Scenes & Stories: A Creative Set Building Workshop for Fine Art Portraits

Heather Harvey
Texas School Saturday

At a Glance

• Foam Set Construction – Learn how to cut, carve, and sculpt foam into creative set pieces perfect for fine art portraiture.
• Tool Breakdown – Discover the essential tools I use to work with foam effectively, including my favorite brands and techniques for precision and safety.
• Painting & Finishing Techniques – Master the process of sealing, texturing, and painting foam to create realistic, camera-ready finishes.
• Lighting the Scene with Nanlite – Explore how to use Nanlite lighting to shape mood, add dimension, and bring your handmade set to life.
• Creative Confidence – Gain the skills and inspiration to design unique storytelling sets that elevate your portrait work and set your studio apart.

Class Description

Step into a world of visual storytelling in this hands-on, one-day pre-con class focused on creative set building for storytelling portraits.

You’ll learn how to build immersive environments using foam, paint, props, and texture, and how to bring them to life with intentional lighting using Nanlite gear.

This class will cover techniques for designing and constructing sets that elevate your storytelling, lighting setups that enhance mood and depth, and tips for keeping your builds cost-effective and manageable in your studio space.

This class is perfect for photographers who want to explore the artistic side of portraiture—whether you specialize in children, families, seniors, or fine art. It’s ideal for creatives looking to expand their portfolio, offer a luxury product, or stand out in a crowded market.

By the end of the day, we will build a set as a group, and you’ll walk away with the skills and inspiration to turn your vision into tangible sets that captivate your clients and elevate your brand.

Whether you’re looking to increase your creative confidence or differentiate your studio with high-impact storytelling imagery, this class will transform how you approach portraits.