The photographic portrait allows us not only to record the physiognomic image of a subject in front of us but also, thanks to its direct relationship with the referent in that precise space and time, to capture his or her emotions through the complex interplay of poses, looks, places, objects, of which the portrait itself is composed.
The photographic medium allows us to narrate and interpret through the image an experience, primarily human, of relating to the subject, who will subsequently become the viewed object as it is transfigured in its photographic dimension.
The course aims to acquaint students with the theoretical and practical basics of shooting tools, lighting, setting up indoor and outdoor photo sets, image processing, and photo editing applied to portraits, as well as to give them an overview of the authors who in the history of photography have used portraits as a form of representation.
Start: 18/10/2025
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 52 hours
Mode: In-person course
Attendance: Saturday
Cost: 1,200 € (installment)
Course leader: Paolo Cagnacci
Target
Portrait Photography is suitable for anyone, professional or amateur, who wants to acquire and deepen the use of artificial lights in the studio and outdoors.
You will learn the theoretical and practical basics of professional camera tools, natural and artificial lighting, indoor and outdoor photo shoots, and photo editing applied to portraits.
Admission
The technical assessment is necessary to know your technical skills in photography.
To apply for our Portrait Photography Course, you must submit the following documents via the form provided:
- Photographic portfolio consisting of 15-20 images, even if not strictly related to the course you want to take.
The portfolio should be sent in a single file in pdf format or in a zipped folder.
An interview may be required prior to registration.
Course Details.
The Portrait Photography course aims to teach you photographic techniques for creating set portraits, using both natural light and flash. During the classes, under the guidance of instructors, students will experiment with different lighting effects to learn how to enhance the subject in the chosen context, allowing them to construct their own visual narrative.
During the course you will learn the theoretical and practical basics of professional camera tools, natural and artificial lighting, setting up indoor and outdoor photo sets, and photo editing applied to portraiture.
An overview of authors in the history of photography who have used portraiture as a form of representation will also be provided.
At the end of the course you will be able to create a portrait-based photography project.
The course is held in-person on Saturdays from 10 a.m.
Online theory classes (on the ZOOM platform) are scheduled during the week from 6:30 p.m.
The course program includes shooting activities in the photo studio, post-production workshops, theoretical lectures on photography and tutoring for the realization of a photo project.
Each student has access to the school’s workshops and library during office hours.
- Lecture 1: Light and color
- Lecture 2: Continuous lights and flash
- Lecture 3: History of portrait photography
- Lesson 4: Studio Shooting
- Lesson 5: Portable flashes and the set portrait
- Lecture 6: The photographic project: Analysis of narrative structure
- Lesson 7: Studio Shooting
- Lecture 8: Digital postproduction applied to portraiture
- Lesson 9: Meeting with a photo editor
- Lesson 10: Personal project review
Studying at marangoni studio
Studying with us means being at the center of a cultural and multidisciplinary environment, where photography blends with other disciplines.
Our school is a place where the boundaries between different disciplines blur, creating a creative and stimulating learning environment for all students. Through the constant exchange between highly professional faculty, emerging talents and students, Studio Marangoni serves as an observatory on the state of the art of photography.
Start your path to a successful photography career at Studio Marangoni!
