Can Portraiture Make A Difference?

Neal Slavin’s new Master Class in Portraiture will begin on Friday, June 9, 2017 and continue through Sunday, June 11. The course will be taught at Neal’s New York studio in the historic cast iron district of Soho.

Ultimately the goal is not how to make better pictures
but to make photographs that are more relevant!

This 3 day immersion class in Portraiture will help you discover the portrait photographer deep within you and help you create meaningful and evocative pictures no matter what your past experience has been. The goal is to move beyond the barriers of conventionality and break the ties of each student’s visual inhibitions! The class will begin promptly at 5:00 PM with a discussion between Neal Slavin and the well known photography author and critic A. D. Coleman on the topic:

Does Portraiture Matter & Can It Make A Difference?

A Q&A will follow along with light refreshments. Directly after the event Neal and A. D. Coleman will conduct a Portfolio Review of each student's past work and then give out personal, one day assignments to each member of the class based on that review. Day 2 will be a full day of shooting in the field with ongoing professional mentorship as each student undertakes his or her personalized work. It is highly encouraged that each workshop member use this day to its fullest, as this is a full immersion photography experience. Students should start shooting early in the day and continue shooting as late as stamina will allow! Neal will visit with each student at their location and help focus and clarify any problems the student might be experiencing. By the 3rd day each student will have created pictures that reflect greater depth and substance. This last day will be devoted to a final critique and review of the new work. This class session will be a chance to stimulate creativity, practice skills of evaluation and consider the views of a wider audience. The workshop will end with a discussion of where and how to continue this journey into the exciting and enthralling world of picture making! Minimum requirements for the class: A digital camera in any format, in which the student is seriously committed to as a means for their work. A tripod and flash would be good to have but is optional. Here is a sampling of students' comments about Neal's classes and workshops:

"A workshop with Neal Slavin is more than a workshop: it is an amazing experience. I call it the 'Neal Experience.' If you take a class with him, you are in for a ride, and what a ride! What a pleasure seeing him work, teach, advise, lead and shape us all. He’ll give you his best. And all this is done with total dedication and humility, but spiced with a great sense of humor. I have taken many classes, and - there is nothing out there remotely close to the 'Neal Experience'."

Koitz

"In Neal Slavin’s class, one felt as if one were working alongside a master photographer rather than simply taking part in a class. In each session, he addressed a unique element of portrait photography while leading us through a myriad of technical and philosophical challenges. His insightful critiques of our work, drawn from a wealth of experience and knowledge, inspired us onward. Neal created an environment of mutual respect for the distinct approaches of each photographer in the room. I draw upon my experience in Neal's class with gratitude as I continue onward with my own work."

Yvette Cohen Pomerantz
Founder of AVITAY: Profiles in Perspective

"Neal is a rare gem one seldom encounters: a talented, seasoned photographer who has the enthusiasm, patience, and desire to teach others how to make it too. I found him to be unfailingly supportive and generous of spirit with his students. With his vast and varied clients, he has the amazing skill of connection. Wealthy socialite couples, a group of Orthodox Yeshiva students, professional models? Neal has a knack for establishing a rapport with all of them, and teaching others how to do so too."

Katherine H.

"I have never been to a class where students showed up 20-30 minutes early, just for the chance to gather and chat informally before class begins! That is a testimonial in and of itself to the regard his students have for Neal as an instructor and mentor."

Nisa Ojalvo

"Your passion and excitement for your craft is contagious and the workshop was fantastic. You helped me see Portraiture in a whole new light! ...my memories of Mr. Goldbeck at 92 yrs old was his passion for Group images - just like you!"

Jennifer J.