Perfect Portraits | Photography Training

How can you capture an authentic and flattering image, even of someone who hates having their photo taken?

If you want to start taking images that you – and your subject – will love, then this is the training session for you.

Portrait photography has been the art that I’ve been drawn to from the very start of my career over two decades ago. There’s something that’s more personal, alive and interactive about portraits, compared to other genres.

“My wife booked me a photography tutorial with Sarah as a Christmas gift. During the tutorial I learned so much about my camera and its potential uses. Sarah takes her time to explain the subject in a straightforward, enthusiastic and knowledgeable manner that is not overly technical. I would highly recommend Sarah to others… she is an exceptionally good photographer with great people skills to match.”

Kevin, 1:1 camera and photography training client from Wantage, Oxfordshire

This training session includes:

  • The psychology of portrait photography – how to work with people who dislike being photographed
  • Natural light portrait photography – my go-to lighting choices for working outdoors on sunny and overcast days
  • Flash portrait photography lighting – where to place and how to adjust artificial lights to flatter your subject
  • Posing for men, women, couples and groups – two ideas for each and how to direct your subject into position
  • Putting the above into practice
  • Follow-up notes and homework

The session is one hour long, is completely 1:1 and costs £125.

It definitely helps to have a willing friend or family member come along so you can try out the techniques, but if that’s not possible then I’m happy to hire a model (at additional cost) or step in front of your camera to illustrate key points myself.

“I attended Sarah’s studio for some beginner’s training in Studio Photography and I was so happy with the training I received. Sarah is so friendly and welcoming. She catered the training to my specific needs (I’m a total beginner!) and explained everything clearly to me and at my pace. I would definitely recommend Sarah to anyone who is looking for some training in photography.”

Laura, 1:1 camera and photography training client from Bicester, Oxfordshire

How do I book?

Let me know which date you’d like from my current availability. I’ll send an invoice over for the course fee and a link to an online contract. Payment of the fee and a digital signature on the contract completes your booking.

Please note that I can sometimes fit one-hour training sessions like this one in around my photoshoot bookings, so if there is a weekday you’d like that isn’t listed, please ask – it may be possible.

What kind of camera do I need?

This course is suitable for any type of DSLR or Mirrorless camera, or even just your smart phone.

Can I buy this course as a gift for someone else?

Yes, absolutely, and I can send you a personalised e-Gift Certificate so you have something to print out and give (or forward on) to the recipient.

What other courses do you offer?

“Asked Sarah for a lesson to improve my use of a Canon DLR (77D) in manual mode. Sarah put me at my ease straightaway, chatted through what I knew and where I wanted to be. She was clear in her explanations of the principles of photography and the more specific things I needed. Her studio was ideal to take pictures of the objects I took along and review after each shot. Sarah showed great patience with me and gave great feedback on the photos. I really enjoyed the session and have learnt a lot to takeaway and practice on. Anyone who wants to venture away from the camera driven settings and explore Manual Mode I highly recommend a lesson with Sarah. Thank you so much.”

Dave, 1:1 camera and photography training client from Bicester, Oxfordshire

If you’re interested in camera and photography training in Bicester, Oxfordshire, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

She is the Master Photographers Association National Studio Portrait Finalist 2023 as well as Young Families Portrait Photographer of the Year 2022 and Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).