portrait lab course

GROUP ONLINE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

**Portrait Lab**

A group online course in portrait photography for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of working with a subject in the frame, lighting, composition, and the visual language of portraiture.
The course is built around Sergei Sarakhanov’s signature approach, regular practice, professional feedback, and working on your own projects.
**Format:** Zoom live, 13 sessions
**Start date:** January 12 (English group)
**Price:** £375 Standard / £500 Premium

Portrait Lab is a two-month group course with Sergei Sarakhanov focused on cultivating your unique visual language in portrait photography.

Session 1. Portfolio
Participant portfolio review
Session 2. Introduction & Fundamentals
What makes a portrait
Types of shoot briefs
Light: types and approaches
Lighting schools and traditions
Gear and equipment
Session 3. Assignment Critique: “Available Light”
Session 4. Form & Composition
Interpreting reality
Context and narrative
Composition and perspective
Session 5. Assignment Critique: “Composition”
Session 6. Working with People
Shoot preparation
Directing and working with a model
Posing
The flattering portrait:
Areas of appeal
Techniques and visual solutions
Master photographer case studies
Session 7. Assignment Critique: “Flattering Portrait”
Session 8. Conceptual Portrait
Concept and meaning
Narrative
Working with symbols
Master photographer case studies
Session 9. Assignment Critique: “Conceptual Portrait”
Session 10. Documentary Portrait
Working with reality
In context / out of context
Master photographer case studies
Session 11. Assignment Critique: “Documentary Portrait”
Session 12. Post-Processing & Final Project
Color and file formats
Retouching and workflow
AI in photography practice
Developing a photo project
Session 13. Finale
Final project critiques
Articulating your signature approach

Program Format

Live online classes on Zoom (real-time sessions, not pre-recorded).
Duration: 1.5–2 hours per session.
Group of 15–20 participants: to keep the atmosphere comfortable and ensure personal attention for everyone.
Assignment critiques: Sergei personally reviews participants’ work live and gives in-depth feedback.
Every practical module includes two assignment tracks: one for beginners and one for practicing photographers.
Recordings of all classes and critiques are available to participants throughout the course.

What’s Included

13 live online sessions with Sergei Sarakhanov.
An initial portfolio review to identify your strengths and map out your creative direction.
Hands-on shooting assignments between sessions, tailored to two skill levels: beginners and practicing photographers.
Assignment reviews and in-depth feedback.
A private WhatsApp group for community and support.
Access to class recordings throughout the course and for 30 days after the final session.
A final personal photo project.

Shooting assignments are a vital part of the program. They are how you put what you learn into practice, receive feedback, and gradually build your own visual experience.

Who is it for?

Aspiring photographers looking to build a solid foundation in portrait photography.
Photographers eager to develop their signature style and make their work more recognizable.
Practicing creatives in need of consistent practice and professional feedback.
Designers, videographers, artists, and other visual professionals.
Anyone looking to better understand the human subject and create more meaningful portraits.

Structure

The course is designed as a step-by-step journey: moving from understanding form, light, and composition to working with people, meaning, and visual language.

Between theory sessions, you will complete shooting assignments tailored to two skill levels (beginners and practicing photographers), allowing you to put new concepts into practice right away. Once completed, your work is reviewed live by Sergei.

At the end of the course, you will create your own personal photo project—bringing together everything you’ve learned and crystallizing your new visual approach.

Outcomes

This course is all about action. If you complete all the shooting assignments, by the end of the program you will have:
A curated portfolio featuring several complete shoots and photo series.
The ability to work intentionally with light, composition, and your subject.
Hands-on experience across different portrait genres, from flattering to documentary.
An awareness of your own visual habits and recurring creative choices.
A finished personal photo project as the culmination of the program.
A more cohesive, professional workflow for both shooting and post-processing.

Why Portrait Lab

Portrait Lab is a creative laboratory built around shared practice, open discussion, and a lively exchange of ideas.

Working in a group, receiving feedback, and seeing diverse perspectives will help you grow faster and expand your visual thinking. However, the real engine of your progress is consistently completing the shooting assignments. If you are ready to invest time into practice, you will finish the course not only with a stronger portfolio, but with a deep, conscious understanding of what you create as an artist—and why.

Tuition & Packages:

Standard Portrait Lab — £375
All live sessions, assignment critiques, access to session recordings throughout the course, and a final photo project.

Premium Portrait Lab — £500
Includes everything in the Standard package, plus two 30-minute 1-on-1 sessions with Sergei.

Your spot is reserved upon 100% payment for your chosen package.
You can pay in the way that works best for you: online via the link on our website (multi-currency payments supported) or via IBAN bank transfer if you require an invoice.

Standard Portrait Lab - Group Online Сourse (January 12), ENG

£375.00

Payment Note: Since we are UK-registered, payments for this online course are processed in GBP (£). Regardless of your card’s currency, please select GBP (£) in the checkout form below. This way, your bank will handle the conversion at its standard rate, helping you avoid extra payment processor fees.

Premium Portrait Lab - Group Online Сourse (January 12), ENG

£500.00

Schedule

Course Start
January 12, 2027, at 10:00 AM London time (participant portfolio review), followed by the first theory session at 5:00 PM.

Classes will be held live online every Tuesday (London time):
— Feedback sessions: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
— Theory sessions: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The program includes dedicated time to work on your final project from February 17 to March 8.

Course End Date: March 9, 2027.

All sessions take place on Zoom. Every session will be recorded and made available for later viewing.

Assignment critiques are held live during the daytime and are also available as recordings.
Live attendance at assignment critiques is optional. If you cannot attend live, please send your questions or a brief note about your assignment to the program coordinator in advance.