Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Fine Arts · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Portrait and Figure Photography

This course explores the human element in photography. It combines technical lighting skills with the psychology of working with people. Students will learn to direct subjects to achieve natural expressions, master the art of posing the human form to flatter or abstract the body, and execute lighting patterns that reveal character, from the corporate headshot to the fine art figure study.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master classic lighting patterns: Rembrandt, Loop, Butterfly, and Split
  2. Direct subjects effectively: Posing men, women, and groups
  3. Understand "Corrective Posing": Angles to flatter different body types
  4. Explore Figure photography: Silhouette, form, and body language
  5. Execute the "Environmental Portrait": Telling a story through location
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Portraiture: Painting to Photography
  2. 02The Psychology of the Sitter: Building Rapport
  3. 03Lighting I: The Broad vs. Short Light
  4. 04Lighting II: Five Core Patterns
  5. 05Lens Choice: Compression & Distortion
  6. 06Group Photography: Composition & Focus
  7. 07Posing Guide I: The Male Form
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Posing Guide II: The Female Form
  10. 10Corrective Posing & Camera Angles
  11. 11The Environmental Portrait: Location
  12. 12Fine Art Figure: Form & Silhouette
  13. 13The Corporate Headshot
  14. 14Lighting for Skin Tones
  15. 15Post-Processing: High-End Skin Retouching
  16. 16Final Project: The Portrait Series (Studio & Location)

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Portrait Series (Studio & Location)

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Picture Perfect Posing by Roberto Valenzuela
  2. Mastering Portrait Photography by Sarah Plater and Paul Wilkinson
  3. The Headshot by Peter Hurley
  4. Light, Science and Magic (Portrait chapters)
  5. Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits (Visual & Technical Breakdown)
More in Fine Arts
Abstract & Impressionist PaintingThis course explores Impressionist and Abstract painting traditions through color, gesture, texture, light, and expressive mark-making.
Advanced Cloth Figure PaintingDrawing the nude is a challenge; dressing it is an art form. This advanced course focuses on the complex relationship between the human form and drapery.
Advanced Figure DrawingThis course advances observational and anatomical figure drawing skills. Students study complex poses, skeletal and muscular structure, dynamic movement, foreshortening, expressive mark-making, and refined rendering to develop mastery in depicting the human form.
Advanced Landscape PaintingThe landscape is a challenge of light, atmosphere, and vastness. This advanced course moves beyond the "Blue Sky, Green Grass" formula.
Advanced MaterialsIn the world of 3D, a model is only as good as its surface. This course explores "Look Development" (LookDev) and the creation of photorealistic digital materials.
Advanced Mold Making TechniquesThis technical course is the bridge between a unique sculpture and mass production. Students will explore the science of replication, learning to create complex molds for sculpture, product design, and prototyping.