The David Burnett Portrait Workshop

March 29-30 2025, Palo Alto, California

David Burnett Portrait Workshop

"Five minutes and a window is all you need for a great portrait," says legendary photojournalist David Burnett. Now, here’s your chance to learn the secrets behind his iconic portraits in an immersive and hands-on workshop.

Join us in Palo Alto, California, on March 29-30, 2025, for the Lightworks David Burnett Portrait Workshop at The Pacific Art League. This exclusive two-day event is designed to deepen your understanding of how to harness light, forge connections with your subjects, and work efficiently to create impactful and dramatic imagery.

What to Expect:

Over the course of the weekend, you will:

  • Master Light: Learn to recognize and shape natural light to your advantage, even in limited conditions.

  • Engage with Your Subject: Understand the art of building rapport to bring out authentic expressions and character.

  • Work Fast and Effectively: Develop techniques to capture stunning portraits under time constraints.

Through guided photo sessions and stories from David’s iconic photo shoots, we’ll cover the full creative process. You'll not only shoot but also learn to edit and critique images in a collaborative and supportive environment. By the end, you'll leave equipped with the skills and strategies to confidently walk into any portrait shoot and produce striking, professional-quality results.

Details:

  • Dates: March 29-30, 2025

  • Capacity: 14 Students

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM each day

  • Location: The Pacific Art League, Palo Alto, California

  • Cost: $1,775 (includes Saturday dinner)

Special Event:

On Saturday evening, we’ll unwind and network over a group dinner in Palo Alto at 6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow photographers and share stories and inspiration.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your portrait photography! Spaces are limited.

David Burnett is an award-winning American photojournalist renowned for his compelling images across a wide range of subjects, from iconic political moments to captivating scenes in sports, music, and culture. With a career spanning over five decades, Burnett co-founded Contact Press Images in 1976 and has since worked with major publications such as Time, Life, and The New York Times. His unique visual style often incorporates both digital and analog photography, using everything from large-format cameras to Holgas to create strikingly authentic images. Burnett's work has covered historic events worldwide, including the Vietnam War, the Iranian Revolution, and multiple Olympic Games, establishing him as a pioneer in the field of photojournalism. Known for his innovative approach and dedication to storytelling, Burnett continues to inspire photographers with his commitment to capturing the essence of human experience.

About David Burnett