PORTRAIT, INTIMACY & THE LONG TERM-PROJECT
Rania Matar & Special Guest Richard Renaldi
WORKSHOP DATES
September 9 - October 28, 2026
Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12:45 pm
(US ET)
8 online sessions
NUMBER OR PARTICIPANTS
11 Photographers
TUITION
950 USD
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.
The deadline for submissions is July 13, 2026.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
During this eight-week workshop, led by Rania Matar, students will work on a long-term project that focuses on portraiture and working intimately with people. We will explore the camera as a tool for the visual investigation of contemporary issues and the process of telling personal stories through pictures. Students will be encouraged to think out of the box, while simultaneously looking inward.
We will delve into the process of working and collaborating with people, and finding the beauty in the intimate, personal, familial and familiar moments of daily and domestic life – ours and/or our subjects’.
We will learn to pay attention to detail, posture, expression, the use of the personal space, and all of the elements that come into play to create a compelling portrait. We will discuss framing, environment, light, texture, location, background, body language, expressions, the significance of the gaze, as well as the relationship between the photographer and the subject throughout the entire process.
Through weekly assignments, students will be encouraged to look at and explore different aspects of portraiture (close-up, environmental, documentary, collaborative, self-portrait, group portrait, conceptual portrait, and more) to truly and intimately see their subject, and find their own voice in making beautiful, powerful, and intimate portraits. Weekly discussions and critiques of the work produced will be an essential part of the workshop.
We will also study and discuss the work of well-known artists working in the realm of portrait photography, fine art, and personal long-term projects.
Participants can work on projects in any stage of their development, either an ongoing series or a project started specifically for the class.
During the workshop, we will welcome Special Guest Richard Renaldi who will present his work followed by a Q&A.
This workshop will be taught online via Zoom.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE*
Wednesday, September 9
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Welcome. Introductions and review of student portfolios
Discussion of goals for the class
Wednesday, September 16
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Critique of students’ work (Group A)
Break
Rania’s presentation and Q&A
Wednesday, September 23
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Critique of students’ work (Group B)
Break
Presentation by Rania of work by photographers that make intimate work
Wednesday, September 30
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Critique of students’ work (Group A)
Break
Presentation by Rania of work by portrait photographers
Student assignments provided
Wednesday, October 7
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Critique of students’ work (Group B)
Break
Student presentations on photographers (assignment)
Wednesday, October 14
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Special Guest: Richard Renaldi
Break
Rania’s presentation - Behind the Scenes on her process
Wednesday, October 21
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Critique of all students’ work
Break
Discussion and conversation on editing final projects and artist statements
Wednesday, October 28
10.00 am - 12.45 pm (US ET)
Presentation of final projects
* This schedule is subject to change at any time. If a Special Guest must cancel unexpectedly, we will work to confirm another artist with a similar level of expertise to join us.
TO APPLY FOR THE WORKSHOP
1. TEN IMAGES
Please submit 10 images that represent who you are as a photographer (JPGs 72dpi; 1080 pixels longest side).
2. BIO & SHORT STATEMENT OF INTENT
Submit a short bio (up to 200 words) followed by a brief statement (up to 200 words) telling us why you would like to take this workshop, as a single Word document.
At the bottom of the document please include the following:
Date of birth
Profession
Country of origin / country of residence
Previous photography studies, including recent workshops attended (if any)
How did you hear about this workshop
Please email your application to selma@laluzworkshops.com
Upon acceptance, participants are required to pay the full tuition. To see our terms and conditions and cancellation policies please click here.
TO APPLY FOR THE WORKSHOP
1. TEN IMAGES
Please submit 10 images that represent who you are as a photographer (JPGs 72dpi; 1080 pixels longest side).
2. BIO & SHORT STATEMENT OF INTENT
Submit a short bio (up to 200 words) followed by a brief statement (up to 200 words) telling us why you would like to take this workshop, as a single Word document.
At the bottom of the document please include the following:
Date of birth
Profession
Country of origin / country of residence
Previous photography studies, including recent workshops attended (if any)
How did you hear about this workshop
Please email your application to: selma@laluzworkshops.com. Since we receive applications for a variety of workshops at the same time, please be sure to specify the name of the workshop you are applying for.
Upon acceptance, participants are required to pay the full tuition. We prefer payments via wire transfer or check. PayPal would be accepted only as a last resort. If you choose to use PayPal, please anote that any comission will not be returned to you in case of a refund. To see our terms and conditions and cancellation policies please click here.
Please read our cancellation policies here.
If you have any questions about this workshop please reach out to: selma@laluzworkshops.com