Carl Unplugged – Beyond the Portrait: Creating Images with Purpose

Carl Caylor
Track: Lighting & Camera Skills

At a Glance

• You will understand how the technical, art and emotions of portrait building work together to tell a story.
• How we can use composition to lead a viewer physically and emotionally.
• Understand the use of color to work with your vision.
• LIGHT – It is our paintbrush! We will polish our strokes and shape and form our subjects.
• You will blend the work you create in camera with what can happen in post processing.
• You will practice digital darkroom techniques and learn to spot technical flaws.

Class Description

For years I have taught photographers how to create portraits. Together we’ve explored light, composition, posing, expression, printing, and the technical skills that form the foundation of great photography.

Now it’s time for something more.

I’ve helped you learn how to fish. Now it’s time to decide what story you’re going to tell. This advanced workshop is about moving beyond technique and creating photographs with intention, heart, and imagination. You’ll begin with a vision—something meaningful that exists first in your mind and your heart. Then, together, we’ll bring that vision to life through every step of the creative process.

You’ll learn to:

* Develop a concept that has emotional depth and purpose.
* Create your vision in-camera through thoughtful lighting, composition, and direction.
* Refine your work in the digital darkroom without losing authenticity.
* Prepare your image for exhibition-quality printing so your finished piece has the impact it deserves.

This is not a lecture class. This is a working class. You will create. I will coach, challenge, question, encourage, and push you beyond your comfort zone. Expect to think differently, solve creative problems, and stretch both your artistic and technical abilities. My goal is not simply to help you make a better photograph—it is to help you become a stronger visual storyteller. By the end of the workshop, you won’t just leave with finished images. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how vision, craftsmanship, and purpose come together to create photographs that connect with people on an emotional level. Prerequisites.

This is an advanced workshop and is intended for experienced photographers.

Participation requires either:
* Previous attendance in one of my portrait classes, or
* My approval prior to registration.

Students should have:
* A solid working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
* Their own camera equipment.
* A laptop computer with Photoshop installed, along with any optional plug-ins you regularly use.

The creative process begins before we ever meet in Texas. Several weeks before class, you’ll begin developing your concept at home. We’ll arrive in Texas ready to refine, photograph, perfect, print, and complete your vision together.

• CLASS INTENSITY: Black
• CLASS BREAKDOWN
  Hands-on: 100%
• PREREQUISITES:
  Lighting 2: I kill it with available light.
  Lighting 3: Confident with additive light and OCF.
  Lighting 4: Strong use of multiple lights and mixed lighting situations.
  Post-Production 2: Looking for guidance beyond image adjustments.
  Post-Production 3: Can work with layers, layer masks & understand blend modes.
  Post-Production 4: Digital art & Composite experience. Experience in blending image with brushes.

What do these mean? Learn More