Capturing Authentic Portraits with Chris Orwig

Capturing Authentic Portraits
  • 20 video lessons
  • 5 hours and 13 minutes of class content
  • Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

It takes a true connection between photographer and subject to create powerful portrait photography. A portrait doesn’t have to be dramatic or glamorous to be compelling. In fact, the best portraits often showcase people expressing their vulnerability or discomfort. It’s the photographer’s job to evoke and capture authentic emotion by establishing a genuine rapport with the subject. Join veteran portrait photographer Chris Orwig to learn how to take meaningful portraits and use them to make your transition from amateur to professional. 

In this class, you’ll learn:

  • How to confidently approach a stranger and convince them to participate in a shoot.
  • How to connect with and pose your subjects naturally
  • Which lenses, camera settings, and light considerations to keep in mind during a shoot
Chris Orwig has created images for companies like Google, Adobe, and Patagonia, and his work has been published in Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Surfer Magazine. His experience has taught him how to keep a subject comfortable, authentic and engaged throughout a shoot. He has learned to deal with the technical demands of a portrait shoot—lighting, setting, constraints of time and budget—while also staying focused on the story he is trying to tell. 

Course Instructor

Chris Orwig

Chris Orwig

Chris Orwig is an author, teacher, photographer, and creator of more than 100 courses online. He has a down-to-earth and natural teaching style that makes learning difficult topics a breeze.

Capturing Authentic Portraits with Chris Orwig is rated 4.4 stars by 64 students

  • Chris J. Apr 14, 2021

    I loved this class. Chris really manages to dive into what makes a great portrait, not from a technical perspective (you can read about that elsewhere), but from a connection to the subject. For me this was a revelation; I've always found the technical stuff easy but the connection to the subject is something that's not natural to me. There's some game changing ideas on this course!

  • Brett P. Jul 21, 2020

    Fantastic class with a ton of unique insight!

  • Debbie S. Mar 16, 2020

    Very good course to help you explore your strengths and weaknesses as a portrait photographer. Chris offers an organized approach to establish your intent and then to move forward systematically to capture something unique or story-telling. I especially appreciate his emphasis in sincerely connecting with the subject to not only put them at ease, but you as well.

  • Joseph M. Dec 26, 2019

    The class is both, informative and helpful. Very practical applications and practice points. Does this class have handouts/pdf files? If so, how can i locate them?

  • RJ P. Jul 1, 2019

    Some great practical techniques to be learnt from this excellent workshop, but more importantly, Chris eloquently reveals how he works, what inspires him as a photographer and explains essential elements that make an authentic portrait. A different type of class, full of expression, humanity and soul that will make you look at your work in a fresh way.

  • Christine M. Dec 9, 2018

    If I had known that this was just a course on lighting (basically) I would never have purchased it. I'm a beginner and can't afford all the equipment he uses. That was a waste of time and money.

  • Sean S. Nov 3, 2018

    Good. A different style then other photographers. More about getting the subject to be relaxed and taking casual shots. I prefer stunning posed shots over casual shots so Chris' style is not for me. But for others, they may like this.

  • Lumos P. Oct 25, 2018

    I have followed Chris for ages! His 'find their soul' approach to portraits is valuable beyond words! He has taught me so very much technically speaking, but his philosophy of image taking, with and without a camera, has changed my life 'views' forever!!! Thank you Chris for sharing yourself! Thanks creativelive!

  • Thierry G. Sep 12, 2018

    there you will not find rules technniques or secret to become the best photographer , chris just give you some seeds , you have take care off , and if you do it properly you will get for sure gorgeous fruits in your creative trip

  • Candy S. Jun 19, 2018

    I really like Chris's style and passion for getting authentic. This class gave me the words and style for the type of photography I'm trying to capture. Great class!

  • Martin B. Jun 10, 2018

    Amazing class and what a great AND inspiring trainer. Thank you Creativelive for giving Chris Orwig the stage. Perfect choice! Learned a lot but more importantly, I got so inspired by his presentation and that is what matters the most .....for me. Super grateful. THX CL!

  • Ia S. May 10, 2018

    Loved your approach and your vision. Really spoke to me on so many levels and made me warm inside and now I know this is my project from now on - finding my inner voice . Thanks leading the way. So inspirational. Made my week. From Ia introvert in Sweden loving photography as an artform.

  • Kate S. Apr 6, 2018

    Watching this, without a doubt absolutely made my week, so inspiring and spot on in every way :) thank you!

  • CLare D. Mar 29, 2018

    I loved this course SO much. He is very inspiring and what a great guy into the bargain. I'm away to his website to buy some more of his stuff. Thanks Chris you were just what I needed to here.

  • Victor B. Feb 20, 2018

    I feel INSPIRED! I don't want to be the run-of-the-mill photographer and Chris is helping me realize that this is very possible! Thanks Chris... great job!

  • Rock 3. Jan 25, 2018

    Chris comes at you in the shallows and slowly eases you into the deep end. But you won't drown in this killer class. This will expand your mind and craft.

  • Elizabeth A. Jan 25, 2018

    I really liked how Chris connected with people. This is something that doesn't come naturally to everyone. But as Chris shows you it can be learned. Watch this class, practice on everyday people. Be ready for some very awkward conversations at first and press through. Highly recommend this class for anyone struggling to get those authentic emotions out of their clients. I feel like the reason this class has a relatively low rating compared to other classes is because the work that needs to be done to get to the point that Chris is at is very personal. You have to put yourself out there before you can ask your clients to be vulnerable in front of your lens. Not everyone can do that.

  • Sensor K. Jan 18, 2018

    This is the first class with Chris Orwig I've watched. I love it! He is very informative, while making it interesting

  • Kim B. Jan 18, 2018

    Love him. Takes you deeper. Everything he is saying is so true and we can always improve on all these elements. But you first have to know them. Thank you for having him. Great job!

  • Catherine S. Jan 18, 2018

    I don't think the negative reviews are fair from the stand point that he explained that this isn't a course for people looking for technical information. This is about how to capture an authentic portrait, which is all about getting the person to relax and the connection between the person and the photographer. It helped me tremendously being a new portrait photographer to understand how to connect with someone when I can get nervous about the shoot. Thank you Chris Orwig for all the valuable information, it's just what I needed in a moment where I've been discouraged and scared to approach people. It's rekindled my fire for capturing a persons essence in portraits. Thank you!

  • Abel R. Jan 11, 2018

    I loved how he brought in "connection" into everything. It's made my work REALLY stand out for my clients. I didn't learn technique it was more about how to connect with people quickly and authentically.

  • Jackielyn P. Sep 13, 2017

    I enjoyed Chris' teaching style. Great to see his self reflections and critical analysis of the live session, some good tips to continue improving the way we shoot. Also like the way he teaches and talks about how to unravel a bit more from the personality of the person in front of you. A really down to earth approach :)

  • Charity M. Aug 29, 2017

    Chris has a personal, intelligent way of teaching. His teaching is filled with subtle wisdom and ways to make your portraits flow, and connect with your subject in a natural authentic way.

  • Mark S. Aug 29, 2017

    Way too much jabbering and not enough teaching. I completely lost interest an hour into course. It's all about him.

  • C. Jul 21, 2017

    I just love his whole vibe! So relaxed and genuine! And he sounds so much like Owen Wilson!! Loved it!

Showing 25 of 52 reviews