Narrative Portraiture: On Location in New York City [repost]

In the Narrative Portraiture series, photographer and teacher Chris Orwig explores the use of elements such as location and natural light to create images that tell stories about their subjects and produce a strong emotional connection. In this installment of the series, Chris shows how to incorporate aspects of a location, such as architecture, natural light, and even passersby, to create authentic, story-filled portraits. The course begins with a photo shoot on the Brooklyn Bridge. Chris emphasizes the importance of directing and collaborating with a subject and of being responsive to changing lighting and location conditions. After the shoot, Chris discusses the preparation that goes into on-location shoots, from choosing camera gear to storyboarding. Next, he reviews the images from the shoot and mentions the post-processing techniques that he employed to make them more effective. The course also includes several assignments aimed at reinforcing the concepts Chris describes. The course concludes with an on-location family portrait shoot and a look at the special considerations that go into group shots.

Topics include:
* Engaging the subject
* Scouting a location
* Handling gear on location
* Taking advantage of natural light
* Planning and storyboarding before a shoot
* Working with props and groups

Introduction 01m 56s
Welcome 01m 56s

1. Brooklyn Bridge Photo Shoot 19m 15s
Meeting, greeting, and getting the first shot 02m 35s
Collaborating with the subject 03m 31s
Getting closer 02m 07s
Directing the subject 02m 53s
Shooting medium-format film 04m 55s
Capturing the unexpected: A stranger in the mix 01m 26s
Wrapping up the shoot 01m 48s

2. Preparing for the Shoot 13m 23s
Planning considerations 01m 53s
Scouting the location 02m 50s
Storyboarding the shoot 02m 40s
Gear considerations 04m 32s
Handling gear on location 01m 28s

3. Brooklyn Bridge Photo Review 23m 01s
Reviewing the shoot and the shots 07m 52s
Variations on the story 05m 29s
Film as a teacher: The medium-format film images 04m 07s
Post-processing techniques 05m 33s

4. Assignment Ideas 06m 59s
Scouting a strange location 03m 57s
Sketching and shooting 03m 02s

Conclusion 01m 04s
Conclusion 01m 04s
24m 57s
Addendum: A Family Portrait
Shooting a group portrait 03m 36s
Photo review: Capturing authenticity at home 04m 41s
Photo review: An on-location family portrait 03m 30s
Photo review: Variations on a theme 04m 17s
Assignment: Working with a prop and shooting with film 05m 17s
Further inspiration 03m 36s