portrait lab course

GROUP ONLINE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

**Portrait Lab**

A group online course in portrait photography designed to help photographers define and develop their own visual language, work more deeply with people in front of the camera, and build a recognizable portrait style.
The course is based on the author’s approach of Sergei Sarakhanov, combining regular practice, professional feedback, and the development of personal projects.

The online group class “Portrait Lab” is a great opportunity for each student to radically improve their photographic skills and develop their knowledge about portrait photography.

The class will be held both for those who take their first steps in photography and for experienced photographers.

The course is running under a new unique program containing a large amount of theoretical and practical information, a variety of homework and feedback from the teacher.

This class is based on the teacher’s 16 years of practical experience, which he shares with his students sincerely.

The focus is on creating a meaningful and lively tailoring photograph that can tell a convincing story about its character.

The creative development of each student, the work with creative thinking and the perception of photography as a visual language of modernity are also an important part of the training.

1 class
Introduction. What is a portrait? Types of requests for portrait shooting.
Form. Types and types of lighting. Various schools of lighting. Equipment and gear kits.
2nd class
Review of the student portfolio.
3rd class
Form. Work with interpretation of reality. Work with context. Methods of storytelling.
Work with composition. Types and methods of placement of the object in the frame. Creation of perspective.
4th session
Homework Review "Available Light"
5th session
Character. Preparing for shooting. Working with a model. Types of posing.
Complementary portrait. Specificity. Zones of sympathy. Artistic techniques and means of narration. Study and analysis of works of authors working in this technique.
6th session
Review of homework "Work with composition"
7th session
Conceptual portrait. Specifics of usage. Story research. Formation of narrative. Work with objects-symbols. Study and analysis of works of authors working in this technique.
8th session
Homework Analysis "Complimentary Portrait"
9th session
Documentary portrait. Specificity of usage. Work with context. Study and analysis of works of authors working in this technique.
10th session
Homework Review "Conceptual Portrait"
11th lesson
Image processing. Organization of the working environment. Formats. Color correction.
Batch processing. Retouch image. Work with AI.
Work with photo projects.
12th lesson
Homework Review "Documentary Portrait"
13 lesson
Final lesson. Review of the graduate course projects.

At the end of the class each student creates his own photo project.

study schedule and course rules

Start of studies: Depending on the chosen language, your group will start on January 12, 13, or 14, 2027.
Group communication: All main communication takes place in our private WhatsApp or Telegram channel.
Support: A course coordinator is assigned to the group to help you with any organizational questions.
Group size: 15–20 students.
Lesson format: Every lesson will be recorded and made available for later viewing.
Assignment reviews: Homework and assignments will be reviewed live during the daytime (each session lasts 2 hours).
Review recordings: Recordings of all assignment review sessions will also be available.

cost of the course:

Portrait Lab: 375 pounds (6 thematic lessons, 7 assignment checks)
Portrait Lab + : 500 pounds (6 thematic lessons, 7 assignment checks + 2 individual lessons of 30 minutes each)