Narrative Portraiture: On Location in New York City

Photographer and teacher Chris Orwig shows how incorporate aspects of a location, such as architecture, natural light, and even passersby, to create authentic, story-filled portraits.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. Brooklyn Bridge Photo Shoot

• Meeting, greeting, and getting the first shot
• Collaborating with the subject
• Getting closer
• Directing the subject
• Shooting medium-format film
• Capturing the unexpected: A stranger in the mix
• Wrapping up the shoot

2. Preparing for the Shoot

• Planning considerations
• Scouting the location
• Storyboarding the shoot
• Gear considerations
• Handling gear on location

3. Brooklyn Bridge Photo Review

• Reviewing the shoot and the shots
• Variations on the story
• Film as a teacher: The medium-format film images
• Post-processing techniques

4. Assignment Ideas

• Scouting a strange location
• Sketching and shooting

Conclusion

• Conclusion

Addendum: A Family Portrait

• Shooting a group portrait
• Photo review: Capturing authenticity at home
• Photo review: An on-location family portrait
• Photo review: Variations on a theme
• Assignment: Working with a prop and shooting with film
• Further inspiration