Portrait Photography: Creating Drama with Light Justin Bridges Class Resource Guide Project Description Photograph a portrait of someone you find interesting. Use high contrast, shadows, and thoughtful mood to convey drama. Project Specs ● Final project should include 13+ images ● Upload your final set to the Project Gallery as a .jpeg or .png ● Images should be at least 540 pixels wide. Max file size is 2 MB Tools and Materials ● Camera (iPhone, PointandShoot, DSLR) ● Lightroom (Optional) A free trial is available at Adobe.com Steps 1. Study the light in the space Prep for your shoot by getting to know the space. ● Will there be natural, ambient light? ● If there's artificial light, can you shut it off? ● Is there more than one light source? ● How will the time of day affect your light? Think about how you can position your model so that part of him/her is dramatized and darkened by shadow, and another part is illuminated by light. Also, a few notes about shoot prep: It's a good idea to think about your subject and your creative vision. For this class project, try to work with someone you know well, perhaps a roommate or partner. This will make the shoot fun. 1
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Portrait Photography: Creating Drama with Light...4. Edit and share your final portrait Your final photo should be an evocative, intriguing portrait that uses contrast, shadows, and
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Portrait Photography: Creating Drama with Light Justin Bridges Class Resource Guide Project Description
Photograph a portrait of someone you find interesting. Use high contrast, shadows, and thoughtful mood to
convey drama.
Project Specs
● Final project should include 13+ images
● Upload your final set to the Project Gallery as a .jpeg or .png
● Images should be at least 540 pixels wide. Max file size is 2 MB
Tools and Materials
● Camera (iPhone, PointandShoot, DSLR)
● Lightroom (Optional) A free trial is available at Adobe.com
Steps 1. Study the light in the space
Prep for your shoot by getting to know the space.
● Will there be natural, ambient light? ● If there's artificial light, can you shut it off? ● Is there more than one light source? ● How will the time of day affect your light?
Think about how you can position your model so that part of him/her is dramatized and darkened by
shadow, and another part is illuminated by light.
Also, a few notes about shoot prep: It's a good idea to think about your subject and your creative vision. For
this class project, try to work with someone you know well, perhaps a roommate or partner. This will make
the shoot fun.
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Also think about how you can best communicate your creative vision with your subject. Is there a story or
image that's inspired you? What should they wear? Sharing all this information before the shoot will allow
you and your subject to get excited and be aligned in your project.
Share: A few sentences about who, where, and why you'll shoot.
2. Photograph test shots to understand your ideal exposure
Experiment with capturing different levels of light and shadow. By understanding possibilities and extremes,
you'll be empowered to make intentional artistic decisions.
● Remember: Getting the right exposure means balancing contrast with capturing detail. ● If a shot is underexposed, there isn't enough light in the scene. There will be harsher
shadows, and you'll lose details in areas that aren't hit in the light.
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If a shot is overexposed, you're letting in too much light. You'll lose detail because the light will wash out against the skin.
The perfect exposure will balance your highlights, midtones, and shadows. You want contrast and detail.
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Share: An overexposed, underexposed, and correctly exposed image.
3. Photograph both horizontal and vertical images
Horizontal shots are great for taking advantage of a cool environment. Vertical shots are great for focusing
on your subject. Take both so you can have a range of options in your final mix.
Share: 2 shots of contrasting composition: 1 horizontal and 1 vertical.
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4. Edit and share your final portrait
Your final photo should be an evocative, intriguing portrait that uses contrast, shadows, and light to create
mystery and drama. Consider using Lightroom for a few final touches.
Be sure to share your favorites both in the Project Gallery and on Instagram—tag @skillshare and include