Workshop Reflections: Portrait Photography with Pawel Lipski
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a two-day portrait photography workshop led by the incredibly talented Pawel Lipski. His philosophy of using only natural light—no additional gear, no postprocessing—aligned perfectly with my own approach to photography. I’ve always preferred my photos straight out of the camera, and this workshop was all about capturing beauty in the moment, as it happens.
The workshop was a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions, and Pawel had hired two professional models (one male, one female) for us to train with. The format was hands-on and immersive: we didn’t just stay behind the lens, but also stepped in front of it. That part really took me out of my comfort zone! But it was a valuable experience, learning how to pose and more importantly, how to direct and interact with the person in front of the camera.
Technically, I felt right at home—I was able to pick up the techniques quickly and apply them on the spot. But what I hadn’t anticipated was just how tricky it would be to guide and connect with a model. It’s a whole different skill set, and one I definitely want to develop further. Still, despite my initial struggles, I managed to capture a handful of shots I’m really proud of.
One more thing I hadn’t expected? Ending up with over 5000 photos to sift through! Finding the best images took hours—but it was worth every minute.
I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the two professional models, who brought incredible energy, patience, and inspiration to the shoot. And an equally big thank you to my fellow photographers, who not only shared their insights but also stepped in as amateur models. Your openness and creativity were truly inspiring.
All in all, the workshop was a great learning experience. I walked away with new ideas, techniques, and a much deeper appreciation for portrait photography. I’m excited to put it all into practice and see how this shapes my future work.
Michael Rothaupt @michael.rothaupt
