Join professional photographer and Image Flow founder Stuart Schwartz for a hands-on workshop that will help you grow your portrait photography skills. You’ll study the work of iconic portrait photographers and learn how to use both natural and studio lighting to create compelling images.

This six-session workshop includes studio and on-location shoots where you’ll gain practical experience working with subjects and using light to shape mood and expression. Weekly portrait shooting assignments will help you stay engaged and develop your style over time. You’ll receive supportive critiques from both your peers and your instructor to help guide your progress. Image critiques will be held in print form, and you’re welcome to print your work either at The Image Flow or at home.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the tools and confidence to create portraits that feel personal, powerful, and uniquely your own.

Class Schedule

May 14 – June 25, 2025 

May 14, Day 1: Introduction followed by print viewing and discussion. Outline of assignments for the duration of the workshop.

May 21, Day 2: Lighting demo outdoors and with a strobe in a makeshift studio setting at The Image Flow.

May 28, Day 3: Critique of first assignment — portraits shot in available light.

June 7 or 8, Day 4: Studio time to be reserved for individual photo shoots. Participants will schedule a 90-minute time slot.

June 11, Day 5: Critique of second assignment — studio portrait where showing a variety of emotions is the goal.

June 25, Day 6: Critique of the third assignment — shot on location, a portrait of someone with 3 additional images that help to tell a story about the individual.

Workshop presented by The Image Flow Photography Center, providing photography classes, custom printing services, and studio rentals.

Check out our blog Photography Studio Equipment: Getting Started with Studio Lighting Setup for tips on home photo studio setup and suggestions for photography lighting equipment for beginners.

Instructor Bio

Stuart Schwartz graduated from the Art Center in 1979 and then spent 35 years as an advertising photographer in the U.S. and Europe. Stuart is comfortable working in the studio, on location, and with all sizes of productions. He continues to shoot for a limited number of clients. Stuart’s personal work spans a variety of styles, from street photography to abstract and mixed media. Stuart founded The Image Flow in 2008 with the vision to empower the avid photographer looking for personal growth in photography.