Portrait Photography from Start to Finish
A course by Jorge Bispo, Photographer and Portrait Specialist
Learn to portray people professionally and prepare a photoshoot by working with composition, direction, and ambiance
Much like in the theatrical game, the art of portraiture allows for encounters, exchanges of experiences, improvisations, and image-enhancing solutions. Photographer Jorge Bispo, who's photographed legendary characters such as Spike Lee, Ricardo Darín, David Lynch, Roberto Carlos, and many more, specializes in composing iconic portraits that immortalize these encounters through the lens.
In this course, learn the process for taking a photographic portrait, from the initial idea to the finishing touches in postproduction. Create a photo series and let Jorge teach you how to contextualize light and ambience, along with some directing tips. Finish the course with all the necessary tools to photograph anyone.
What will you learn in this online course?
11 lessons & 14 downloads
What's included in this course?
Start by hearing a little about Jorge Bispo's career and how he got started in photography. He shares his most defining works, awards, and artistic influences, including theater and photography.
Dive into the preproduction phase by looking for reference materials for your portraits. Jorge gives you some tips to truly establish a connection with the people you photograph and shows you how to prep your equipment and choose the ideal shoot location.
Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Organize the lighting and composition and follow your teacher's advice to improve your photography direction. Jorge then shows you how to manage various elements on set, from the technical side to your relationship with your models.
Wrap things up by selecting the best photos and learn to edit them in Adobe Lightroom. Explore how to develop the narrative thread throughout your photo series and finally, discover how to present your work both in print and digitally.
- 93% positive reviews (69)
- 3,661 students
- 11 lessons (1h 15m)
- 14 additional resources (2 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Portuguese, English, Spanish (Latam), French, Italian, Turkish
- Portuguese · Spanish · English · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a photographic portrait series by working with light, ambiance, and direction.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Photographers and anyone interested in art who wants to learn a new method for creating expressive portraits.
Requirements and materials
Basic photography knowledge is necessary for this course.
In terms of materials, all you need is a camera and access to the editing software of your choice.
Reviews
Jorge Bispo
A course by Jorge Bispo
Jorge Bispo is a photographer and director from Rio de Janeiro. He was born into a family of actors and theater directors whose productions he would record, thus sparking his interest in photography. He studied visual arts at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and has worked for some of Brazil's most prominent media outlets such as Jornal do Brasil and Editora Abril.
His photographic portraits, series and fashion images have appeared in renowned publications like Playboy, Trip, TPM, VIP, Alfa, Claudia, Mymag, V, and many more. Throughout his career, he has directed video clips for musicians like Pedro Luis, João Bosco, Silva, Nando Reis, and Karina Buhr. He has also held several solo and group exhibitions and published the book Apartamento 302 which was later turned into a TV series for Canal Brasil.
Content
-
U1
Introduction
-
Presentation
-
influences
-
-
U2
Pre-photo
-
rummaging through the drawers
-
the art of meeting
-
Preparing equipment and location
-
-
U3
After light and camera: action
-
Light, composition and technique
-
directing the portrayed
-
set tips
-
-
U4
The search for synthesis
-
Selection and processing of images
-
building the essay
-
Publicizing your work
-
-
FP
Final project
-
X 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.
-
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This is an intermediate-level course, ideal for those who already have basic photography knowledge and want to refine their portrait techniques and approaches.
It’s recommended to have a digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless), portrait lenses, a computer with Adobe Lightroom, plus access to natural light or basic lighting equipment.
You’ll learn model direction techniques, lighting setup, composition, Lightroom editing, storytelling, and strategies for promoting your photography work.
Yes, the course teaches how to build visual narratives through portrait sequences, exploring different settings, expressions, and moods.
Knowing Lightroom beforehand isn’t required, as the course covers the basic workflow for editing, selecting, and processing images using the software.
Yes, there are specific lessons on photographing national artists, directing theatrical portraits, and techniques for capturing genuine expressions even from shy subjects.
You’ll learn how to choose locations and set up shoots—whether in a studio, outdoor spots, or natural environments—to enhance the story and look of your portraits.
excelente curso. conteúdo importante para iniciantes!
Disfrute el curso, me gusta forma en como con tranquilidad Bispo comparte su manera de trabajar, sobre todo disfrute la parte del encuentro y de poder crear el espacio para capturar la esencia del retratado, dejarlo hablar al mismo tiempo que se puede apoyar a la narrativa a través de ya sea un ambiente controlado o estar abierto a que el mismo espacio de las condiciones para la sesión y los resultados.
excelente curso, he aprendido mucho, gracias
O curso traz dicas interessantes, principalmente referentes a pré produção.
Es muy bueno, excelente.