Amazing Studio Portrait Workshop with Ming Lo- Santa Ana

We all take photos, but what makes a portrait exceptional? What makes a portrait memorable?

In this class, we will break down the elements that make a distinctive studio portrait – lighting, wardrobe, posing, backgrounds, photographic style, and personality. And then, we will explore how to put these elements together into a unique portrait that tells a story about the subject.

We will begin with classic studio three-point lighting, the foundation for studio lighting, and will work up to 4-5 lights for a professional look. Then, we will move to working with a subject, and we’ll provide tips on how to select wardrobe and how to pose a subject, with particular attention to how these elements help tell a story about the person being photographed.

Next, we’ll use different backgrounds and settings to show how they can change the impact of a photo.

Lastly, we’ll look at ways to capture the subject’s personality, how to bring out their unique traits, and tell a story about the person. With these elements in mind, you can create something special for clients, for friends, or for family.

** Please bring a camera and a portrait lens – ideally in the 80-120mm range to the workshop.

Instructor Bio:

Ming has been shooting professionally for over 30 years. Ming started shooting in high school with a small Minolta camera, in the days long before digital, autofocus, and screen previews, when you had to manually focus, estimate exposure, and develop film at a drive-through called Fotomat. In the mid-1990s, Ming started shooting headshots and portraits professionally.

Not long after, he entered the digital age, shooting both photos and video on the latest digital cameras. As an actor and fan of visual media, he developed his artistic sensibility by watching every film he could, by learning lighting and shot composition on film sets, and by applying his lessons to shooting in the field.

And as an actor, Ming especially likes capturing personalities, always looking for what makes people unique. By the mid-2000s, Ming was shooting photos and directing local videos for major clients such as Walmart, Green Dot, Bain & Co., and LA-18 TV.

Today, Ming shoots a wide variety of subjects, including headshots, portraits, fashion, street, architecture, real estate, landscapes, Milky Way, night/neon, and light painting. Ming is inspired to capture unique personalities, life’s special moments, and nature’s amazing offerings. Ming shoots primarily with Canon and Sony, but has also had experience with Nikon, Fuji, Minolta, and Panasonic video cameras. Ming also teaches for Digital Photo Academy and the California Center for Digital Arts.

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Host or Publisher Samys Photo School Santa Ana