Portraits After Dark: Light & Direction

Join me for a hands-on night portrait session in Auckland CBD, where we'll photograph a model in an urban environment.

This is a hands-on shooting session — the focus is on getting out, working with a model and creating portraits in an urban environment.

I'll demonstrate different approaches and then give attendees plenty of time to photograph the model themselves.

We'll explore how to work with available light, composition, posing, direction and the surrounding environment to create interesting portraits after dark.

We'll look at how to use the environment around us when posing and positioning the model, finding interesting backgrounds, lighting and locations to make each portrait more engaging.

What You'll Learn:

• Working with a model in a real-world environment
• Basic posing and positioning
• How to direct a model
• Finding and using available light
• Working with low-light conditions
• Using the environment to enhance your portraits
• Making the most of backgrounds and surrounding elements
• Creating more engaging portraits without relying on flash

This is not a flash photography workshop: We'll primarily work with available light, with the possibility of incorporating a small continuous LED light for creative effects.

Skill Level

Beginner - Intermediate

This session is designed for photographers with a basic understanding of their camera. The focus will be on practical portrait shooting, working with a model, posing, direction and available light.

You don't need previous experience photographing models, but you should be comfortable adjusting your camera settings and shooting in manual or semi-manual modes.

What to Bring

• Camera
• Fully charged batteries
• Memory card with plenty of space
• A lens suitable for portrait photography
• A low-light-friendly lens if you have one
• Comfortable shoes
• Warm layer/jacket

Session Format

This will be a small-group experience, giving everyone plenty of opportunity to photograph the model.

I'll demonstrate and shoot alongside the group, while also moving around and helping attendees with posing, composition, camera settings and direction.

The session will run for approximately 1–2 hours, depending on the flow of the shoot.

Important Information

Please bring a camera that you're comfortable using and make sure your batteries are fully charged before arriving. Bring Spare SD Cards aswell.

This is a small-group event, so places are limited.

Please make sure you sign up with an active email address as I will be sending regular updates for the event.

Cancellation & Refunds

Please note that a model has been booked specifically for this session, so places are limited and cancellations can impact the event.

Cancellations and refunds are subject to the Sony Scene Terms & Conditions.

Cancellations 7 days or more before the event will receive a full refund. 

Cancellations within 7 days are generally non-refundable. However, if your place can be filled by another attendee, a refund or credit towards a future event may be offered.

If the event is cancelled by Me , all attendees will receive a full refund.

By registering, you agree to the applicable Sony Scene Terms & Conditions.

• Available light — finding and working with existing light sources
• Using the environment — finding interesting backgrounds, lighting and locations
• Working with a continuous LED — optional creative lighting if used during the session
• Model direction — communicating and guiding the model during the shoot

• Camera you're comfortable using 
• Fully charged batteries Memory card with plenty of space
• Portrait-friendly lens — ideally something you're comfortable using in low light
• Fast lens if you have one, such as an f/1.4, f/1.8 or f/2.8