The Intimate Self-Portrait: Photography as a Journey of Self Discovery

This class is all about taking your own portrait as a process of self discovery and self reclamation. Through the medium of photography, we will create a safe creative space to explore and express our authentic selves, parts that may have been forgotten or hidden for a long time. 

As a photography class, you will learn everything needed to shoot beautiful portraits step-by-step. We will cover the essential elements of a beautiful portrait, like composition, lighting, and color balance. We will also learn how to shoot with a dSLR on manual mode and how to edit your photos for both correction and styling. 

As a class of self-discovery, you will be led through a process called "photo improv," where you'll feel your way into the poses and be guided to connect with your true self. You'll learn how to embrace your inner critic that may prevent you from free expression. This experience is all about surprising yourself! It's a beautiful form of self care and self love. 

Don't worry if you feel like you don't have a beautiful space to shoot in. This class is all about finding beauty in what we have. 

What you'll need: 

• a dSLR with tripod / phone camera with stand
• a camera lens, preferably 50 mm (use what you have)
• a free trial of Adobe Lightroom
• VSCO photo app downloaded on your phone

By the end of this class, you will have a beautiful self portrait to share with others or keep to yourself.

• Class Introduction
• Class Project
• Essential Elements of a Beautiful Portrait
• Step 1: Finding the Perfect Pocket of Light
• Step 2: Deciding the Style & Color Palette
• Step 3: Setting Up Your Camera Step By Step
• Embracing Your Inner Critic & Handling Bodily Awkwardness
• Step 4: Photo Improv
• Step 5: Shoot & Flow!
• Step 6: Editing
• Making Corrections with Adobe Lightroom
• Adding Style with VSCO
• Course Wrap-Up & Parting Thoughts
• Newsletter Sneak Peak