Figure/Ground: Environmental Portrait Workshop with Paul D'Amato (Weekend-Intensive)

Every portrait is made in a space and in a place. After considerations of choice of subject, pose and gaze, this is what is left over. What do these spaces say about the figures occupying them? How does the color, light and depth of field amplify the psychological presence of the sitter? How does the ethnicity, class and materiality of the things that surround the sitter say about who they are?

In this workshop, participants will select locations in the Los Angeles area that culturally, ethnically and aesthetically set the stage for the narratives that they want the subjects of their portraits to express. This may be an area known to them or an area they wish to explore. Students may use subjects that they already know or negotiate portraits of people that they meet for the first time. Participants will use a tripod, additional light if need be, and make a series of images that examine the relationship the subjects have to the space that surrounds them.

The course will include a survey of a diverse range of photographers that run the gamut from commercial to personal portraiture, discussion of color, light and strategies for approaching strangers, and the ethics of representation – who gets to look at whom and how. Students will produce 8 1/2 X 11 prints (10 to 20) for a review of their work before shooting again.

NOTE: This is classified as a “Special Guest” workshop. We advise you to read the “Special Guest Refund Policy” HERE before enrolling.