PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP IN Dubai

Join Sergei for an exclusive two-day workshop that will immerse you in the world of portrait photography. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, this workshop will take your skills to the next level. With a rich mix of theory, practical sessions, and endless inspiration, you'll leave with a fresh perspective and valuable knowledge.

Sergei Sarakhanov’s workshop will be valuable for both beginners and experienced photographers, as it combines in-depth theory, hands-on practice, and a strong boost of creative inspiration.

The program includes a unique theoretical block as well as two practical sessions with expressive and carefully selected models. You’ll have the chance to observe Sergei’s shooting process and then take your own portraits.

The studio shoot will focus on the essentials of creating artistic and unconventional imagery using artificial lighting. You’ll learn how to see your usual equipment in a completely new way.

The location shoot will explore the nuances of working with natural light and light modifiers, as well as mastering composition and framing in real-world environments.

These two days will stay with you for a long time — they’ll shift your perspective on portrait photography and help you find (or refine) your unique direction in the photographic world.

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. Cinematic light. Working with two models and modifiers.