PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP IN PARIS
June 13-14, 2026 - Sold Out
2 days, 15 people, 590€
A two-day practical portrait photography workshop focused on working with people, character, and emotional presence — alongside lighting and technical portrait tools.
The workshop combines theoretical lectures, live demonstrations, and practical shooting sessions in studio and on location. Sergei shares his portrait approach, visual decision logic, and methods of working with a subject in front of the camera.
Workshop Focus
The program is built around portrait photography as human interaction with technical execution.
Main areas of focus:
understanding personality and presence in portrait
directing and communicating with a subject
emotional expression in the frame
portrait composition and visual decisions
studio and natural light approaches
lighting modifiers and setups
portrait series and project thinking
post-production workflow
The goal is to expand how participants approach and construct portrait images.
Who This Workshop Is For
beginner photographers learning portrait fundamentals
photographers moving into portrait practice
practicing photographers strengthening portrait skills
creatives interested in human-centered portrait approach
authors developing portrait portfolio material
Open to mixed experience levels.
Workshop Format
Duration: 2 days
Format: theory + demonstrations + practical shooting
Includes:
theoretical portrait lectures
studio shooting session
location shooting session
work with models
lighting demonstrations
post-production lecture
participant portfolio review session
presets and a recommended reading list after the workshop
Program Overview
Day 1 — Theory + Studio Practice
Portrait approach and artistic portrait logic
Working with people and directing basics
Equipment and lighting principles
Studio lighting and modifiers
Composition and shoot planning
Styling and visual preparation
Post-production workflow overview
Participant portfolio review
Day 2 — Practical Shooting
Studio portrait session with models
Natural light location shoot
Demonstration of directing and lighting decisions in practice
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FIRST DAY
Theoretical Part (~5 hours)
Features of artistic portraiture.
Types of requests for portrait shoots.
Working on oneself as an artist. Presenting your work. Creating a portfolio. Methods for building a portfolio. Forming your style and self-image. Creativity and commerce.
Photography equipment and its role. Lenses. Lighting equipment. Specifics of portrait photography with digital and film cameras. Examples of equipment setups for portrait shoots.
Light and its role in portraiture. Continuous light vs. flash.
Studio approach to shooting in any location with any light source.
Lighting setup as a construction kit. Working with modifiers (reflectors, diffusers). Shooting on dark and light backgrounds. Working with textured backgrounds.
Specifics of working with people. Breathing techniques. Directing movements.
Lunch Break (45 minutes)
Portrait composition. The rule of thirds, central and off-center compositions. Static and dynamic. The role of perspective in photography. Portrait angle and plastic angles. Multi-layering. Perspective.
Planning a shoot. Choosing and preparing a location. Working with style and image. Selecting accessories, clothing, hairstyle, makeup, and styling for different appearances and different tasks.
Shooting projects and series. Developing ideas. Unifying factors and elements. Types of portrait projects and their specific features.
Post-processing. Color correction in Lightroom (LR). Spot and area-based adjustments. Using AI tools. Proper handling of contrast and sharpness. Redrawing and enhancing the lighting composition.
Portfolio review for participants.
SECOND DAY
Practical part (~7 hours)
Studio lighting. Working with two models, light and diffusers.
Work on location. Natural light. Working with two models and modifiers.
Locations
photo studio L'Atelier & Beyond and an outdoor location (the Marais district and surrounding areas)
Dates & Time
June 13–14
(Saturday) at 11:00 - 17:00
(Sunday) at 7.00 - 8.00 - 16:00-17:00 (the exact time will be announced later).
Fee
Total workshop fee: 590€
A €295 deposit is required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due one day before the workshop.
Fully Booked
All spots in the photography workshop are currently taken. You can join the waiting list, and as soon as a place becomes available, we will contact you.
Booking & Questions
Lyubov Zaplatina whatsapp, telegram or sergeisarakhanov@gmail.com
FAQ — Workshop
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The workshop is open to different experience levels — from beginners to practicing photographers.
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Both areas are covered. Technical lighting and post-production are included, but the central focus is portrait work with people, character, and emotional presence.
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No. This is a two-day workshop format. Mentorship is a separate long-term one-to-one program.
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Yes. The program includes practical shooting sessions in the studio and on location.
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Yes. Models are provided for the practical sessions.
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It is recommended that participants bring a camera along with one or more of the lenses listed below.
Serhii recommends the following lenses (bringing all of them is not required):
• 50mm or 85mm (f/1.8 or faster)
• 24–70mm f/2.8
• 100mm (f/2.0 or faster)If you have a different lens, please contact the workshop curator for guidance on the most suitable option.
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Yes. The workshop program includes a portfolio review session for participants. You are kindly requested to submit up to 10 photographs to the workshop curator in advance, showcasing your style and creative achievements to date as clearly as possible. This will help ensure you receive the most constructive feedback and valuable guidance for the further development of your portfolio.
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No, participation is optional. If you are a beginner photographer or prefer not to take part, you are not required to submit your work.
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Cancellation terms are provided at registration and handled by the organizer.
+38 0503863294
Lyubov, manager
Calls 12-17 Mon-Fri (GMT +2)
Messengers (whatsapp, telegram)
©Sergei Sarakhanov 2026