Levitation Photography: Exploring Magic and Portraiture

Unlock the Secrets to Levitation Photography: Create Dreamlike Portraits!

Transform your photography and capture surreal, magical portraits with this one-hour class. Photographer Ian Norman reveals a simple yet powerful technique to make your subjects appear to defy gravity, pushing your creative boundaries. This course guides you through the entire process – from initial concept to final editing – to create stunning, otherworldly images.

What You'll Learn:

• Creating Surreal Portraits: Discover how to blend magical elements with portraiture to craft imaginative and captivating photographs.
• Planning & Composition: Learn how to structure your photographs to achieve a gravity-defying effect through thoughtful composition and editing.
• Essential Equipment: Find out what you need to get started – a camera (DSLR, digital point-and-shoot, or smartphone), a tripod, and basic familiarity with Photoshop and Lightroom. You might already have everything you need!
• Model Posing & Styling: Ian shares advice on clothing choices and lighting to minimize editing and maximize the natural beauty of your model. Learn how to pose your subject for relaxed and engaging portraits.
• Camera Settings for Magic: Master the camera settings that will help you capture the highest quality images and maintain consistent color tones.
• Shooting Techniques: Learn how to take effective test shots, find the perfect frame, and identify compelling poses for your model.
• The "Float" Effect in Photoshop: Master layer masks to seamlessly remove objects (like stools) and create the illusion of levitation.
• Color Correction & Shadow Management: Learn to blend background and foreground elements with precise color corrections and Photoshop adjustment layers.
• Adding Floating Objects: Discover how to incorporate and edit elements like origami cranes to enhance the levitation effect.
• Final Touches: Digital Makeup & Color Grading: Remove blemishes with Photoshop and apply Lightroom presets for a film-like aesthetic. Download free Lightroom presets to use in your own projects!

Course Outline:

• Introduction: Explore the art of levitation photography and how to build a single image from multiple elements.
• Your Project: A Gravity-Defying Portrait: Break down Ian's photographic structure and learn to create your own gravity-defying portrait.
• Equipment: Discover how to compose and shoot magical photographs using minimal equipment – a tripod and step stool can go a long way!
• Clothing and Lighting: Learn how to choose clothing and manage lighting to reduce post-processing time and enhance your images.
• Camera Settings: Optimize your camera settings for high-quality images and consistent color tones.
• Shooting and Posing: Master test shots, framing, and natural posing techniques for captivating portraits.
• Shot Selection: Learn how to evaluate and select the best images from your shoot.
• Creating the “Float”: Utilize Photoshop layer masks to seamlessly remove objects and create the levitation illusion.
• Color Corrections and Shadows: Blend background and foreground elements with color corrections and adjustment layers.
• Adding a Flock: Learn to add and edit floating objects, like origami cranes, using layer masks.
• Final Details: Refine your images with subtle adjustments to color, exposure, and brushwork.
• Digital Makeup and Color Grading: Remove blemishes and apply Lightroom presets for a professional, film-like finish.

This class is perfect for photographers looking to elevate their skills and create truly unique and memorable images. Ready to capture a dreamlike portrait?