Cinematic Portrait Photography

Cinematic Portrait Photography in Amsterdam with Leica Photographer Richard Schabetsberger. Step into the world of cinematic portraiture with acclaimed Leica photographer Richard Schabetsberger in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. This two-day immersive workshop will teach you how to create dramatic, filmic portraits in urban environments, using natural light and fast Leica lenses, but also working with a professional model during golden and blue hour to achieve a cinematic, filmic look in urban environments. Through hands-on shooting sessions and expert-led post-production & color grading, you will refine your skills and elevate your portraits. You’ll learn to navigate challenging lighting situations, harnessing the city’s unique atmosphere—whether it’s the glow of streetlights, the interplay of colors and light, or dramatic shadows.
 
A key highlight of the workshop is a shooting session with a professional model during golden and blue hour. You will work in carefully selected urban locations, using natural light creatively to capture powerful, cinematic portraits. Through hands-on shooting sessions and expert-led post-production & color grading, you’ll refine your skills and develop a distinct cinematic style. Richard will guide you through his creative process, sharing practical techniques to take your portrait photography to the next level.
Join us for an inspiring, hands-on experience and transform the way you capture cinematic portraits!
 

For photographers who want to make their street photography stand out with their portraits!

 

Topics

• Choosing the right lenses and equipment for a cinematic look.
• Working with a professional model — there will be a model during the photography session.
• Master Low-Light Photography – Work with minimal light sources to create dramatic moods.
• Cinematic Composition & Storytelling – Learn how to frame, pose, and direct models for expressive, film-like portraits and scenes.
• Color Grading & Editing – Post-processing techniques to refine your images and enhance their cinematic impact.

 

Essentials

• Bring your camera and lenses.
• Laptop or tablet with Lightroom – For selecting, editing, and color grading images on Day 2.
• Some snacks for the day.

 

Language Information

• This workshop will be conducted in English only.

 

Minimum participants requirement:

This workshop requires a minimum of 4 participants. If this number is not met, the workshop may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.
For more details, please refer to the Leica Akademie Nederland - Cancellation Policy & Terms.
 

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Agenda

 

Saturday

15:00 – 18:00:

• Introduction+ Portfolio Review & Theoretical Session.
• Fundamentals of cinematic portrait photography
• Practical tips, camera settings, and creative approach.

18:30 – 22:30:

• Practical Shooting Session (Golden Hour & Blue Hour)
• Shooting with a professional model at different locations in Amsterdam.
• Visual storytelling through light, composition & mood.
• Experimenting with urban lighting conditions and reflections.
• Optional drink together afterward.

 

Sunday

10:00 – 13:30:

• Morning Coffee, Editing & Image Review.
• Image selection and color grading in Lightroom.
• Discussing cinematic post-processing techniques.
• Group feedback and final Q&A.

 

Location

Leica Store Amsterdam: Van Baerlestraat 74, 1071 BA Amsterdam

Questions

Mail: [email protected]

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