Portrait Photography Amid Nature’s Beauty with David Rider – G25040501

What role does the human portrait play in today’s visually saturated culture? Why do we photograph another person, allow ourselves to be photographed by others, publish selfies, or examine portraits of strangers on Instagram? Have you ever photographed a friend, only to be disappointed with the results? This workshop harnesses the mystical beauty and splendor of Ghost Ranch to create compelling and engaging portraits. 

Each day combines sunrise and sunset photoshoots with group discussion and image peer review. We will balance technical skill development with exploration of issues like portraiture and human agency; portraits and spirituality; and self portraiture. We’ll explore Ghost Ranch’s beauty as our setting, learning to manage intense light while embracing shadows and merging portraits with landscape photography.

Each day includes two extended photoshoots with companions, workshop peers and others as our models. We’ll use the first and final daylight hours–known as the golden hour and twilight–to manage light as it brightens or dims. Depending on your hiking ambition and mobility, you might take a photo buddy along far flung trails or use nearby built structures of Ghost Ranch as backdrops. This gorgeous and vast landscape will challenge you to examine your subject’s place in the unique color, scale and terrain of our space. The genres of portrait and landscape photography find common ground in their management of light and shadow. 

At midday, we’ll go inside for discussion, skill review, and sharing of new images. We will learn to give and receive constructive feedback as we expand our vision. We’ll share our five strongest images in the final session.

Workshop leader David Rider will distribute brief notes for each day’s topic. He will introduce themes and tease out insights, facilitating discussion and assuring that all voices are heard. Together, we’ll ground our work with insights and collegiality that build during the week.

 Structure for a Typical Day:

 Session #1 Sunrise photoshoot (6:30-7:30 AM)

We begin just before sunrise to capture the pre-dawn blue hour, sunrise and golden hour. We’ll break into several groups, rotating teams throughout the week. Some will hike a trail in search of portrait landscape backdrops, others will work with built structures near the main campus. We’ll alternate roles as photographer and model as we learn to compose the portrait and guide our subject. Each day, you can choose to photograph workshop peers or strike out on your own for a trail selfie.

 Breakfast (7:30-8:30 AM)

 Session #2: Technique and coaching (9:00-10:15 AM)

We meet in our seminar space with our cameras to discuss issues like composition; catchlight; balancing model and natural background; managing natural and ambient light; avoiding visual distractions; and coaching your model. We’ll work indoors and outdoors during this session to practice specific techniques.

 Break (10:15-10:30 AM)

 Session #3: Portraits and Culture (10:30-11:30 AM)

We meet in our seminar space to discuss cultural issues of portraiture: gender dynamics between photographer and model; performative behaviors; model agency, especially with vulnerable people; beauty culture and its critique; portraits as a critique of societal norms; selfies and self portraits.

 Lunch (12:00-1:00)

 Session #4: Image review and feedback (1:00-2:00)

On Day 1, participants will share 5 images from recent work; thereafter, photos will be taken on site during the prior 24 hours. When presenting work, participants will listen silently to respectful peer feedback. Images will stand on their own without explanation from their creator. Prior to class, upload 5 images for critique to a Google folder that will be shared.

 Free time (2:00-5:30 PM)

 Dinner (5:30-6:30 PM)

 Session #5: Sunset photoshoot (6:30-7:45 PM)

 We repeat the same process as Session #1 but reverse the order of light as day fades to night. We’ll mix up the groups each day to photograph different personalities and body types. We meet before sunset and photograph through golden hour, sunset, and twilight, adapting to changing natural and ambient light. One evening, we will photograph two Ghost Ranch wranglers on their horses.

 Photo Gear

All digital cameras are welcome for this workshop–DSLR, mirrorless or cell phone. Bring a laptop or other means to view your work and upload daily images to a dedicated folder.

Keynote: At Work by Annie Leibovitz is presented the last day of class, May 3rd.