Creative Portrait Studio Photography with Kristina Varaksina

BIO

Kristina Varaksina received her Masters in photography from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco in 2013. She lived and worked between San Francisco and New York for six years before moving to London in 2019.

Specialising in portraiture, Kristina’s work is a creative response to what’s going on in the world and her immediate environment. Through visual symbolism, carefully curated colour palettes and considered lighting, she reflects the strongest emotions she and her subjects experience.

Kristina photographs for both editorial and commercial clients, with commissions including Time, the BBC, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel as well as many fashion and beauty brands. Through the years, she has been the recipient of awards from numerous prestigious bodies, including Portrait of Britain, Portrait of Humanity, LensCulture, APA, AOP, IPA and PX3.

PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PHYSICAL INTENSITY

Low

LOCATION

Friday 23 June 2023

11:30 AM-5:30 PM

FUJIFILM House of Photography, 8-9 Long Acre, London, WC2E 9LH

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your session time - Meet at the Reception Desk, down the stairs in the Lounge on the lower floor.

For enquiries regarding this event, please contact fujifilm_schoolUK@fujifilm.com or the House of Photography store on 0203 486 4610.

OVERVIEW

This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to boost their confidence and improve skills in the studio. Built around years of experience, Kristina will cover a variety of crucial ideas, from lighting to working with subjects. You will receive plenty of practical knowledge, but also guidance on developing creative ideas.

KIT

A selection of studio lights, stands and modifiers will be supplied on the day to facilitate professional set-ups. We also recommend you come prepared with a means of taking notes.

Participants may bring their own camera equipment if preferred, although a range of the latest X Series and GFX System cameras and lenses will be provided.

If you’d prefer to have your own selected equipment, you can arrange a free, 48-hour Try Before You Buy loan in advance.

ON THE DAY

Meet at the Fujifilm House of Photography, where you will meet Kristina and your fellow workshop participants.

Kristina will share invaluable insight into her award-winning studio approach.

Examine lighting set-ups and the testing process, followed by a demonstrative shoot. Kristina will advise on model direction and use of props.

Create images of your own in professional conditions and under Kristina’s expert guidance, before the session ends with a debrief.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Studio portraiture is a unique mix of creativity and practical skill. Before ideas can be brought to life, they must be imagined. Kristina will help you with photoshoot ideation and overall art direction, including avoiding generic looks and keeping goals simple yet effective. Next, you will learn about studio light set-ups, to construct a vision. Finally, Kristina explains the importance of getting to know subjects and directing them accordingly. You will put this cumulative knowledge into practice during a guided photo session.

PLEASE NOTE

Tickets do not include any other expenses, train fares, lunch, taxis, parking charges, etc. Unless otherwise stated.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Once you have purchased a ticket, your place on the day will be reserved. If circumstances change and you need to cancel your place, please let us know 10 working days before the event and we will be happy to issue you a refund in full. Places cancelled after this time are non-refundable. You need to be at least 18 years of age to take part in this event and a disclaimer form will need to be completed on the day in order to take part in the day’s activity. In case of emergency on the day, please email fujifilm_schoolUK@fujifilm.com.  A copy of the disclaimer form is available HERE.