Training Day

THE MODERN PORTRAIT MASTERCLASS

COMMUNICATION • POSING • LIGHTING • POST-PROCESSING

Sunday 7th February 2027

A PRACTICAL, HANDS-ON PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS

Join Salli Gainsford and Mike Baker FBPA for an intensive, hands-on photography masterclass designed to help you build confidence when photographing models, actors, performers and everyday portrait clients.

This is not a day where you simply watch us photograph a model. We'll demonstrate the techniques, explain our approach and then give you the opportunity to put everything into practice yourself, with us beside you to guide and support you.

Our aim is to help you feel more confident in your own studio, from the moment your client walks through the door to creating a varied collection of beautiful, modern portraits.

PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION

We'll explore the complete process of preparing for a portrait session, including communicating with your model, discussing ideas, planning outfits, choosing a concept and using moodboards.

You'll learn how to make your subject feel comfortable, build their confidence and create a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to get the very best from them.

POSING AND DIRECTING YOUR MODEL

Salli will share her experience of working with young female models, demonstrating how to introduce posing naturally and keep your subject moving throughout the session.

We'll look at body positioning, hands, arms, facial expressions and small adjustments that can completely change an image.

The emphasis is on creating variety, rather than taking twenty photographs that all look the same.

LIGHTING TECHNIQUES

Mike Baker FBPA will guide you through a variety of studio lighting setups, explaining how each one works and why we use it.

We'll explore beautiful soft portrait lighting, light modifiers, reflectors, hair lighting and how to make simple adjustments to achieve different looks.

You'll have the opportunity to work with the lighting yourself, gaining practical experience and a better understanding of how to recreate these setups in your own studio.

We'll also be demonstrating Westcott lighting products throughout the masterclass.

MULTIPLE LOOKS IN ONE DAY

We'll work through several different portrait looks, showing how changes in styling, lighting, posing and movement can create a varied portfolio from one session.

You'll learn how to work efficiently, keep your subject engaged and create images suitable for portfolios, social media and personal branding.

POST-PROCESSING

We'll also discuss the importance of getting your lighting and exposure right in camera, helping you keep post-processing simple.

A little clean-up and subtle adjustments should be all that's needed when the foundations of your photograph are correct.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Practical, hands-on tuition with Salli Gainsford and Mike Baker FBPA.

Model to photograph.

Multiple portrait looks and lighting setups.

Guidance with planning, communication, posing and directing.

Advice on camera settings, lighting, post processing is avalible within the recorded content for this class in the Develop area.

Demonstrations using Westcott lighting products.

A FREE downloadable posing PDF that will sent onto you before the date, allowing you to familiarise yourself with different poses before the day.

WHO IS THIS MASTERCLASS FOR?

This masterclass is suitable for photographers who want to improve their confidence with studio portraiture, whether you're relatively new to photographing people or already have experience and want to develop your posing, communication and lighting skills.

Come with an open mind, leave the ego at the door, be prepared to get involved and enjoy learning in a supportive environment.

FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS

Please bring your own lunch.

Biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available on site throughout the day.

NUMBERS

Places will be limited to ensure everyone receives practical guidance and time to photograph.

PRICE

£100pp

DATE

Sunday 7th February 2027.

TIMES

Arrival 10.15

10.30a.m till 4.30pm with lunch break

LOCATION, THE FLASH CENTRE BIRMINGHAM

Home Studio

Russets, Mudds Drove, PE14 9JU

BPA DEVELOP RESOURCE HUB

We'll also be filming this masterclass for the British Photographers Alliance Develop Resource Hub.

Members will be able to revisit the recorded sessions, refresh their knowledge and continue learning long after the live event.

CONTACT

[email protected]