Petra gives you a rundown of the session format and offers a preview of everything you’ll learn in the session. In the Guides section, you’ll find a glossary packed with terms all photographers should know. (There will be several guides and PDFs for you to access throughout the class, so be on the lookout!)
Petra introduces herself and takes you through her decision to pursue film photography.
Petra familiarizes you with her unique photography starter kit and explains how you can build your own. Get to know the cameras, lenses, and materials that will help you expand your aesthetic.
Petra emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, reflection, and curiosity when generating new ideas. Then she challenges you to identify what inspires you outside of photography.
Petra shares how she got comfortable with camera settings and lighting techniques. Then she gives an overview of the technical expertise you’ll learn to hone in this section.
Petra outlines the camera settings that impact the exposure of your photographs, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. She elaborates on each one to provide a foundational framework so you can feel confident taking photographs of your own. In the Guides, you’ll find a mini glossary containing the terms introduced in this activity.
Amid the rays of golden hour, Petra demonstrates how to adjust your camera settings to capture natural light. Then she asks you to practice shooting on your own to see how you can affect the exposure of your photos. When you’re done, watch the next lesson on taking photos using source lighting before you share what you’ve captured with the community.
Petra demonstrates how to create your own studio lighting using flashlights, headlamps, and fluorescents. After showing how to adjust your camera settings for source lighting, she encourages you to shoot some photos of your own.
Petra introduces the photographic form that defines so much of her work—portraiture. She explains how to understand the broad definition of portraits, and how to capture the specific essence of a collective feeling between you and your subject.
Petra dives deep into the visual layers that affect portrait photography. She breaks down how every decision you make—from choosing locations to angling your camera above or below your subject—influences the meaning and impact of your composition.
Petra combines everything you’ve learned thus far to demonstrate how to create a meaningful portrait and the importance of engaging with your subject to ensure that they feel comfortable throughout the process. Then she prompts you to take your first set of portraits.
Petra shows you how she selects photos, and how she edits down her collection to select one final portrait. She’ll explain why this process is vital to becoming a better photographer.
Petra introduces you to the concept of a photography series—and how a series expresses the larger picture of a single image. She explains the roots of one of her most profound and personal series.
Through introspective analysis and reflection, Petra demonstrates how to develop a vision for your photography series. Then she propels you to develop a unique vision for your own series.
When Petra creates a photo series, she builds an environment, a story, and an entirely interconnected world. Join her as she guides you through the development of a nostalgic series that became one of her most impactful works to date.
Petra demonstrates the various techniques she uses when creating a series of photographs. She ties together all that she’s taught you in this session as she photographs a series featuring her sister as the subject. Then she invites you to shoot your own photo series!
Petra shares her parting thoughts as she wishes you the best of luck on your photography journey. She explains why it’s important to keep experimenting, creating, and iterating.