© Paul Elledge

New Dates!

For more information or to register by phone, call (505) 983-1400, ext. 11.

This is a workshop for accomplished photographers who are ready for the challenge of overcoming the limited nature of traditional portraiture. To create dynamic portraits, Paul and Leasha encourage participants to avoid photographic clichés and discover new ways of seeing that come from one’s imagination. We discuss issues such as instinct, self-confidence, and trust in the creative process, as well as methods for collaborating with clients and subjects, handling difficult personalities, and working effectively under pressure.  

Through lectures, critiques, demonstrations, assignments, portfolio reviews, and study of their own portraits, Paul and Leasha inspire the class to forgo the traditional rules of portrait making to define a more contemporary approach.  The workshop emphasizes creating one’s own style of portraiture through the non-traditional use of black and white and environment. This is a workshop about possibilities, control, and style. The aesthetic and emotional concerns of contemporary portrait making are at the core of all discussions and daily assignments, which are photographed on location in San Miguel de Allende. We photograph both real people and models in a variety of locations in and around San Miguel, covering artisans, musicians, local markets, businesses, and fiestas.  As we define a personal style, we learn to trust our personal point of view.   

Instructor(s)

Paul Elledge is a photographer and filmmaker whose clients include major advertising agencies, record companies, and corporations. He has been honored with numerous national and international awards for work that melds photographic realism with painterly qualities of illustration. Paul has photographed such celebrities as AC/DC, Billy Corgan, Jennifer Hudson, Ministry, Willie Nelson, Trent Reznor, Luciano Pavarotti, and Oprah Winfrey. His work has appeared in such publications as Audubon, Fast Company, Life, Men’s Health, People, Rolling Stone, TIME, and Wired, among others. Paul’s book chronicles the people of Vesale, Italy, and he has collaborated on several books with chef Charlie Trotter. In addition to photography, he has directed music videos and television commercials. This is Paul’s 12th year teaching for the Workshops. His web site is www.paulelledge.com.

Leasha Overturf explores childhood, teenage relationships, and her immediate family in her photography. She uses county fairs, public gathering spaces, city streets, and urban environments to find and explore her subjects. Leasha’s work has been published and exhibited nationally and internationally, and she leads workshops in the U.S. and Italy. In addition to her own projects, she has worked with Paul Elledge in all aspects of photographic production since 1993. This is Leasha’s 12th year teaching for the Workshops. Her web site is www.leasha.com.    

Who Should Attend:
Advanced Amateurs and Professionals

What You Should Know:
Proficient in digital workflow, Adobe Lightroom, and manual mode on your digital SLR camera

Portfolio Required:
Please see the General Information section for your portfolio submission of black-and-white portraits

Accommodations Available:
Double accommodations included in Package Price. Single supplement is $300 additional.

Tuition & Fees:
View package price details.
Package Price: $2,645.00