Portrait Photography Masterclass
Every September, we organize a unique Portrait Photography Masterclass in Casa San Carlo,
under the guidance of Dutch top photographer and teacher Duco de Vries.
A group of advanced amateur photographers (with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 9 participants) immerses itself for 5 days in beautiful Umbria to enhance their photography skills.
This year, the Masterclass will take place from Monday the 27th of September until Saturday the 2nd of October.
Who is photographer and teacher Duco de Vries?
As a specialized portrait photographer, Duco works for all sorts of clients in the Netherlands and abroad. For over 20 years now, he has been a teacher at the Fotoacademie in Amsterdam. Originally, he started his career as a teacher in Art History & Painting, after which he switched to Photography at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. Ever since 1995 he has been working as a freelance photographer and teacher. You will find his work in all sorts of magazines, editorials, business brochures and books. He also published 3 photography books, the first of which was published in 2007 by Klaartje. She was then still working as a publisher in The Netherlands, before emigrating to Italy. In 2017 Klaartje asked Duco to teach this very special Masterclass at Casa San Carlo in Umbria, and it has been a great succes and a lot of fun for all parties involved. This year the fourth edition will take place.
Who is photographer and teacher Duco de Vries?
As a specialized portrait photographer, Duco works for all sorts of clients in the Netherlands and abroad. For over 20 years now, he has been a teacher at the Fotoacademie in Amsterdam. Originally, he started his career as a teacher in Art History & Painting, after which he switched to Photography at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. Ever since 1995 he has been working as a freelance photographer and teacher. You will find his work in all sorts of magazines, editorials, business brochures and books. He also published 3 photography books, the first of which was published in 2007 by Klaartje. She was then still working as a publisher in The Netherlands, before emigrating to Italy. In 2017 Klaartje asked Duco to teach this very special Masterclass at Casa San Carlo in Umbria, and it has been a great succes and a lot of fun for all parties involved. This year the third edition will take place with 8 participants.
Focus points
What is it exactly, that makes a portrait particularly good, exciting or fascinating? When does a portrait truly capture the character of the person you see before you? What are the technical points of attention that a good photographer always has in the back of his mind while doing a shoot? How do you approach your ‘models’ and make them feel at ease with you, even when you have never met them before?
During this unique 5 day Masterclass the focus of Duco does not only lie on teaching his students how to take a good picture technically. He also wants them to discover all the possible different approaches of the people they will portray, using for example improvisation or a specific kind of setting or location. With these ‘tools’ at hand a photographer has everything he needs to optimize the chance of making a unique portrait.
The programm
After breakfast each morning, the day starts with a ‘theory lesson’ in which the personal focus points of the students will be explained more thoroughly by Duco.
Then the students are divided into small groups of 3, and are given numerous assignments to fulfill during the rest of the day. By dividing them into groups of 3, every participant will be able to fulfill different roles: photographer, model and technical assistant. By watching their fellow students, all participants will learn a lot as well. During their assignments, Duco constantly guides and monitors the students, giving them personal tips while they photograph.
The locations for the assignments differ each year: naturally many portraits will be made in the garden and around Casa San Carlo, but also a 'surprise location shoot' is part of the programm, and a visit to nearby Città della PIeve, a charming mideaval town.
It goes without saying that also much attention is given to the post-processing of the photos the students take during these 5 days.
Time to relax
During this Masterclass you will stay at Casa San Carlo and will enjoy all the pleasures of this beautiful location. You will have a spacious apartment with your own bedroom at your disposal, your stay is fully catered so you only have to come downstairs to enjoy a lovely breakfast, lunch and Italian home cooked dinner outside on the terrace. Or you will be taken to a lovely restaurant in the neighbourhood and will have the opportunity to bake your own pizza in the wood oven. Naturally, in between lessons and shoots, you can enjoy our pool!
Masterclass & Mini-break: all-in one!
Join this unique opportunity! To have your own private photography teacher at your disposal for 5 whole days. To receive countless brilliant tips & tricks to improve your skills, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of lovely Umbria and have the opportunity to live 'La Dolce Vita'?
So what are you waiting for? Join our Masterclass, Edition 4, from Monday 27th September - Saturday 2nd October 2021.
If you have any questions about this Portrait Photography Masterclass, please contact Klaartje by email: klaartje@casasancarlo.com. We hope to welcome you next september 2021!
Would you like to see more of this Masterclass?
view images here
Would you like to join or more receive more information about this Masterclass and its costs? Please contact us by filling in the form below.