This workshop provides a comprehensive approach of contemporary photographic portraiture for practitioners who have a minimum experience in photography and aim to go deep into the practice of portraits. It is organized in three axis. First, the conceptual basis of photographic portraiture will be discussed with examples from photography history to contemporary visual artists. Second, the technical and procedural aspects will be disentangled through hands-on exercises designed to build confidence and expertise for making strong portraits. In the third module of the workshop, the different approaches, discussions and exercises will be mobilized around the participants’ projects. They will develop an authorial project around photographic portraiture. This involves collective critical sessions, technical assistance and conceptual support as a guidance through the creative process. As a result of the workshop, a collective zine of the group’s work will be produced at the closing of the workshop.
Methodology: Through a combination of lecture-based classes, open discussion, readings, and analysis of artistic references, the workshop will provide the theoretical foundation for creative and artistic practice in photographic portraiture. Home assignments will be proposed to challenge students to go further in their ambitions to develop a series of portraits. Practical in-class demonstrations will make technical and formal aspects more transparent and accessible to all. Conceptual and critical follow-up will allow students to develop a coherent photographic project through a visual investigation of contemporary issues or through the exploration of personal questions. Regardless of the approaches and topics chosen, notions such as visual narrative, alterity, the gaze, and collaboration will be part of a shared vocabulary during the activities and discussions.
The course is structured according to the following modules:
Theoretical classes:
Alfredo Brant - 10 classes
Practical classes:
Alfredo Brant - 10 classes
Project classes:
Alfredo Brant + Bruno Pelletier Sequeira - 12 classes
Calendar: The sessions will take place at Atelier de Lisboa every Monday. Classes will not be held on the following dates: 2026 December 21 and 28 2027 Summer Holidays - July 12 until September 6 The final classes of the course may be scheduled outside the usual days and times in order to carry out the preparation, installation, and opening of the final course exhibition or the final project presentations.
Price: Monthly payment: 210€ Number of payments: 8
Applications: Candidates must pre-register on the Atelier de Lisboa website and send a portfolio and a biography to atelierdelisboa@gmail.com, after which an interview may be scheduled. Contact Atelier de Lisboa for any clarification.
Number of Participants: Class sizes are limited to 10 students to ensure personalized instruction. The course will run subject to a minimum enrolment of 8 participants.
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Access to the Black & White Darkroom and the Digital Lab:
One weekly lab session outside of class hours, subject to prior booking with the lab supervisor. Use of the laboratories more than once per week is subject to an additional fee.
All printing paper for the Digital Lab and photographic paper for the Darkroom must be provided by the student.
Whenever necessary, students may request assistance from the lab supervisor, who will provide basic guidance on the correct use of the equipment.
