the magic of portaiture

CREATIVITY, EMOTION AND LIGHT IN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

This exclusive workshop is designed for photographers looking to refine their technical skills and unleash their creativity in fine art family and portrait photography.

A person with a red hat and black shirt looking at a baby lying on a fluffy mat on a wooden floor. The baby is wrapped in a maroon blanket and gazes upwards with a curious expression.

Led by Elena Givone, an internationally renowned photographer and Fujifilm / Elinchrom brand ambassador whose work has been featured in major international museums and publications like Elle and Time, this workshop will inspire you to transform every image into a unique and irreplaceable work of art.

A photographer takes a picture of a woman holding a baby, with the image framed on a camera viewfinder showing their silhouette against a bright background.

Elena is joined by Andrea Alessandri, an expert lighting technician, who will guide you in mastering light for both studio and outdoor photography.

Together, they will provide the tools and insights needed to create impactful family and individual portraits, with a focus on storytelling, composition, and lighting techniques adaptable to any equipment.

workshop schedule

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM |

Welcome and Setup

Introduction and a warm welcome to participants.

A man with two young girls, all dressed in matching blue dresses, pose for a photo in a studio with a white background. The man kneels while the girls stand, one of them making a gesture with her hand. The photographer wears a red hat and is taking the picture.

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM |

Creative Lab: Lighting in Studio for Family and Individual Portraits


Learn to create impactful portraits with versatile lighting setups:

  •   Techniques to use light to enhance emotion and connection.

  •   Practical approaches to posing families and individuals naturally.

  •   Styling and props that add depth and narrative to portraits.

  •   Simple and advanced lighting setups adaptable to any brand of equipment.

A woman with dark hair, glasses, and makeup looking or smiling at the camera, with a blurred figure in the foreground.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM |

Light Lunch & Headshot Session


Enjoy a relaxing lunch while receiving a professional headshot, perfect for personal branding and promotion.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM |

Outdoor Portraiture (if weather permits)


A hands-on session exploring the art of outdoor photography:

  • Balancing natural and artificial light for stunning portraits.

  • Creating authentic emotions and impactful images in outdoor settings.

  • Using reflectors and portable flash systems for challenging light conditions.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM |

Break & Q&A

A short break with an open forum for questions and discussions.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |

Portraiture Creativity Lab

Infuse artistic elements into your portraits:

  • Integrating cultural and personal narratives into your work.

  • Creative use of textures, fabrics, and minimal props to enhance storytelling.

  • Techniques for creating timeless and emotive portraits that truly stand out.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM |

Business, Marketing & Q&A

Learn how to grow a successful photography business:

  • Strategies for creating a distinctive brand.

  • Tips for attracting and retaining clients with unique offerings.

  • Practical advice on promoting and positioning your work as fine art.

key points of the workshops

A woman and two young girls, all with long curly hair, are in a grand, ornate hall with high ceilings and intricate architectural details. The woman is holding a baby, and the girls are embracing her legs, all with peaceful, tender expressions.

family and portait photography

Techniques for natural posing, creative styling, and impactful lighting.

A pregnant woman with curly hair wearing a beige dress, standing in a room with large windows, looking outside at a scenic view with blue sky and green landscape.

versatile lighting techniques

Adapting studio and outdoor setups to any equipment

Children posing for a photoshoot on a white backdrop with multiple photographers and crew members capturing the scene in a studio.

business and branding

Building a sustainable and distinctive photography brand.

A woman with dark curly hair dressed in a cream dress holds a smiling baby girl with dark hair and big eyes, sitting on her lap on a stone bench in front of ornate marble decorations.

emotion and storytelling

Developing a unique visual language that resonates with clients.

A woman in black pants and a red hat is performing or speaking to a group of diverse people in a room with white walls, a table, and miscellaneous items.

personal project development

Support and tools to guide you through the ideation and development of your personal photographic project.

A woman holding a smiling child on her shoulder in a park with a water feature and a building in the background.

creative portraiture

Exploring textures, narratives, and artistry to craft exceptional images.

sold out

Early-Bird Price!

€649

8 spots available for each workshop

  • Creative portraiture and storytelling techniques

  • Hands-on sessions in studio and outdoors

  • Professional headshot session for your personal brand

  • Includes lunch, snacks, and a photography goodie bag

the magic of portraiture:

CREATIVITY, EMOTION, AND LIGHT IN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

 

This workshop focuses on fine art family and portrait photography, blending technical skills with creative storytelling. You will learn to master versatile lighting techniques for studio and outdoor settings, learn natural posing and styling, and explore how to infuse cultural and personal narratives into their work.

The workshop also covers business strategies for building a distinctive photography brand. Includes hands-on sessions, a professional headshot, and practical tools to create timeless, emotive portraits in a supportive and inspiring environment.

meet your instructors

Elena, a woman with short dark hair wearing a red hat, black jacket, and graphic T-shirt, sitting against a black background, smiling at the camera.

elena givone

An internationally acclaimed photographer, Elena Givone is a Fujifilm and Elinchrom brand ambassador whose work has been showcased in prestigious museums and featured in renowned publications such as Elle and Time.

With a unique ability to merge technical expertise with emotional storytelling,

Elena specializes in family, portrait, and fine art photography. She brings her passion for creativity, culture, and connection to every project, inspiring photographers worldwide to see beyond the lens.

 

Andrea, Elena's husband, a man with a beard and dark hair, wearing a gray blazer and black turtleneck, sitting on a stool against a black background.

andrea alessandri

A highly skilled lighting technician and a creative force behind many of Elena’s acclaimed projects.

With years of experience mastering both studio and outdoor lighting, Andrea excels at simplifying complex lighting setups to make them accessible and adaptable for photographers at all levels.

His collaborative teaching style ensures that participants gain confidence in harnessing light to transform their photography.

what your peers say

A man with a beard and short hair smiling while holding a camera with a large lens over his shoulder.

"Every workshop aspect was meticulously organized, providing practical tools and creative inspiration.

It’s an unmissable experience!"
 

giovanni filograno (bari, italy)

A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a green ribbed long sleeve shirt, holding a professional camera with a large lens, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

"Her explanations are clear and engaging, and she tailors her teaching to each student's needs, creating a truly motivating environment."
 

elena corso (milano, italy)

A smiling woman with long dark hair holding a camera in her hands.

"She conducts the class with thoroughness and professionalism, all while keeping it fun and engaging.

Highly recommended!"

— andreina noguera (napoli, italy)

frequently asked questions

  • No, you don’t need any prior experience! My workshops are tailored for everyone, from beginners to seasoned photographers. Each session is designed to meet you at your skill level and help you grow.

  • Any camera that allows you to adjust settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) manually will work. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask!

  • Absolutely! My workshops emphasize individual growth. You’ll receive constructive feedback on your work during and after the sessions.

  • The fee covers professional guidance, workshop materials, and access to my curated resources. For in-person workshops, accommodation and meals are usually not included unless specified.

  • Yes! I specialize in newborn, portrait, and maternity photography, but I also offer general workshops focused on creative techniques, storytelling, and post-processing.

  • Definitely! I love seeing your work! Feel free to share your results and tag me on Instagram (@elenagivone) so I can celebrate your success.

  • Yes! Participants receive a certificate at the end of the workshop to acknowledge their learning and growth.

  • If you like taking notes, you’ll need your camera (DSLR or mirrorless recommended), lenses, memory cards, a fully charged battery, and a notebook. For outdoor workshops, comfortable clothing is advised. Specific requirements will be shared before the session.

  • I offer both! You can join live online sessions or in-person workshops in beautiful locations worldwide. Details are available on the workshop page.

  • Workshops vary in length. Single-day sessions are typically 6-8 hours, while multi-day workshops include immersive learning spread over 2-5 days.

  • I understand plans change. You can transfer your spot to a future workshop or another participant. Refund policies will be outlined at the time of registration.

  • Of course! I also offer personalized mentoring programs tailored to your needs. You can reach out to me directly for additional details.

  • Visit the workshop page on my website, choose the workshop you’re interested in, and complete the registration form.

    If you have any questions during the process, please contact me.

  • Yes, discounts are available for groups of 3 or more participants. Contact me directly to discuss your group’s needs and rates.

  • You can reach me through the contact form on my website or by email. I’m always happy to help!

Person holding a camera with their right hand while their left hand is on the camera body, red nail polish, wearing a white long sleeve shirt, a face mask hanging on the neck, and a ring on the left hand.

interested in hosting a workshop? 

Bring the magic of portraiture to your community!

If you're passionate about inspiring creativity and connecting people through the art of family photography, this is your chance to make it happen.

Partner with Elena to host an unforgettable workshop that empowers participants to tell their unique stories through timeless imagery. 

Photoshoot in a grand, bright hall, a woman in a pink dress poses near tall windows with photographers capturing her image.
Collection of printed photographs, leaves, and notebooks arranged on a white table for scrapbooking or photo organizing.
A photoshoot being conducted in a garden on a sunny day. A woman is holding a baby while sitting on the grass, surrounded by green plants. Two men and a woman are setting up photography equipment, including a large softbox and a camera on a tripod.
A woman and a young girl hugging in a garden with a large historic building in the background.