The Creative Portrait with Nick Fancher (In-Person Learning – Three Sessions)
- Friday
September 25, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Saturday
September 26, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Sunday
September 27, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
In this immersive three-day workshop, photographer Nick Fancher shares his signature in-camera portrait and lighting techniques, demonstrating how to create striking studio imagery using minimal gear and unconventional materials. Through hands-on experimentation and personalized guidance, students will explore multiple approaches to each technique while developing ways to incorporate them into their own visual style.
Three Sessions
Tuition: $1,595 + $300 model, studio and equipment fee (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)
This course is strictly limited to 10 students.
© Photo by Nick Fancher
About
In-Person Learning
Over Nick Fancher’s twenty-year career he has developed a range of camera and lighting techniques that push the boundaries on what is possible with studio portraiture. His clients include Apple, National Geographic, ESPN, and the Los Angeles Times, to name a few. Many are surprised to learn that he doesn’t use Photoshop— all of his techniques are done in camera. On top of that, he typically works alone, without a crew, uses minimal, affordable gear, and uses a range of unconventional materials to create his signature effects.
In this three-day workshop, Fancher will guide students through a range of experimental camera and lighting techniques that center around studio portraiture. The format will go as follows: Nick demonstrates how to do a camera or lighting technique. He then shows 2-3 different ways to execute the technique. Finally, each student gets a chance to try out the technique, while Nick assists and guides them how to merge it with their own aesthetic.
Because there is a large amount of improvisation in every one of his workshops, students often take the class multiple times because each one is quite different from the last.
This course is strictly limited to 10 students.
Nick Fancher is a photographer, author, and educator who specializes in creating in-camera effects, often employing the use of bold colors and dramatic lighting. He is particularly known for his efficient method of working, which is with the use of minimal gear and often in unconventional locations.
Nick graduated from Ohio State University with a BFA in photography in 2005 and has authored several books on his techniques including Studio Anywhere1 & 2 and Chroma. While he is especially known for his editorial portraiture and work in the music industry, his client work includes commercial, architectural, ecommerce, food, lifestyle, photojournalism, product, and video.
Nick Fancher is based in Columbus but goes wherever the work takes him.
Details
- Three Sessions
- Dates: Friday – Sunday, September 25-27, 9 am – 5 pm PST
- Enrollment Limit: 10 students
- Skill/Experience Level: Students should have a working knowledge of their camera and the ability to shoot in manual mode.
- Tuition: $1,595 + $300 model, studio and equipment fee (Become a Member today and receive % to 20% off!)
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles (LACP Headquarters), 252 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, California, 90012
- Nearby Lodging: The Miyako Hotel – 328 E. First Street Los Angeles, California, 90012, United States, The Double-Tree by Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles Downtown – 120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA
- Not Included: Meals, snacks, bottled water and transportation (to and from the workshop location). Students are encouraged to bring their own food or order from nearby restaurants. Ride share apps or public transit are recommended for those without transportation. Students will be notified of food and parking options in the area.
NOTE: This is classified as a “Special Guest/Master Photographer” workshop. We advise you to read the “Special Guest/Master Photographer Refund Policy” HERE before enrolling.