| The Intimate Portrait

Guided by Jess T. Dugan, embark on a journey of intimate portraiture, exploring the art of creating compelling images through the creation of a profound connection between photographer and subject.

Making a photographic portrait is an intimate endeavor, requiring both photographer and subject to work together to create a compelling image. The best portraits are often as much a reflection of the maker as they are of the subject. In this workshop, participants will investigate their motivations for making portraits, strengthen their skills working with people, and engage deeply with issues in contemporary photography. 

Through critiques, presentations of classic and contemporary portrait photographers, demonstrations, and the daily creation of new photographs, we will investigate the elements that make a compelling portrait, including composition, lighting, subject, pose, gesture, and environment. We will focus in depth on strategies for working with subjects, including strangers, family, friends, and the self, gaining insight into methods for making emotionally resonant, visually dynamic photographs.

Participants should have a digital camera, a computer with processing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop, and a working technical knowledge of photography. Participants will create photographs throughout the week and will be expected to work outside of our designated workshop time. While we will address some technical aspects of photography, this workshop will focus primarily on the emotional and conceptual elements of portraiture. At the conclusion of our week together, participants will have gained skills for making compelling portraits as well as meaningful insight into their own photographic practice.

Students should bring:

• A print portfolio of 15-20 images of your most current work  
• Digital camera and accessories 
• Computer with Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Lightroom
• Tripod (optional)
• Notebook and pen/pencil

All images copyright Jess T. Dugan.