NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT!!
1st Week Starts July 12th
Calling All Creative Souls With A Camera & A Yearning For Deeper Self-Expression
Transform Your Photography & Self-Perception: Discover The Power Of Self-Portraits In Just 4 Weeks
The Course
Dive into the art of creative self-expression with my hands-on journey through self-portraiture. Unlock the door to a deeper self-awareness as we explore techniques and approaches to capturing your essence. This class is all about YOU putting theory into practice. We cover a range of styles and methods, ensuring that no matter your preference, you'll be able to create self-portraits that truly reflect who you are.
Imagine not just creating a self-portrait but infusing it with a narrative that's uniquely yours. That's the power we're tapping into. Through personalized feedback and peer-to-peer engagements, you'll hone your skills in composition, lighting, and emotional depth. By the end of our time together, you'll have a stunning pieces that speak volumes about your journey as a photographer.
Plus, these skills you're picking up? They're invaluable for any creative path, giving you the ability to present yourself in compelling ways—whether for personal growth, professional branding, or that eye-catching gallery submission. Let's turn the camera on ourselves and make some art!
What You Will Learn
So, when I first put this together, I had in mind that as a beginner, diving into the world of self-portraiture can be pretty daunting.
That's why every element of this journey has been tailored with your growth in mind.
By breaking down the process into digestible, yet comprehensive steps, you'll find that the lessons flow seamlessly from one to the next, ensuring you're never overwhelmed. Beyond techniques and theory, you'll learn to foster a deeper connection with yourself, translating that inner dialogue into compelling visual narratives. As you progress, you'll feel the guiding hand of structure, paired with the freedom to explore and develop your unique artistic voice—a blend that makes this course both accessible and deeply rewarding.
- Understand Lighting + Composition: Grasp the nuances of lighting & its impact on mood, and select poses that tell your unique story. Enhance your artistic eye to analyze facial expressions & body language with precision.
- Explore Psychological Depth: Discover how self-portraits can serve as a powerful medium for personal insight & expression, transforming vulnerability into artistic strength.
- Practical Applications: Beyond personal growth, the skills gained from this course can enhance personal branding, enrich professional portfolios, & create compelling content for social media. Whether you aim to sell your art or simply create legacy pieces with depth and character, mastering the self-portrait opens doors to new opportunities & connections.
- Embrace Artistic Vulnerability: Each session is designed to bring you back to a place of vulnerability, a sacred space where creativity is reborn. Here, vulnerability is not just encountered but embraced as a powerful catalyst for creating art.
Join me to unlock your potential & transform the way you see and present yourself to the world. Enroll now and start creating self-portraits that are not only visually stunning but also rich with authenticity, vulnerability, and artistic flair.
Let’s rekindle your eagerness to create ART and use your camera to explore the magical process of self-discovery.
"If you want to master gorgeous self-portraits and feel more comfortable in front of the camera, Shannon’s guidance is essential. Her expertise is packed with invaluable tips that boost confidence and skills."
-Michelle
Curriculum
4 week hybrid course with new modules released each Saturday & weekly assignments due on Fridays.
PLUS
VIP SEATS: Gain access to me + a Private Facebook Group where I'll be available on Fridays to answer questions. You also get personalized critique from me, helping you refine your technique and artistic vision even further.
**ALL video lessons are accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with subtitles available in English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, + French. Transcriptions are also provided for each video!
**ALL participants get an exclusive discount on Archipelago presets & Lensbaby Lenses!
Your Instructor
Shannon O'Malley stands at the crossroads of artistic exploration and pedagogical expertise, wielding a camera & lens with equal dexterity. A seasoned photographer specializing in self-portraiture, Shannon has spent over a decade honing her craft, studying the nuances of human expression, and capturing the essence of personality through the lens. Her extensive experience and vibrant career showcasing her work in various exhibitions have cemented Shannon's reputation as a master of the self-portrait genre.
As the spearhead of the "Self-Portrait Masterclass," Shannon's passion for self-expression through photography is matched only by her dedication to nurturing that same passion in her students. She believes that the self-portrait is not just a reflection of the photographer but a gateway to the soul, offering a profound means of self-exploration & personal storytelling. Shannon's approach to teaching melds insightful technical guidance with an empowering philosophy, encouraging students to unlock their potential & discover the profound connection between identity and artistry through the art of self-portrait photography.
"Regularly including myself in photos has become easier over time, thanks to Shannon’s teachings. I’ve even stepped out into public spaces for my shoots! It’s been a fantastic journey of self-discovery and pushing past my boundaries."
-Julie
Silent Seat Option
Access to all lessons + materials, delivered weekly. Complete assignments without the need to submit. Ideal for those looking to refine their skills and learn independently without direct interaction.
VIP Seat Option
Access to all lesson + materials, delivered weekly. Access to me + my private Facebook Group. Benefit from personalized feedback, exclusive critiques, and direct interaction to elevate your learning experience. Ideal for those seeking tailored guidance and a deeper, more engaging educational journey.
Questions About This Course:
Q: WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THE SELF-PORTRAIT MASTERCLASS?
A: In this 4-week live/hybrid course, you will learn how to elevate your photography skills, overcome self-judgment, and master technical aspects of self-portraiture such as lighting, composition, and posing. The course is designed to help you express your unique self through photography and improve your ability to empathize with your clients.
Q: WHY IS IT HARD TO DO A SELF-PORTRAIT?
A: Self-portraits are challenging because they require both technical skills & self-awareness. Balancing the technical aspects, like camera settings, lighting, & composition, while also focusing on posing & expressing emotions can be overwhelming. Additionally, self-portraits often involve self-judgment, making it difficult to capture an authentic and confident image. The psychological aspect of self-perception & the vulnerability required to truly express oneself add another layer of difficulty. Overcoming these challenges requires practice, patience, & a positive mindset. A big focus on this is in my course.
Q: WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
A: This course is ideal for hobbyist photographers and seasoned professionals alike who are looking to explore self-portraiture as a medium for personal growth, creative expression, and professional development. It's especially beneficial for those seeking to find a deeper identity beyond roles like motherhood or career.
Q: HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY SELF-PORTRAIT SKILLS?
A: Improve your self-portrait skills by mastering camera settings, experimenting with lighting, & practicing composition. Use a remote trigger or self-timer, and try various angles & poses. Study master photographers, & regularly practice shooting. Post-process images to enhance their quality. Continuous learning & experimentation will help you develop a unique style & improve your self-portrait skills. My course offers detailed guidance on these aspects, helping you to refine your techniques, gain confidence, & create compelling self-portraits that truly express your identity.
Q: WHAT ARE THE INCENTIVES FOR COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS?
A: To encourage timely completion and engagement, I offer incentives for students who submit their weekly assignments by the end of each week. These incentives might include bonus content, additional feedback sessions, or discounts on future courses or other fun stuff!
Q: WHEN ARE ASSIGNMENTS DUE?
A: Assignments are due by the end of each week to keep pace with the course. For VIP students, live feedback sessions will be held the following week, providing ample time for review and preparation.
Q: WHAT MAKES A GOOD SELF-PORTRAIT ART?
A: A good self-portrait captures genuine emotion, tells a story, & showcases the artist's personality. It involves creative composition, thoughtful use of lighting, & effective post-processing. Incorporating personal symbols & engaging the viewer through eye contact or expressive poses adds depth & relatability. Authenticity & vulnerability are key, as they create a strong connection with the audience, making the art impactful & memorable. My course covers these elements, helping you create self-portraits that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal & meaningful.
Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SILENT SEATS & VIP SEATS?
A: Silent seats, priced at $147, allow you to participate in all course activities and view all content without direct feedback. VIP seats, priced at $397, include personalized feedback on assignments, live critiques, and more direct interaction, ensuring a more hands-on guidance through your self-portrait journey.
Q: HOW IS THE COURSE STRUCTURED?
A: The course consists of weekly lessons, assignments, and exercises. You'll also receive supplementary PDFs. For VIP students, you gain access to me for live feedback session to review your work in detail, a private Facebook group, and have the opportunity to interact during weekly office hours.
Q: WHAT IF I MISS A WEEK?
A: Each week is released one week at a time. All weeks that have been released will be available for you to watch at your convenience. This ensures you won't miss out on valuable insights and feedback if you cannot attend in real-time.
Q: CAN I ACCESS THE COURSE CONTENT AFTER THE CLASS ENDS?
A: Yes, you can still have access to all course materials as they are all downloadable. Once the 4-week course is over, you will no longer have access to the live sessions. However, if you download all the lessons, they can be yours to keep and revisit at your own pace.
Q: WHAT IS THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND SELF-PORTRAITS?
A: Self-portraits offer deep psychological insights by exploring identity, emotions, & self-perception. They allow artists to confront & express their inner selves, often leading to self-discovery & healing. Creating self-portraits can also boost self-esteem & self-acceptance by presenting oneself authentically. My course delves into these psychological aspects, teaching you how to use self-portraiture as a tool for personal growth & emotional expression. By understanding the psychology behind self-portraits, you can create meaningful art that resonates deeply with both yourself & your audience.
"Creating self-portraits as taught by Shannon has been fun, fulfilling, and truly amazing. It's been an empowering experience that I didn’t just do for others, but something I needed for myself."
-Courtney