Join me on Saturday, October 10, 2026 for Lighting Portraits with Intent. This class will focus on lighting and compositional techniques that lean into the dramatic, while eschewing convention. We will learn how to craft beautiful light on a face, how to pose subjects with purpose, and how styling brings the entire image together. From beginning to end, I will teach you how to create portraits with intent, that are replete with emotion and beauty.
TOPICS COVERED IN THE CLASS
- How to use continuous lights for portraits, including mixing color temperatures to achieve a color graded look in camera.
- Choosing the best key light modifier for your subject and composition, including beauty dish, umbrellas, and Fresnel lights.
- Posing and styling with intent and purpose, including how to collaborate with your subject to find poses and clothing choices that look amazing.
- Using 1, 2 and 3 lights, and simple setups that look complex and high end.
- Editing in Capture One and Affinity Photo, including color grading techniques.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Pete Coco is a New York-based portrait photographer known for creating bold, engaging images that defy convention. He strives to capture authentic emotion from his subjects, and loves using dramatic light and a subject-centered approach. Pete works with a wide range of clients including actors, musicians, executives, authors, and creatives who refuse to settle for an average portrait. He is also the Staff Photographer for Jazz Legend Maestro Ron Carter.
Pete shares his perspective with 35K+ subscribers on YouTube, where he talks shop about portraiture, gear, and everything else photography. When he’s not working with clients or mentoring creatives, Pete can be found lugging his upright bass and camera around the city, playing with a variety of musicians and simultaneously documenting the New York music scene.
Space is limited - Register Today!
This will be a small, relaxed, ego free environment that meets all participants where they are in their photographic journey and helps them propel their skills forward. Open to beginners to advanced photographers.
Workshop Schedule & Details
WHERE:
PETE COCO PHOTOGRAPHY: 26 Nassau Blvd, Garden City NY, 11530
WHEN:
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10AM to 5PM
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Introduction
10:30 AM - 12 PM Lighting Techniques Demo
12PM- 1PM - Lunch
1PM - 2:30PM - Workshop and live demo with models, including styling, posing, and shooting
2:30PM - 3:30PM - Open shooting for all participants
3:30PM - 4:30PM - Editing with Capture One and Affinity Photo
4:30PM - 5:00PM - Q&A and wrap up
All participants welcome to join me for dinner at a local restaurant after the workshop!
