Fine Art Self-Portrait Photography
A course by Danny BittencourtPhotographer and Writer
A course by Danny Bittencourt, Photographer and Writer
Learn how to use self-portraits as a form of artistic expression and create impactful photographs
The self-portrait is a language that allows you to transform emotions and personal motivations into meaningful narratives. Specializing in Fine Art photography, visual poet and writer Danny Bittencourt will teach you how to create unique photos by combining technique and artistic expression.
In this course, learn how to make a self-portrait in the field of Fine Art photography. Danny shows you all the steps, starting from the concept, through the creation of a script, to setting up the scene until the time of the shooting, and the final editing on Adobe Photoshop.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 22 downloads
What will we do in the course?
3 minutes, 24 seconds
What is self-portrait?
6 minutes, 29 seconds
References
8 minutes, 13 seconds
Construction of intention
9 minutes, 8 seconds
Scripting
7 minutes, 43 seconds
Photographic equipment
7 minutes, 30 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start the course by getting to know Danny's career in Fine Art photography and also her experience as a writer and teacher. She will showcase some of her main projects and present the artists who influence her work.
In the second unit, take the first steps in the construction of your self-portrait, get to know the characteristics of this style and its main references in art history. Then, enter your narrative concept defining a context, an intention, and organize a script with the elements you will use to create a powerful and meaningful image.
Then, enter the practical stage and see how to build your self-portrait. Learn how to set the scene and then begin to experiment, taking different photos, to see which one best represents the desired intention, in addition to learning how to identify and transform errors during the process.
Once you achieve the desired image, Danny teaches you how to edit your material using Adobe Photoshop. See how tone, blurring, overlaying, and texture techniques contribute to creating the perfect atmosphere.
Finally, see a series of tips for promoting your work. Danny shows you how to identify opportunities for you to position yourself in the market and share your artwork.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a fine art self-portrait with special attention to the conceptual work of the image.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone interested in photography and art who has basic knowledge of photography techniques and photo editing on Photoshop.
Requirements and materials
You will need basic photography and Photoshop knowledge.
You can use any kind of camera, but the teacher will use a camera with a manual mode and a simple tripod. You will also need a computer with Adobe Photoshop installed.
Reviews
- norabeuPLUS6 months ago
bastante interesante, pero se me ha quedado algo corto.
- 8 months ago
Muito bom!
- 1 year ago
Un curso espectacular :) me ha encantado!
- 1 year ago
Muito bom, bem didático. A Danny explica com clareza e sem omitir passos utilizados nos trabalhos. Parabéns Danny.
- 2 years ago
Il miglior corso sugli autoritratti che ho trovato online. Ricchissimo di risorse e spunti. Danny è un'artista generosa, si capisce che ama condividere il suo talento.
Her work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue and LensCulture. She is also the author of Fotografia Fine Art, published by iPhoto Editora; Fotografia Híbrida, released independently; and A luz da janela, published by Chiado Books.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- What will we do in the course?
- U2
Image planning
- What is self-portrait?
- References
- Construction of intention
- Scripting
- Photographic equipment
- U3
Execution
- Set positioning
- Experimentation
- Errability
- U4
Post-production and market
- Curatorship
- Initial adjustments
- Creative editing
- Possible paths
- FP
Final project
- Fine Art Self-Portrait Photography
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
The course is intermediate level, perfect for those who already understand basic photography concepts and want to deepen their skills in creative techniques, visual storytelling, and fine art self-portrait processes.
You’ll need a camera, tripod, remote control or intervalometer, a smartphone for remote triggering, and preferably prime lenses. Additional items like fabrics, lighting gear, and a computer with Photoshop are recommended.
You’ll learn narrative planning, technical control of the shutter, creative lighting, Photoshop image manipulation, building photographic intent, scripting, and strategies for personal expression in fine art self-portraiture.
The course teaches you how to program your camera’s timer, use an intervalometer, connect your smartphone via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for remote shooting, and achieve precise focus—making self-portraits easier without outside help.
You don’t have to be a Photoshop expert beforehand; the course covers essential editing and image layering techniques step-by-step, catering to photographers with varying post-production experience.
The course guides you through scripting images, organizing visual narratives, planning conceptual elements, and crafting creative intent to enhance the meaning and expressiveness of your self-portraits.
Yes, the course includes hands-on practice with natural and artificial lighting, using light stands, dramatic effects like Rembrandt and volumetric lighting, and how to create specific moods for creative self-portraits.