Most portraits come out flat. The face is lit, the exposure is right, and the picture still sits on the surface of the frame with no weight to it. This class is about the opposite result: a portrait with depth, where the face is sculpted, the subject lifts away from the background, and the whole image feels three-dimensional.
Rory Lewis has spent over twenty years photographing actors, executives, public figures and senior military officers, and he lights every one of those sittings in the studio. Across the day he takes that approach apart and rebuilds it in front of you, one decision at a time: where the light goes, what it is doing to the shape of the face, what to take away, and when a second light earns its place.
You’ll spend most of the day shooting. Several professional models work the room across multiple lighting setups, so you’re photographing real faces under real direction rather than watching a demonstration. Rory works with each attendee individually, and the day closes with your work up on screen.
If you’ve attended one of Rory’s masterclasses, this is the natural follow-up. It’s a different class with new material, built for photographers who already know the fundamentals of studio portraiture and want to push the look further.
What you’ll learn
- How light direction, distance and fall-off shape a face and give it dimension
- Control of the shadow side: ratio, negative fill, flags, and why subtraction does more than addition
- Separating your subject from the background so the portrait has depth
- When a second light helps and when it flattens everything you just built
- Camera decisions that drive the cinematic look: focal length, aperture, working distance and focus placement
- Directing a model for stillness, eyeline and expression
- Reading your own frame on the day and knowing which one is the keeper
Who it’s for
Photographers who are comfortable shooting in manual and have some studio or flash experience. Bring a camera and a fast lens if you have one; an 85mm or 50mm is ideal. All lighting is provided.
Course schedule
11:00am What makes a portrait look cinematic
11:30am The shaping light: one source, and reading the shadow
12:00pm Practical — hands-on with the models
12:45pm Lunch break
1:15pm Depth and separation: the second light, earned
1:45pm Practical — hands-on with the models
2:30pm Camera craft: lens, aperture, distance and focus for a three-dimensional portrait
3:00pm Practical — your own portrait, start to finish
3:40pm Review of the day’s work on screen
4:00pm Close
Location: 4th Floor Classroom of Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles on Fairfax Avenue
Don’t miss this chance to learn from Rory Lewis and transform your approach to portrait photography. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!
By registering for this workshop, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Click here to view our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy: Refunds request must be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the event.
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