Narrative Portrait Photography for Beginners
A course by SALMA EL KASHEFFilmmaker and Photographer
A course by SALMA EL KASHEF, Filmmaker and Photographer
Learn how to work with a model using natural light to capture emotions and tell powerful stories through your images.
‘My life experience has taught me that the photographer is not in the camera or the technology they employ, but in their imagination.’
Egyptian photographer Salma El Kashef knows that impactful work comes from within the creator. She is driven by her authentic artistic spirit. When photographing, she is in constant conversation with herself about what she’s trying to say and what observers take from her images. Salma started her career collaborating on film sets across her native Cairo and has since worked with brands like Samsung, Palm Hills, and Nescafé.
In this online course, learn how to develop, style, shoot and edit your photos on a budget. Salma takes you through tips and tricks to capture images with a professional feel and an authentic message using limited materials and natural light. You’ll also learn how to find and communicate effectively with a model. She’ll also teach you methods of working through creative blocks and overcoming failures in the future.
What will you learn in this online course?
11 lessons & 16 downloads
Finding Inspiration
1 minute, 58 seconds
Bringing Ideas to Life
3 minutes, 28 seconds
Scouting a Location
3 minutes, 32 seconds
Camera Skills
4 minutes, 41 seconds
Preparing for the Photoshoot
3 minutes, 12 seconds
Playing with the Lighting
4 minutes, 48 seconds
What's included in this course?
First things first, meet your teacher, Salma El Kashef. She tells her journey through Cairo’s photography and creative arts scene. She’ll also take you through her inspirations, from old family photographs to Annie Leibovitz to some top directors from across the Arab world.
Then get going on your coursework. Feed your eyes with inspiration —and put all the thoughts and feelings that come to mind down on the page. Next, bring your ideas to life by gathering clothes, makeup, and choosing a model. Scout your location and familiarize ourselves with the camera.
After that, prepare for your session with a checklist and some lighting and composition tests. Once that’s all set up, it’s time to shoot!
Once you’re done, select your best shots, edit them, and share them across different websites and platforms.
Finally, Salma discusses some tips to take with you in your future endeavors —on failing, overcoming creative blocks, and recycling old pictures.
When you finish the lessons, you will be able to create images that look rich and stand out.
What is this course's project?
Create a professional shoot on a budget.
Who is this online course for?
Anyone looking to achieve a professional look in their portrait images.
Requirements and materials
Photoshop or mobile editing apps, and either a digital camera or mobile phone
Reviews
- 2 years ago
It is an interesting course. I recommend it a lot.
- 2 years ago
excelente
- 3 years ago
Me ha parecido un curso bonito y útil. Da unos consejos muy útiles y es sencillo. Me ha gustado mucho. Gracias.
- 3 years ago
Gracias por el curso.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Artistic Style
- Finding Inspiration
- Bringing Ideas to Life
- Scouting a Location
- U3
The Photoshoot
- Camera Skills
- Preparing for the Photoshoot
- Playing with the Lighting
- U4
Post-production
- Editing
- Sharing Your Work
- How to Fail: Additional Tips
- FP
Final project
- Narrative Portrait Photography for Beginners
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
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers all essential concepts and techniques to start your journey in cinematography and portrait photography.
You’ll need a camera (DSLR or mirrorless), a 50mm lens (recommended), a memory card, and access to natural light. Optional items include reflectors, a tripod, and basic props or wardrobe.
You’ll learn how to develop a cinematic style, shoot family and celebrity portraits, use natural lighting, create mood boards, direct models, style outfits, scout locations, and build an Instagram portfolio.
Yes, the course includes step-by-step guidance on building and maintaining a professional photography portfolio using Instagram and other digital platforms.
Yes, the course covers key steps and strategies for organizing your own solo photo exhibition and sharing your creative vision with audiences.
You’ll learn model casting techniques, including using Instagram, CherryDeck, and location-based searches, plus tips on contacting, preparing, and styling models for shoots.
Yes, the course explores shooting black and white family portraits, including guidance on lighting, composition, and capturing emotion.