Developing sensitivity, honing communication skills, and perfecting technical skills in order to create portraits that are deeply in tune with the human spirit is the goal of this workshop with acclaimed portrait photographer Paul Mobley. A gifted storyteller and skilled technician, Paul demonstrates how to capture a subject’s soul to tell a person’s unique story in a single image or series of images, as well as how to control the lighting to complement the portrait’s message.

Participants have daily opportunities to practice their skills in the studio and around Santa Fe, working first with experienced models and then with complete strangers. Local ranches, the Farmers Market, and the streets of Santa Fe offer ample opportunities to find willing subjects. The ability to engage and build trust is the most important factor in portrait sessions, and Paul works individually with each participant to guide this vital process. There is also a black-and-white day for those wishing to enhance and strengthen their vision using this iconic art form.

The ”soft” techniques required for making compelling portraits are of primary concern, but technical matters are always a consideration. Paul demonstrates his artificial lighting techniques in the studio and on location.

By week’s end, participants have acquired the technical skills coupled with the ability to comfortably communicate and engage with a wide variety of people in order to collaborate on compelling.