Subtlety. Presence. Intuition.

A good portrait does not limit reality to its visible and material aspects, but on the contrary, it gives predominant significance to the invisible, to the sacred. Seán Jackson

A one-day immersive workshop exploring the artistic, practical and philosophical dimensions of working with natural light in portrait and fashion photography.

Through a blend of group exploration and hands-on mentoring, this workshop invites participants to develop an embodied understanding of how light, presence, and direction intersect, creating the conditions for a resonant portrait to emerge.

This is a space for open-minded photographers who want to refine their intuitive and creative approach to portraiture. While not focused on technical instruction, a basic fluency with DSLR settings will support your learning.

Morning
We begin with a group session, reading and discussing portrait and fashion imagery, sharpening how we see, speak about and respond to photographic work. These insights help dismantle assumptions and awaken new levels of perception.

Then we move outdoors for a practical session under open sky, learning how to work with the sun (or lack of it) using reflectors, scrims, and natural modifiers. We’ll explore the shifting opportunities that different lighting conditions offer, and how to collaborate with them rather than resist.

Afternoon
We move into a daylight studio session with two professional models, exploring how natural light behaves in controlled indoor settings. Each participant will receive 1-to-1 feedback and guidance as they direct and shoot, developing their own style. The goal: to create at least one strong image or series for your portfolio.

Philosophy

There is no final truth to be captured and held in light.
Each moment is its own truth, fleeting, alive, and unrepeatable.

Even portraits taken milliseconds apart carry subtle differences we can’t articulate because they exist in the felt sense, not the rational mind. Light, face, gesture, colour, connection, texture, emotion all shift subtly, moment to moment.

This workshop invites a deeper way of seeing. What happens when we direct from a space of not-knowing, from intuition, from the breath between sensing and shaping? When we allow a portrait to unfold rather than impose it?

What Will I Learn?

• How to work with the sun and sky from multiple perspectives to create mood, dimension, and presence
• How to connect with and direct your subject with ease and embodied awareness
• How to adapt to various natural lighting conditions using scrims, reflectors, and blocks
• How to deepen your understanding of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO in relation to light variability

This is not just about technique. It’s about building trust with your subject, with the environment and with your own ability to sense the invisible.

“Colours are made from light. To work with colours, one must first learn to work with light.” Edvard Munch

Students should already have some practical experience of using a manual DSLR. If you need advice please email or phone darragh@photomuseumireland.ie 01-6714654

Course Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy