Choosing a personal portrait theme and working within a “series” mentality to add a select body of work to your portfolio is one way to continue to grow and challenge yourself as an artist. In this six-week course, we’ll discuss all aspects of creating a meaningful, impacting portrait series including the importance of communication skills, the psychology of dealing with people, design continuity of your work, and the element of trust within the artistic exchange. Throughout the course, the importance of developing a conscientious work ethic and challenging yourself on a regular basis to produce new bodies of work is also stressed.

With 25 years of commercial and fine art photography experience, instructor Ken Merfeld will offer careful guidance for class participants as they develop an outline for creative organization, execution, and completion of their personal projects. Lighting and “technique” applied to subject matter is emphasized, analyzed and fine-tuned. Print quality and presentation of work will also be addressed.  All participants’ personal portrait projects will be discussed, researched, and scheduled with the first six images [minimum] of each project produced and critiqued during class, defining a course of action to continue and/or apply to other subject matter for future portfolio enhancement.

This workshop is open to beginning and intermediate levels of photographers interested in going beyond the surface level of portraiture. Project prints are due each class session, portfolios will be reviewed and critiqued, and collaborative materials shown. Please bring portrait and people related portfolios to the first class meeting.

Dates: September 15 - October 20

Workshop fee: $435

Class location: Venice Beach

Enrollment limit: 12 students

6 Session(s)
Wed  7-10pm,  September 15 - October 20

Instructor(s): Ken Merfeld
Location: Venice Beach