you’ve probably figured out that the fastest way to do it is by offering headshots and portraits. Not just the artsy stuff. But the bread and butter work that helps pay the bills. That’s what this course is all about. We were able to arrange a markdown for our readers which has now ended, sorry about that, stay tuned to see what’s next.
How to Take Headshots & Portraits
This complete online course is divided into four monthly modules, featuring a total of 16 HD videos. Also included are optional assignments and personal feedback on your progress from professional photographer Ed Verosky. Modules will be presented monthly, giving you plenty of time to complete each one.
Module One:
- Introduction & Overview
- Getting Started with On-Camera Flash
- On-Camera Flash Modifiers
- On-Camera Flash Portrait Techniques
- Photo Assignment
The course begins with an introduction and overview and covers the advantages of using flash for portraiture. Verosky will also go over some important camera/flash features and controls including basic exposure concepts you should become familiar with, if you’re not already. Flash modifiers, including DIY versions will be discussed next. Finally, he’ll dive right into using your on-camera flash to create professional-quality portraits!
Module Two:
- Off-Camera Flash Overview
- Off-Camera Flash Gear Recommendations
- Off-Camera Remote Triggering
- One-Light Portrait Techniques
- Photo Assignment
Flash settings for portraits & headshots
Here’s where the course gets into the basics of off-camera flash portraiture. This is going to be an exciting introduction to getting the kind of light you can only achieve with remote flash. Everything you need to get started will be covered in detail. Just follow along and you’ll have no problem setting up your first remote (off-camera) flash for portraiture. You’ll learn to create headshots in a variety of styles (standard, classic, dramatic).
Module Three:
- Two-Light Portrait Techniques
- Three-Point Lighting Techniques
- Various Studio Lighting Setups
- Controlling Backdrop Exposure and Color
- Photo Assignment
Headshot examples from the course
You’ve learned one-light portraiture, now it’s time to move on to more sophisticated lighting. Just moving up to a two-light setup will open up a whole new world of portraiture for you. But the course will also get into the details of three-point lighting and traditional studio-style lighting setups (all with your flash units!). Backdrops will also be covered.
Module Four:
- Environmental Portraiture
- Outdoor Flash (Fill and Main)
- Working with Mixed Lighting
- Standardizing Your Technique
- Photo Assignment
How to setup the flash
This module wraps up the course with several important topics. Environmental portraiture is about capturing the subject at home or at work. Verosky will talk about lighting for their environment (think interiors) to create a portrait that tells our subject’s story. Outdoor flash and mixed lighting are discussed as is creating a fool-proof, standardized approach to your portraiture.
Like This Article?
Don't Miss The Next One!
Join over 100,000 photographers of all experience levels who receive our free photography tips and articles to stay current:
Leave a Reply