Available Light Portrait Class

Available Light Portrait Secrets

Learn introductory creative outdoor portrait photography techniques using available light. This two-hour class covers key topics to help you shoot better outdoor portraits using only available light. You’ll study light at multiple locations and practice shooting with a professional model.

Topics Covered

• Location scouting to identify good light and surroundings
• Understanding the best focal lengths for portraits
• Understanding light quality
• Assessing light direction
• How to make a subject stand out from the background
• How to leverage a compelling situation into multiple looks
• How to find undiscovered variations of the portrait
• How to pose the subject in a flattering manner

Audience

This class is targeted for beginner to advanced photographers who would like to improve their outdoor portrait photography. Students should bring their camera and lenses as they will be photographing a professional model during the workshop.

Objective

This workshop serves as a great starting point for those seeking to create more compelling and creative outdoor portraits using only available light. Students will work with a professional model in multiple locations in a public park setting. Students will leave the class with greater insight into the necessary elements to create compelling portrait photography outdoors.

Meeting Location

Brushy Creek Lake Park
3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
We will meet near the restrooms and splash pads near the second parking lot.

Equipment Required

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera with charged batteries
• Clear Memory Cards
• Any and all lenses you hope to use  

Schedule and Format

This two-hour class consists of outdoor lecture, demonstration and practice. Students will see the instructor demonstrate techniques then students will photograph a professional model using what they’ve learned. The instructor will provide continuing feedback to students during the workshop to help improve their results. A non-commercial model release will be provided as part of this class.

About the Instructor

Tim Babiak is a full-time photographer and a long-time instructor at PCU. Tim is a PPA Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer. Tim has served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Austin Professional Photographers Association and is a two-time recipient of the Photographer of the Year award from the Austin Professional Photographers Association. Tim is also a two-time Bronze Medalist in PPA’s International Print Competition.