Light + Story: Portrait Photography Workshop in Astoria with Kate Hailey

Ready to elevate your portrait photography? Join us for a hands-on, two-part workshop that will boost your confidence with lighting, posing, and creative composition, both in studio and on location in Astoria, Oregon. All registrants for this event will receive a seperate email with more thorough details on the meeting point for this workshop.

You’ll walk away with:

✓ Practical, repeatable lighting setups

✓ Confidence directing and posing models

✓ A deeper understanding of how to adapt lighting and composition on location

What to Bring

Camera with portrait lens (Recommended focal lengths: 50mm, 85mm, or 105mm), fully charged battery, and memory card(s).

Who is this for?

This workshop is open to photographers of all levels, but you should have a working knowledge of manual camera settings: ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and white balance, and how to adjust them on your camera.

SCHEDULE

Part 1: Introduction to Lighting | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

We’ll start in the studio with an immersive introduction to lighting fundamentals. You’ll learn how to set up and work with classic setups like Rembrandt, beauty, and clamshell. This session includes a walk-through of essential gear, camera, and lighting settings.

Attendees have the opportunity to work with a model, gaining experience in posing, directing, and composing strong portraits in a controlled environment.

Meal Break | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Grab a bite at one of the many great spots in the area. The team will make some recommendations!

Part 2: On Location in Astoria | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

The second half of this workshop will be on location in Downtown Astoria. We will work with both available light and adding flash. Kate will lead creative demonstrations and provide guidance on posing, directing, and finding compelling backgrounds. Attendees will split into smaller groups to ensure individual time with each model, including opportunities to photograph them together.

ABOUT KATE HAILEY

Kate Hailey is a freelance photographer and photography educator based in the Pacific Northwest. 

Kate’s love of photography started at a very young age, with artistic and musical influences from both her father and mother, she was bound for creative pursuits. As a teenager, she began to learn the art of lighting, as a photo assistant. Over the years she has explored the world and found her true voice in capturing stories of people and places along the way. 

Kate leads workshops, photowalks, and photo tours, focusing on topics she holds dear, from lighting and portraiture, to travel and exploring creative techniques. 

If you follow her on Instagram, you will find a journal of stories, from client portraits and editorials to adventures around her city or abroad. Check out her most current work on Instagram: @katehailey or her website.