The Human Lens: Photography & Perspective

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in photography and eager to dive into the world of portrait photography. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a more experienced photographer wanting to develop your creativity, this course provides the perfect environment for all skill levels. No prior photography experience is required—though, of course, it’s always welcome!

Course Goal

The aim of this course is to help you see the world through the camera lens and learn how to capture genuine emotions and stories in portraits. While the focus will be on the creative approach and artistic perception, we’ll also explore some technical aspects of portrait photography.

Course Topics
Introduction to Portrait Photography
What does it really mean to photograph people?
Getting to know your camera and essential gear.
Composition, light, and shadow—how these elements shape your final image.
Hands-on practice: taking your first portraits and receiving feedback.
Preparation & Communication
– How to prepare your subject for a photoshoot.
– The photographer’s role in working with a model—building trust and making them feel at ease.
– Practical tips for guiding your subject—expressions, poses, and emotions.
– Ethical considerations in portrait photography.
Creative Approach to Portrait Photography
– Developing your unique vision and personal style.
– Experimenting with different techniques: focus on details, long exposure, depth of field.
– Choosing the right background and its impact on the final result.
– Exploring different portrait photography genres (documentary, fashion, candid, and more).
Portraits in Context
– How to tell a story through portraits—emotions, setting, and atmosphere.
– Working with different environments—natural landscapes vs. urban settings.
– Exploring various portrait styles: street, studio, outdoor.
– Introduction to editing and post-processing techniques.
Feedback & Critical Analysis
– Showcasing participants’ work and analyzing their portraits.
– Constructive critique: what works, what doesn’t, and why?
– Discussions on ways to improve and refine your approach.
– Introduction to platforms for sharing and presenting your photography.
Mastery is a Journey, Not a Destination
– How to keep growing as a photographer: inspiration, studying the works of masters.
– Challenges and creative projects for self-improvement.
– Reflecting on personal progress—how to analyze and learn from your own work.
– Future trends in photography and ways to keep learning and evolving.
Course Format
This course will be highly interactive, balancing theory with hands-on exercises. We’ll work with real portraits, learn through feedback and discussions, and encourage creative thinking. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment, learn from their own mistakes, and gain inspiration from each other’s work. Active participation, an open mind, and a willingness to explore new perspectives are key.

Kristýna Mrzenová

Kristýna grew up in the heart of the Sudetenland, where she fell in love with the mountains, adventure, and everything that smells like freedom from an early age. These three things have been the driving force of her life – whether she’s in front of a classroom, behind a camera, or riding waves and slopes. She studied social sciences and physical education at Charles University – an ideal combo for someone who loves connecting mind and body. Her studies took her all the way to the University of South-Eastern Norway, where she discovered the magic of friluftsliv – a philosophy that taught her the best classroom is the great outdoors. Since she was 21, she’s been teaching PE and social sciences at a high school in Teplice. But her teaching journey started much earlier – she’s been a ski instructor since she was 15 and is now part of the national instructor team of the Czech Ski Association. Photography is another way she blends her passion for movement, human stories, and understanding the world. Under the name @kristynyfotky, she captures life as she sees it – whether it’s the everyday charm of Paris or the bright smiles of kids in Lombok. In her free time, she travels – drawn to the endless ocean, the freedom of surfing, and the way each new culture unlocks a different piece of her world. She also loves painting her journeys in watercolor and occasionally plays the piano. In Prague’s cafés, she finds her little hideaways, recharging and soaking up the city’s rhythm. Kristýna is always looking for ways to connect movement, creativity, and education into something meaningful – a process that helps her better understand both the world and herself.