Portrait Photography Course

This project-based course is designed to help students develop their skills in portrait photography. The course is suitable for learners of all levels and will guide them through the process of creating professional-quality portraits. The course will cover topics such as lighting, composition, and posing. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in portrait photography and will have created a portfolio of their work.

Module 1: Introduction to Portrait Photography

Lesson 1: What is Portrait Photography? Learning Objectives:

• Understand the purpose of portrait photography
• Identify the different types of portrait photography Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography in magazines and online Activities:
• Have students take a portrait of a partner or friend
• Critique and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• What makes a good portrait?
• What are some challenges in portrait photography?

Lesson 2: Basic Camera Settings for Portrait Photography Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in portrait photography
• Understand how to use white balance to adjust the color of a photo Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography with different camera settings Activities:
• Have students practice adjusting the camera settings to achieve different effects
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• How does changing the aperture affect the depth of field in a portrait?
• What are some creative ways to use shutter speed in portrait photography?

Engaging Video Script: In this module, we will introduce you to portrait photography and teach you the basic camera settings you need to know to get started. We will also show you some real-world examples of portrait photography and give you the opportunity to practice taking portraits yourself.

Module 2: Lighting for Portrait Photography

Lesson 1: Understanding Light in Portrait Photography Learning Objectives:

• Understand how different types of light affect a portrait
• Understand how to use natural light and artificial light in portrait photography Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography with different types of lighting Activities:
• Have students practice taking portraits using natural light and artificial light
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• How does the angle of light affect the mood of a portrait?
• What are some techniques for using artificial light in portrait photography?

Lesson 2: Lighting Equipment for Portrait Photography Learning Objectives:

• Understand the different types of lighting equipment used in portrait photography
• Understand how to use lighting modifiers to control the direction and quality of light Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography with different lighting equipment Activities:
• Have students practice using lighting equipment and modifiers to create different effects
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• What are some advantages and disadvantages of using natural light versus artificial light in portrait photography?
• How can you use lighting equipment to create a specific mood in a portrait?

Engaging Video Script: In this module, we will teach you about lighting in portrait photography. We will show you how different types of light can affect a portrait and teach you how to use natural and artificial light to create different effects. We will also introduce you to different types of lighting equipment and show you how to use lighting modifiers to control the direction and quality of light.

Module 3: Composition and Posing for Portrait Photography

Lesson 1: Composition Techniques for Portrait Photography Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to use framing, rule of thirds, and other composition techniques in portrait photography
• Understand how to create a balanced composition in a portrait Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography withdifferent composition techniques Activities:

• Have students practice using different composition techniques to create balanced and interesting portraits
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• How can you use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye in a portrait?
• What are some common mistakes to avoid when composing a portrait?

Lesson 2: Posing Techniques for Portrait Photography Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to pose subjects for portrait photography
• Understand how to create a natural and relaxed atmosphere during a portrait session Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography with different posing techniques Activities:
• Have students practice posing subjects and giving direction during a portrait session
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• How can you use body language and facial expressions to convey emotion in a portrait?
• What are some tips for making your subject feel comfortable and at ease during a portrait session?

Engaging Video Script: In this module, we will teach you about composition and posing techniques in portrait photography. We will show you how to use framing, rule of thirds, and other composition techniques to create balanced and interesting portraits. We will also teach you how to pose your subjects and create a relaxed atmosphere during a portrait session.

Module 4: Editing and Retouching for Portrait Photography Lesson 1: Introduction to Editing Software Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of editing software for portrait photography
• Understand how to import and export photos in editing software Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography before and after editing Activities:
• Have students import a portrait into editing software and make basic adjustments
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• How can editing software enhance a portrait?
• What are some common mistakes to avoid when editing a portrait?

Lesson 2: Retouching Techniques for Portrait Photography Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to use retouching tools to improve a portrait
• Understand how to maintain a natural and authentic look while retouching Real-World Examples: Show students examples of portrait photography with different retouching techniques Activities:
• Have students practice using retouching tools to improve a portrait
• Review and discuss the photos as a class Discussion Questions:
• What are some ethical considerations when retouching a portrait?
• How can you use retouching tools to enhance the subject’s natural features?

Engaging Video Script: In this module, we will teach you about editing and retouching in portrait photography. We will show you how to use editing software to enhance your photos and teach you how to use retouching tools to improve your portraits while maintaining a natural and authentic look.

Module 5: Marketing and Business for Portrait Photography

Lesson 1: Building Your Portfolio Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of a portfolio in portrait photography
• Understand how to showcase your work effectively Real-World Examples: Show students examples of successful portrait photography portfolios Activities:
• Have students create a portfolio of their own work
• Review and discuss the portfolios as a class Discussion Questions:
• What are some tips for building a successful portfolio?
• How can you use your portfolio to market your services?

Lesson 2: Marketing and Business Basics Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of marketing and business for portrait photography
• Understand how to price your services and find clients Real-World Examples: Show students examples of successful portrait photography businesses Activities:
• Have students create a marketing plan for their portrait photography business
• Review and discuss the plans as a class Discussion Questions:
• What are some effective marketing strategies for portrait photographers?
• How can you determine your pricing and find clients in your area?

Module 6: Final Project For the final project

students will create a portfolio of their own portrait photography work, which will include a range of portrait styles and techniques learned throughout the course. The portfolio should showcase the student’s ability to apply the concepts and skills taught in the course to create high-quality portrait photography.

Components of the final project should include:

1. A portfolio of at least 10 portraits
2. A written reflection on the student’s growth and learning throughout the course
3. A marketing plan for the student’s portrait photography business, including pricing, target market, and marketing strategies

The final project should be submitted in a digital format, such as a website or PDF portfolio.

Discussion Questions:

• What did you learn from this course, and how have you grown as a photographer?
• How will you use the skills and knowledge learned in this course in your future work as a portrait photographer?

Ways to Expand Learning:

• Encourage students to continue practicing and experimenting with different portrait styles and techniques
• Provide resources for further learning, such as workshops or online courses
• Invite guest speakers or professional portrait photographers to speak with the class about their experiences and techniques

Engaging Video Script: Congratulations, you have reached the final module of the Portrait Photography course! In this module, we will discuss the final project, where you will create a portfolio of your own portrait photography work, showcasing the skills and techniques you have learned throughout the course. We will also reflect on your growth as a photographer and how you plan to use the knowledge and skills learned in this course in your future work.