Embracing the Human Element: My Leap into Portrait Photography
Hello again, my intrepid fellow shutterbugs and whimsical wanderers. Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of curiosity and hesitation? That was me!
Embarking on the engaging and diverse world of studio portrait photography workshops was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of capturing human essence through the lens, starting with a captivating journey into film noir.
Despite my long-held belief that landscapes were my true calling, an intriguing email from Photography Session Days sparked a flicker of courage to explore the uncharted territories of portraiture.
So, brew a strong cup of tea, and let’s plunge into this chiaroscuro journey together, shall we?
This is a tale of transformation, from a landscape lover to a portrait enthusiast. Yes, you read that right. I, Elaine, who once believed that photographing a mountain was infinitely easier than capturing the essence of a person, have ventured into the enigmatic world of portraiture.
The Prelude: A Sea of Doubts
For years, my camera was my companion through serene landscapes, far from the unpredictable terrains of people photography. The mere thought of capturing a human soul through my lens brewed a storm of ‘what ifs’ and ‘but maybes’ in my mind, chaining my creativity to the safe shores of sunsets and mountains.
“Portraiture is for the extroverted,” the little voice whispered, “Stick to your sunsets, Elaine.” And so I did, until one day, an email from Photography Session Days popped into my inbox.
Embarking on a Film Noir Adventure
The amazing competition winning images from Photography Session Days photoshoots that I’d seen at my photo club had ignited a spark. “Could I produce portraits of a similar standard?” “Could I actually direct a model into an artistic pose?”
Yet, amidst the echoes of doubt, that beacon of change shimmered in my inbox: an invitation to a film noir studio photoshoot by Photography Session Days. It promised a gateway to the enigmatic world of portraiture, wrapped in the allure of 1920s Hollywood glamour. My heart raced, excitement bubbling within me like a child on the brink of a grand adventure.
I leapt at the chance faster than a cat on a hot tin roof, and before you could say “Cheese,” I’d roped in my dear friend Esther from the photo club, and a newbie to studio photography too. We were giddy with anticipation, visions of 1920s Hollywood glamour dancing in our heads.
First Steps in a Shadowy World
Our pilgrimage began on a bone-chilling morning, aboard a train from Blackpool to Manchester. Armed with my trusty Nikon D750 and a bag brimming with lenses and optimism, I felt like an explorer on the brink of new territory. The studio, nestled within the creative warren of AWOL Studios, awaited us with promises of mystery and artistic revelation
The Workshop Experience: A Day of Discovery
Upon arrival at AWOL Studios, the warmth of Graham Currey and Emma Finch of Photography Session Days immediately put us at ease. Their masterclasses in studio portraiture showcased a high level of organization and engagement. Here’s a glimpse into the structure of the day that transformed my photographic journey:
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- Warm Welcome: From the get-go, Graham and Emma’s approachability dissolved any remnants of nervousness, setting the stage for a day of creative exploration.
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- Group Dynamics: We were divided into two intimate groups consisting of varying levels of experience which helped to foster a supportive environment. My group’s journey began with Graham, while the other group started with Emma.
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- Setting the Scene: As we arrived at the studio, we were immediately transported back in time, greeted by our model Tom who was impeccably dressed in a 1920s-style suit, embodying the essence of a bygone era, reminiscent of a gangster, journalist, or detective. The studio was set up with a scene straight out of a film noir, and featured a table and chair, adorned with era-specific props such as a typewriter, a bottle of Jack Daniels, pens, and a classic hat. There was even a venetian blind in place to enable us to create those typical “through the blinds” images of light raking through to create the dark shadows associated with this genre.
- Bringing the Vision to Life: This environment highlighted the impact of themed setups in elevating portrait photography, showcasing the immersive experience that can be achieved through decoration and styling. Tom, our model, was the perfect embodiment of the era, complete with props that brought our film noir visions to life.
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- Hands-On Learning: Graham’s insights on camera settings and lighting techniques were invaluable for any photography workshop focused on studio portraits. Equipped with an ISO of 100, an aperture of F8, and a shutter speed of 1/200, we were ready to perfectly capture the intended mood. The introduction of a flash trigger on our cameras allowed us to manipulate light and shadow, adding depth to our images.
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- A Novice’s Nervous Start: I must confess, as my turn approached to direct Tom, my palms were slicker than a greased eel. Yet, the moment I peered through my viewfinder, the world fell away. It was just Tom, the shadows, and me. My first shot—a contemplative pose, Tom’s hand furrowing his brow—felt like striking gold. Graham’s nod of approval and words of encouragement gave me the confidence to suggest various poses to Tom.
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- Creative Direction: Graham was very attentive and encouraged us to direct Tom ourselves as well as suggesting interesting poses to help elevate the creative process and enhance the film noir feel of our images. The mentorship provided during the studio portraiture workshop and the collaborative atmosphere fostered experimentation, transforming my initial apprehension into artistic confidence.
Switching Gears:
- Midway through, we swapped studios, and the contrast was striking. Emma’s Belle Prive studio was a haven of feminine elegance, with Dolly Daisy as our muse.
- The transition from the gritty to the graceful was seamless, thanks to Emma’s expertise in setting the tone and guiding our creative processes.
- Emma was on hand to guide us on composition and lighting. Full of confidence from my session with Tom I felt comfortable chatting with Dolly Daisy and collaborating to experiment with different poses and props.
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- Collective Creativity: The day was punctuated by moments of shared insights, laughter, and collective creativity. Each photographer, regardless of their experience level, contributed to a pool of knowledge that enriched the workshop for all.
Reflections and Revelations
Participating in a specialized session like film noir within a broader studio portrait photography workshop context illuminated the vast possibilities and techniques in studio portraiture, marking a pivotal moment in my photographic journey. Here’s what I took away from the shadows:
- Confidence: The belief that I can indeed weave magic with models and studio lights has taken root in my soul.
- Community: The camaraderie and shared passion in the studio were as enriching as the photography itself.
- Creativity Unleashed: The experience has lit a creative spark that I’m eager to fan into a roaring blaze.
For anyone with a penchant for photography, be it in the ethereal world of film noir or any other genre, Photography Session Days is a company I wholeheartedly recommend. Their diverse offerings cater to all tastes, and under the tutelage of Graham, Emma, and wonderful professional models, you’re in for an enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Would I Do It Again? In a Heartbeat!
For those considering expanding their horizons, I recommend exploring the myriad genres available in studio photography workshops. My foray into film noir is just one example of the transformative experiences these workshops can offer.To anyone teetering on the edge of trying something new, I say leap! And to Graham, Emma, and their amazing team of models at Photography Session Days, I tip my hat.
The Takeaway: Tips for the Aspiring Portrait Photographer
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- Sign Up Early: These workshops fill up faster than a cup of tea at a British garden party.
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- Do Your Homework: A little prep goes a long way in bringing creative visions to life. Create a mood board with your ideas and refer to it when you feel you’re running out of ideas for poses.
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- Embrace the Nerves: They’re just the prelude to an exhilarating learning curve.
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- Trust the Process: Graham and Emma’s sessions are a blend of professionalism and warmth, perfect for kindling your creative fire.
The Conclusion: A New Chapter
As I conclude this narrative of transformation, I encourage you to ponder your own aspirations. The journey through a photography workshop focused on studio portraits might just be the catalyst you need to explore new creative horizons. With the right environment and a dash of courage, you might just surprise yourself. And remember, in the grand tapestry of life, every new skill, every leap into the unknown, is a thread of gold waiting to shine.
Your Turn, Dear Readers
Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a new passion? I’d love to hear your tales of adventure and self-discovery. Drop your stories in the comments, or share them with our vibrant community on the Lens Lady Diaries Community Facebook Group and Instagram Page.
Until our next escapade, keep chasing the light (or shadows, in this case), and remember, every picture tells a story. Here’s to crafting our narratives, one click at a time.
Cheerio and happy snapping, Elaine, your ever-enthusiastic Lens Lady
