PORTRAIT WORKSHOPS 2025
Adding a Flash of Colour
with Karl Ludik
- Genre: Flash
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5 hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Understanding the basics of flash photography, then taking our speed lights off camera and adding coloured gels. We’ll experiment with artistic backlighting, we’ll use corrective gels to turn boring skies into something wow, and we’ll shoot against the sun, even when it’s not there!
Workshop Key Learnings:
- You'll get a clear understanding of the ambient and flash exposures you'll be using
- You'll observe and copy the flow of setting up a speed light shoot
- You'll get creative with colour, mood and light
Striking Studio Portraits with Colour and Character
with Aaron Walker
- Genre: Flash
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Step into a creative indoor space where light, colour, and expression come together. In this hands-on portrait workshop with Aaron Walker, you’ll explore how coloured lighting and controlled exposure can shift the mood and impact of your images. Working with live models, you’ll learn how to shape light, apply colour theory, and direct your subject to create portraits that feel bold, engaging and intentional.
Whether you’re aiming for punchy and vibrant or something more subtle, this session offers a practical, supportive environment to experiment, refine your approach, and enjoy the process.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- How to apply colour theory in lighting to enhance mood and visual engagement in portraits
- How to control light direction, exposure, and power for clean, consistent results
- How to build rapport and direct a model for expressive, confident portraits
Prompt Me, Baby
with Anne Scott-Virtue
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Sometimes the best photos happen when you throw the rulebook out the window and just go for it. In this fast and fun workshop, you’ll get a handful of quirky, emotional prompts designed to kick your creativity into gear. Shoot solo or team up, experiment wildly or play it safe — no judgments here. Then we’ll regroup to swap stories, laughs, and marvel at how one prompt can spark a hundred different shots.
Perfect for anyone who needs a good excuse to ditch overthinking and just shoot.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Explore how creative constraints and prompts can spark new photographic ideas.
- Practice rapid interpretation of emotional and thematic prompts through solo or paired shooting.
- Build confidence in experimenting with different storytelling approaches and styles.
Soul & Story — The Art of Unposed Portraits
with Anne Scott-Virtue
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
What makes a portrait unforgettable? It’s not perfect lighting or stiff posing, it’s connection. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to create portraits that feel honest, soulful, and alive. You’ll learn how to connect quickly and authentically with your subject, direct with curiosity instead of control, and capture moments that tell a story.
Film and digital shooters alike are welcome, with plenty of space to ask questions and explore both mediums in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Develop skills to quickly build rapport and trust with your subject.
- Learn techniques for directing natural, unposed body language that conveys emotion.
- Gain confidence in capturing candid, storytelling moments with both film and digital cameras.
The Roaring 20s
with Julie Powell
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Step back in time to the opulent, glamorous world of the 1920s in my Roaring 20s Gatsby Photography Workshop. This is your chance to capture the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, where flappers, dapper suits, and extravagant accessories come together for the ultimate vintage photoshoot.
This workshop is your gateway to creating classic, cinematic portraits with a modern twist. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced photographer, you’ll walk away with the skills to bring the magic of the Roaring 20s to life in your photos.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Master the art of staging and styling for the elegance and opulence of the Jazz Age
- Cinematic Lighting for Vintage Portraits: Discover how to create constant lighting setups that add drama and luxury to your portraits, bringing the 1920s vibe to life.
- Directing Models for Timeless Poses: Learn how to guide your models into the graceful, confident poses that defined the era, ensuring every shot is full of the elegance and charm of the Roaring 20s.
Using Available Light to Create Mood
with Christopher Hopkins
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: TBA
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Stimulating emotion from the audience is vital to successful story-telling. A successful image will always induce some form of emotion. Whether you want the viewer to feel empathy, laugh, cry or be shocked, the lighting used will be a key element in informing this emotion and sometimes, the only tool we have. This workshop will provide an instructive session on the concepts behind creating a mood with lighting.
In this session Chris will identify and share the different techniques he employs as a photojournalist to create a look and to evoke a defined emotion explaining the why and how. The workshop will have a particular emphasis on utilising the environment you find yourself in. Bring your cameras as this will be a hands on session!
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Identifying available light sources
- Learning which light creates certain mood
- How to expose for these situations quickly and easily
High Key Lighting for Ballet & Contemporary Dance Photography
with Craig Wetjen
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2.5hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Join photographer Craig Wetjen for an immersive workshop focused on High Key Lighting for Ballet & Contemporary Dance Photography. This 2-hour hands-on session explores the techniques behind creating clean, bright, and expressive images that highlight the elegance, emotion, and form of dance.
Designed for intermediate to advanced photographers, the workshop will cover how to effectively use off-camera flash and continuous lighting setups to achieve high key results minimising shadows, enhancing detail, and creating a polished, professional finish.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- High Key Lighting setup
- Exposure control
- Poses and working with the dancer for the best photo outcomes.
Environmental Portraits on the Outback Ranch
with Craig Wetjen
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Specialist Equipment: Wear boots as we are going to be on a horseback ranch. You may want a tripod but not required. Warm coat
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
This workshop focuses on the details of getting the most out of your photoshoot focusing on details and most importantly the most out of your subject. This workshop will be a fun hands-on experience. Attendees will discover an understanding of the basic principles of lighting utilising off camera flash for an environmental portrait, the importance of photographing details and creating a connection with the subject and telling a story through photography.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Location lighting
- Balancing Flash and ambient lighting
- Subject interaction
Introduction to Creative Portrait Lighting
with Eric Peng (Sony Australia)
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore the fundamentals of lighting for portrait photography—with a creative twist. Learn how to:
- Use continuous lighting to sculpt your subject and set the mood
- Work with colour and gels to add energy and emotion to your images
- Understand the basics of light positioning, intensity, and modifiers
- Bring your own creative vision to life using professional LED lights
- You’ll get the chance to try the latest lighting tools from Nanlite, including the powerful and colourful FC-500C, designed to give your portraits a dynamic, cinematic edge.
All camera brands and photographers are welcome—you don’t need to shoot on Sony to join.
Interested in experimenting with something new? Sony cameras and lenses will be available to borrow during the session. Just bring your own SD card to keep your shots.
Perfect for photographers who want to add controlled, creative lighting to their portrait toolkit.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Using continuous lighting
- Creative colours and styling
- Working with models
Creative Portraits with Sony
with Eric Peng (Sony Australia)
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
This hands-on session is designed to elevate your portrait photography skills. Work with a professional model in a natural light setting, and learn how to:
- Confidently direct talent to bring out authentic expressions and dynamic poses
- Shape and manage natural light for flattering, cinematic results
- Understand the creative and technical considerations for shooting compelling portraits
- Get the most out of your camera gear—with tips that apply across all brands
All camera brands and photographers are welcome—you don’t have to shoot Sony to join!
Want to try something new? You’ll also have the opportunity to borrow Sony cameras and lenses during the session. Just bring your own SD card to take your images home.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your portraiture approach, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most engaging educators in the field.
Limited spots available. Bring your camera and come ready to shoot!
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Portrait Photography
- Working with Models
- Try the latest Sony gear
Arwen & Aragorn: A sacrifice for love and hope
with Ian Tan
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Cosplay is a combination of the words ‘costume’ and ‘play’. Cosplayers dress up in a costume accurate to, or inspired by, the character they are role-playing. The characters usually come from various genres in pop culture: film and TV, animation, video games, or even an original character from the imagination of the cosplayer.
Cosplay photography aims to capture the essence and tell the story of the character being cosplayed using photography techniques and lighting. With the help of 2 amazing cosplayers, we will be telling the story of Arwen and Aragorn from ‘Lord of the Rings’ focusing in on various aspects of their beautiful relationship.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- How to use various photography and camera techniques to tell a story.
- How to work with natural light and shoot images with drama and impact.
- How to communicate and work with cosplayers.
Fabulous Steampunk
with Julie Powell
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Step into a world where vintage meets the extraordinary, and romance collides with whimsy. Join me for an unforgettable experience in my Romantic & Fabulous Steampunk Photography Workshop, where we bring together the elegance of a bygone era with the boldness of fantastical, steam-powered imagination.
This hands-on workshop is perfect for photographers of all levels looking to elevate their creative portrait skills in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Mastering Steampunk Styling: Learn how to incorporate intricate steampunk elements like vintage props, costumes, and accessories into your photoshoots for stunning, visually rich compositions to tell a story
- Creative Lighting Techniques: Understand how to work with Constant LED lighting to create dramatic, atmospheric shots that perfectly complement the steampunk aesthetic.
- Posing and Directing: Gain the skills to confidently direct models in unique, dynamic poses that capture the essence of both romance and fantasy in your steampunk portraits.
In My Element - Esoteric Portraiture
with Jess Shepherd
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Drawing inspiration from other creatives is awesome, right? But capturing them in their element can be down right daunting.
Using a natural bohemian style of portraiture, and having a fab set up with a model in nature, we’ll explore what it means to co create with another creative and shoot from the heart to snap some excellent images!
Workshop Key Learnings:
- An understanding of how to connect and start the conversation with photographing someone.
- How to direct a model and plan for the shoot ahead.
- Using nature to set up an interesting scene, and learning how little scenery you need to create interesting portraiture.
Mystic Muse - A Fairytale in Focus
with Jess Shepherd
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
When you go out in the woods today, you’ll sure have quite the surprise…
Step into a fairytale and capture a fae in the woods with me! Think wings, pretty gal, nature, honestly can it get any better?!
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Learn how to add some whimsy into your creative shoots.
- Basics on organising photographing a model, and how to direct someone to move freely.
- A few reminders on how to help unleash your inner child and use play to create some epic images!
Bright, bright portraits
with Vicki Bell
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Let me brighten your day as we go a-wandering for an inspiring walk through the town of Bright, where we’ll train our eyes to see light in unexpected places and spaces. This workshop is all about learning to work with the light you have, not against it — spotting how sunlight filters through trees, bounces off walls, or wraps softly under eaves. You’ll explore how to position your subject, shape light with simple tools, and use natural conditions to create portraits full of mood and character. By the end, you’ll feel confident finding beautiful light anywhere, turning ordinary locations into compelling backdrops for your portraits.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Seeing and recognising light
- Practical skills in positioning, posing and directing the subject
- How to effectively use reflector tools
Wrapped in Light: A Natural Approach to Newborn Photography
with Sophie Geraghty
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Step into the gentle art of newborn photography in this calming and highly practical 2-hour workshop with professional photographer Sophie Geraghty. Perfect for photographers ready to explore the world of newborn sessions, or refine their natural style. This session covers everything you need to feel confident working with babies and families in real homes using soft, available light.
Focusing on baby-led posing, safety, and storytelling, Sophie will guide you through every step of a session structure from wrapping and settling to photographing with siblings and choosing colours and textures that create timeless imagery. You’ll learn how to use natural light beautifully, how to work with real family dynamics and how to shoot newborns in a relaxed, respectful, and heartfelt way.
Whether you’re new to newborns or looking to build a body of work with a both a studio feel and lifestyle aesthetic, this workshop is designed to give you both the knowledge and the confidence to get started.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Pre-session consult and planning
- Safe and simple wrapping and posing techniques
- How to work with natural light in everyday home settings
- Photographing newborns in real-life spaces (not studio-only setups)
- Calming, settling and baby-led posing workflow
- How to pose siblings safely and naturally
- Using colours, textures and layering to build visual softness
- Session structure and client communication
- Choosing the right lens for your style and environment
- Capturing the details
Great Portraits in Sh!t Locations
with Glynn Lavender
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 2hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Medium walk (>1km)
- Group size: 20
We rarely get to shoot supermodels in French Medieval Castles, but we do get the chance to photograph real people in average locations. Come along on a 2 hour journey of learning, laughter and shared passion. You won’t believe how much we can pack in to two hours.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- To see the world in a whole new way (jeez talk about setting high expectations)
- To learn how your lenses REALLY work
- To learn which light to use to create the shots you are looking for.
Flash in the Wild: Mastering Outdoor Portraits with High-Speed Sync
with Aaron Walker
- Genre: Flash
- Transport: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Specialist Equipment: Flash & Triggers supplied
- Fitness Level: Short walk (>500m)
- Group size: 20
Take your portrait photography outdoors and learn how to work with — not against — harsh daylight. In this on-location workshop, you’ll explore how to use high-speed sync flash to create shallow-focus portraits with soft, controlled backgrounds even in full sun. By balancing ambient and artificial light, you’ll gain practical tools to manage exposure, shape the subject, and enhance the environment rather than fight it.
This session is all about making lighting work on your terms, using portable gear and straightforward techniques that deliver strong, clean results.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- How to use high-speed sync to shoot with wide apertures in bright conditions
- How to blend flash with natural light for soft, balanced outdoor portraits
- How to compose and direct portraits that sit naturally within their surroundings
How to Photograph People Confidently and with Purpose
with Jesse Hisco
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: All
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Medium walk (>1km)
- Group size: 20
If the thought of photographing people causes mild anxiety, you’re not alone. Most photographers — especially in the early stages — find the process clunky, awkward, uncomfortable, even intimidating.
In this workshop, I’ll share the exact tools and techniques I’ve used to build a career out of confidently photographing absolutely anyone, anywhere and with purpose.
You’ll learn how to walk into any shoot — whether it’s with a stranger, a friend, or a full-on camera-avoider — and know exactly how to break the ice, keep the vibe comfortable, and capture natural, beautiful portraits with purpose. I’ll show you how to spot nervousness before it spirals, guide people into authentic moments, and use small acts of openness to build rock solid trust without oversharing.
No technical overload, no stiff posing charts — just a clear and repeatable approach to confidently photographing people with purpose.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Setting the Tone – How to build trust quickly and create a welcoming, judgment-free space.
- Breaking the Ice – Simple ways to start a shoot so everyone relaxes fast.
- Empowering Your Subjects – Direction techniques that spark authentic emotion.
- Reading the Room – Spotting signs of nervousness and knowing how to ease them.
- Directing Couples – Guiding organic, natural interactions that translate beautifully on camera.
From Idea to Exhibition PHOTOGRAPHING THE ARTIST AT WORK - Beginners
with Penny Stephens
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: MAT VAUGHAN ART
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Beginner / Enthusiast
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Step into photojournalist Penny Stephens’ world for a fun and relaxed, environmental portraiture shoot of a local Bright artist at work in their home studio. See Penny’s photographic thought processes evolve as she builds quick rapport with the artist whilst capturing a vibrant visual story. You too will get the chance to capture the artist in their studio – having the opportunity to learn and employ simple tips and tricks used by the pros. This is the perfect workshop for the photographer who loves natural looking portraiture and also the budding artist wanting to put together their own exhibition. You will be shooting in real-time, with no technical mumbo-jumbo or talk of megapixels, just a great chance to shoot, learn, share and be inspired! Penny will share her practical experience and ideas on how to gain support and turn your own personal body of photographic work into an exhibition. She will also share a downloadable guide on how to turn your own story idea into an exhibition.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Practical tips for setting your subject at ease, whilst simultaneously identifying the essential elements of their environment to build a strong portrait - capturing personality and place.
- With Penny’s friendly guidance – have a go at making your own portrait of the artist. Employ your strengthened understanding of composition, lighting, subject positioning, props, exposure and emotion to capture energetic moments using available light.
- Take home a downloadable ‘How to Guide – From Idea to Exhibition’
From Idea to Exhibition PHOTOGRAPHING THE ARTIST AT WORK - Advanced
with Penny Stephens
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: LUCY ALLMAN CERAMICIST
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Intermediat / Advanced
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Mostly seated/stationary
- Group size: 20
Step into photojournalist Penny Stephens’ world for a fun and relaxed, environmental portraiture shoot of a local Bright artist at work in their home studio. See Penny’s photographic thought processes evolve as she builds quick rapport with the artist whilst capturing a vibrant visual story. You too will get the chance to capture the artist in their studio – having the opportunity to learn and employ simple tips and tricks used by the pros. This is the perfect workshop for the photographer who loves natural looking portraiture and also the budding artist wanting to put together their own exhibition. You will be shooting in real-time, with no technical mumbo-jumbo or talk of megapixels, just a great chance to shoot, learn, share and be inspired! Penny will share her practical experience and ideas on how to gain support and turn your own personal body of photographic work into an exhibition. She will also share a downloadable guide on how to turn your own story idea into an exhibition.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Practical tips for setting your subject at ease, whilst simultaneously identifying the essential elements of their environment to build a strong portrait - capturing personality and place.
- With Penny’s friendly guidance – have a go at making your own portrait of the artist. Employ your strengthened understanding of composition, lighting, subject positioning, props, exposure and emotion to capture energetic moments using available light.
- Take home a downloadable ‘How to Guide – From Idea to Exhibition’
The Art of Environmental Portraits
with Marcus Bell
- Genre: Portrait
- Transport: TBA
- Location: Ruperts Place
- Length: 1.5hr
- Skill Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Specialist Equipment: N/A
- Fitness Level: Short Walk (<500m)
- Group size: 20
Blending technical skills with warmth and empathy, this workshop shows you how to bring out the humanity and character of your subjects while connecting them to their environment. From portraits to candid environmental studies, you’ll explore how natural light and studio flash can shape mood, highlight textures, and guide the viewer through your story. Rustic landscapes, animals, and wide horizons become layers that enrich your portraits. Learn to balance intimacy with context, draw on your personal vision, and create images that resonate. By the end, you’ll leave with unforgettable portraits—and a deeper understanding of connection and light.
Workshop Key Learnings:
- Connect Deeply with Your Subject – Approach people with respect and empathy to capture authenticity.
- Shape Portraits with Light & Environment – Master both natural light and studio flash to enhance mood and storytelling.
- Balance Intimacy with Context – Place your subject meaningfully within their surroundings.
- Weave farm life, textures, and environment into compelling narratives.
- Develop Your Personal Vision – Strengthen your creative voice to create portraits that resonate across all genres.
BFOP 2025 is officially married to...
Dating...
and in a polyamorous relationship with...
