Portrait Photography: An Experimental Approach
A course by Oliver MayhallPortrait and Art Photographer
A course by Oliver Mayhall, Portrait and Art Photographer
Capture a subject from a new perspective by exploring creative techniques to take abstract photographs, from the initial idea to the final edit
“In my portraits, I try to depict my subjects from a different perspective, exaggerating the shapes and dimensions, and representing reality in an abstract way.”
His surrealistic approach has seen photographer Oliver Mayhall work with clients including BAFTA, EMI Records, Crisis, and Cubitt, and sell his art to collectors around the world.
In this online course, he teaches you his unique method for taking portrait photos, from the initial idea to the final image. Discover unconventional techniques for playfully capturing abstract shots. Escape the ordinary and surprise your audience with experimental portraits
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 13 downloads
Props and Materials
3 minutes, 29 seconds
Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, and Lighting
8 minutes, 37 seconds
Studio Set-up
2 minutes, 1 second
The First Shot: Photographing the Eyes
5 minutes, 7 seconds
The Second Shot: The Collage
12 minutes, 31 seconds
The Third Shot: Glass and Water
17 minutes, 14 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin the course by getting to know photographer, Oliver Mayhall. Discover the creative career that led him to become a full-time freelancer, along with the influences that inspire him and his work.
Learn how to develop your ideas into a concept for a shoot before looking at the props and materials needed to make it happen. Oliver shows you how to create a mood board of inspiration and takes you through the cameras, lighting, and lenses you’ll need.
Time for your photo shoot! Start by preparing the studio before taking your first shot: the eyes. Choose, edit, and print your favorite in preparation for the second shot: your model and the cut-out of their close-up. Finally, experiment with glass and water for an abstract effect.
See how to select your best images. Oliver then guides you through his post-production process, adjusting highlights, curves, and more. To wrap up the course, hear his advice for sharing your work.
What is this course's project?
Capture and edit a set of captivating experimental portraits.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in learning an alternative approach to portrait photography.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is required to take this course.
In terms of equipment, you will need access to a camera, editing software such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One, and a printer.
Reviews
- 10 months ago
ottimo corso super interessante. ben fatto chiaro e da molto spunti creativi. consifglio
- 10 months ago
Really engaging presenter. A very inspirational course. one of the best I have taken on here.
- 1 year ago
Muy buen curso. Recomendado!
- borisgonzalezmxPLUS1 year ago
Muy buen curso. Muy inspirador.
- 1 year ago
Oliver es ingenioso e imaginativo. Usa sus influencias para convertir a sus sujetos en retratos abstractos llenos de vida. Muy buena fuente de inspiración.
Since then, he’s worked with clients including BAFTA, EMI Records, Crisis, and Cubitts. Oliver also sells his work as limited edition pieces to collectors around the world.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparing for the Photoshoot
- Developing Ideas
- Props and Materials
- Mood Board and Art Direction
- Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, and Lighting
- U3
The Photoshoot
- Studio Set-up
- The First Shot: Photographing the Eyes
- Quick Selection, Edit, and Printing
- The Second Shot: The Collage
- The Third Shot: Glass and Water
- U4
Post-production
- Image Selection
- Editing the Photos 1
- Editing the Photos 2
- Editing the Photos 3
- Sharing Your Work
- FP
Final project
- Portrait Photography: An Experimental Approach
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 intermediate-level photographers who want to enhance their street, documentary, and creative portrait skills using both analog and digital techniques.
You’ll need a camera (preferably FUJI X-T1 or GFX, but any DSLR or mirrorless will work), access to basic lighting gear, props, and editing software like Photoshop and Capture One.
You’ll learn how to capture compelling street and documentary images, develop visual storytelling techniques, and edit short documentaries for creative impact.
Yes, the course covers visual storytelling, creating abstract and surrealist portraits, and blending technical skill with personal expression.
Absolutely. The course guides you through sourcing and experimenting with props, glass, mirrors, and other materials to create unique visual effects.
You’ll learn both natural light techniques and advanced studio lighting setups, including using modifiers, flash, softboxes, and specialty filters.
Yes, the course includes photo selection, advanced retouching in Photoshop, color management for printing, and creating analog textures with grain.