Students must pass all required courses before receiving ICP certification. All courses must be completed within a period of 1-year from the date of registration (excluding approved past courses). Additionally, to receive their certificate, students need to present an edited and sequenced selection of 10-20 pictures they have photographed as part of this program. Once a student completes the requirements, a request for the certificate should be submitted using the button below.
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# Portrait Photography Intensive

# International Center of Photography

79 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002

Image by ICP faculty member Res

# Additional Info

## Contact

212.857.0056

This Intensive offers intermediate and advanced photographers a comprehensive opportunity to develop their portrait photography skills and personal style. By drawing inspiration from personalities, physical features, gestures, and personal stories, portrait photographers blend sensitivity, creativity, and technical expertise to create engaging connections between sitters and viewers.

Gain confidence in capturing thought-provoking and compelling portraits while learning the techniques and ethical considerations essential for intentional and respectful portraiture. Through lectures, assignments, critique sessions, and class discussions, students explore the practical, cultural, and visual aspects of portraiture. They also study the approaches of leading photographers to refine their artistic voice in their chosen genre. As they build their portfolios, students can learn advanced image processing techniques, edit and sequence their work, and prepare their images for presentation to photography professionals or potential clients.

The Portrait Photography Intensive can be completed entirely online, with additional onsite courses available for students visiting or residing in New York.

Topics of study include:

- Historic and contemporary portraiture
- Creative usage of light and composition
- Studio and location lighting practices
- Fashion and editorial portraiture
- Documentary and street portraiture
- Intimate photography and self-portraiture
- Developing a photo series and/or a personal voice
- Image selection and sequencing
- Advanced image processing tools and techniques
- Portfolio preparation and presentation

Expected Outcomes:

- Acquire a cultural artistic background in the field of portraiture
- Understand and practice technical and practical aspects of photographing people
- Capture expressive, and compelling portraits
- Develop your visual vocabulary and personal style
- Understand how to create a portfolio and acquire initial editing skills
- Adopt industry-leading methodologies and practices
- Share your work with potential clients and photography professionals

Special Benefits:

- Official ICP digital certificate (see requirements below)
- $150-$200 total savings after completing all courses
- Exclusive early registration period before each term

# Program Structure

#### Framework & Courses

This Intensive includes two stages. Stage I courses offer an introduction to Portrait Photography and covers the creative background as well as technical and practical aspects of this field. Stage II courses allow students to practice methodologies in their preferred genre, receive important critique for their work, and develop their personal portfolio.

Stage I – Introduction Courses

(successfully complete one of the following courses):

- Portraiture and the Art of Imitation (online)
- The Fundamentals of Portraiture (online)
- Developing a Portrait Series

Stage II – Main Courses

(successfully complete at least two of the following courses):

- The Fashion Portrait: From Street Style to Haute Couture (onsite)
- Portrait Lighting Techniques: Studio and Location (onsite)
- Taking it to the Streets: Impromptu Portraits (online)
- Street Portraits: Intention and Improvisation (onsite)
- Faces, Masks and Narrative: Contemporary Self-Portraiture (online)
- Advancing Your Personal Project
- Editing & Sequencing: How to Highlight Your Best Pictures (online)
- Crafting the Queer Erotic Image
- From Inspiration to Innovation

Most courses range between 5-10 meetings. Click ‘Register for Upcoming Courses’ for a list of next available classes including dates, course descriptions, faculty, and tuition (fees are presented before discount).

#### Important Notes

- All courses need to be completed within a period of 1-year from the date of registration (excluding approved past courses).
- A selection of classes will be available for registration at each stage of the program, but ICP may choose not to run all courses each term.
- Courses should be taken in order according to the program’s structure.
- Stage I courses and optional lighting courses may be taken in parallel.
- Completion of more than one course in Stage I does not credit other stages.
- Retroactive registration to this program is allowed also after completing one of the courses in Stage I or Stage II.

# Prerequisites

The Portrait Photography Intensive is an intermediate program: You are comfortable using your camera, whether film or digital, and with your photographic practice. You have experience using Adobe applications such as Lightroom or Photoshop. You may want to understand how to utilize your camera in a more thoughtful and articulate way, practice creative methodologies, or learn how to utilize theoretical concepts in relation to your portfolio of work. Students must meet the prerequisites of each course they register for as part of the program.

# Tuition

Enrollment to the Portrait Photography Intensive is open throughout the year. Once enrolled, students may select their preferred courses (see ‘Register for Upcoming Courses’ above). Use the ‘Enroll in Intensive’ button below to submit your online application form (no preparations are needed).

Depending on students’ course selection, the total tuition can range between $1505–$2495 and includes:

- A non-refundable registration fee of $300
- The discounted fees of 3 selected and studied courses. Courses’ fees range between $495–$1065 and enrolled students receive $150 discounts on each of their courses (total discount of $450).

In addition, students can upgrade their program at an additional fee of $150, allowing them to take one of the listed Lighting Courses (see the Program Structure section above) while applying another special $200 discount.

As a limited promotion, ICP may approve and credit courses previously taken at ICP towards completion of the Intensive, and adjust the registration fee and remaining discounts accordingly (see Special Promotion).

# Certification

Students must pass all required courses before receiving ICP certification. All courses must be completed within a period of 1-year from the date of registration (excluding approved past courses). Additionally, to receive their certificate, students need to present an edited and sequenced selection of 10-20 pictures they have photographed as part of this program. Once a student completes the requirements, a request for the certificate should be submitted using the button below.

Two lovers embrace in bed besides a window. Image by ICP faculty Stacy Mehrfar

Image by ICP faculty Deborah Feingold

Image by ICP faculty Harvey Stein

Image by ICP faculty Alice O'Malley

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International Center of Photography

79 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002

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