Samy's Camera Masterclass, Los Angeles, 12 September 2026

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On Saturday 12 September I return to Samy's Camera on Fairfax Avenue for a five-hour masterclass in headshot and portrait photography, presented with Samy's Photo School. From 12 noon until 5.00pm we will work in the fourth-floor classroom with professional models, full studio lighting and a deliberately small group of photographers — and by the close of the afternoon you will leave with new work for your portfolio and a firmer command of the portrait.

My approach is drawn from painting. Holbein, Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Thomas Lawrence solved the problems of the face centuries before photography existed: how light falls across a brow, where shadow gives structure, how stillness carries authority. I work with a single, low, classical light for the same reasons they did, and this masterclass teaches that language in a modern studio — one light, placed with intent, doing the work of many.

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My portraits are held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and in the Royal Collection. I have photographed Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart and Dame Judi Dench, along with five British Prime Ministers, Tony Blair and Theresa May among them, and I am a four-time winner of Portrait of Britain. What I teach at Samy's is exactly what I practise in those sittings. Nothing is simplified and nothing is held back.

What we will cover

The afternoon moves from principle to practice. We begin with the foundations of the headshot and the portrait, then build two complete lighting setups — high key and low key — before turning to the part of the craft photographers most often neglect: directing the sitter. A portrait is a collaboration. Knowing how to put a subject at ease, how to ask for stillness and how to draw out expression is worth more than any piece of equipment, and it is a discipline that can be taught. Throughout the day you will shoot with professional models under my direction, with time set aside for individual guidance.

The schedule

  • 12.00pm — Introduction to headshot and portrait photography

  • 12.30pm — High key studio lighting

  • 1.00pm — Directing the sitter

  • 1.30pm — Hands-on practice with the models

  • 2.00pm — Lunch

  • 2.30pm — Low key studio lighting

  • 3.00pm — Advanced lighting techniques

  • 3.30pm — Practical sessions

  • 4.30pm — Day summary

  • 5.00pm — Close

Register

Who the day is for

Photographers of every level. If you are beginning, you will leave understanding light and direction from first principles; if you are established, you will sharpen both. The class is kept small, so there is personalised attention throughout and genuine time behind the camera rather than watching from the back of a room.

The details

Date: Saturday 12 September 2026, 12 noon – 5.00pm Venue: Fourth-floor classroom, Samy's Camera, 431 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Price: $350 Booking: via Samy's Photo School on Eventbrite — Reserve your place. Samy's terms and cancellation policy apply.

Studio lighting and professional models are provided. Bring your camera and a portrait lens; an 85mm or a 50mm is ideal.

Spaces are limited and these afternoons do fill. I look forward to seeing you on Fairfax Avenue.