The Portrait Photography Workshop comes as a 1-day or a 2-day workshop I do right after my traditional Workshop, in select locations worldwide.
My usual three-day Workshop covers portrait photography for a few hours, so this Portrait Workshop is an extension where we deal with portrais only (and some times model shoot).
The Portrait Workshop comes as 1-day and 2-day module you can do as that, or as an extension to the 3-day Overgaard Workshop.
The purpose is to make you comfortable working with people up and close, and be able to control the settings so the exposure, focus and colors are spot on!
Thorsten von Overgaard
Portrait Photography Workshop
LOCATIONS:
To sign up, mail to am@overgaard.dk or
click on the city to sign up on the page
One of the most important things you can do as a photographer, is to gift friends, colleagues and family outstanding portraits of themself.
Kids grow up, and we're all getting older. The great earrings the woman was proud to war, she won't be having forever. The fashion of our this momentwill be impossible to photograph in the future.
All those things should be done right now, right when you get the impulse to photograph a person. Preserving a great look and personality forever - in a professional portrait, even when done casually and on the move.
Camera(s) and lens(es) . If you have a light meter and reflector, bring it.
For the2-day Portrait Workshops, you should bring a computer with Lightroom or Capture One installed for editing of photos. Also for the 1-day workshop it might be practical with the computer handy, bnut it's not mandatory as the editing will be done after the workshoip.
I mostly use a 50mm lens for portraits, and mostly the f/1.4 of f/0.95 version. It's often said that 75mm and 90mm lenses (short tele lenses) are great for portraits: This was definitely the case in the old days where the advantage of a 90mm was that it would isolate the subjet by blurring out the background.
sStreet location (left) and office canteen (right). Available light.
With modern low-light lenses like the 50mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/0.95, the subject is isolated and the background blurred, even with those lenses. For me, the advantage with a 50mm lens is that I'm at a relatively short distance to the subject. Without being in their face; I am close enough so I can instruct without yelling.
Ms. Ali Givens photographing the model with the Leica Q in Havana, Cuba. Photo by Mort O’Sullivan.
That said, any lens could be used, depending on the story you want to tell. Some times you could use a wide lens like a 21mm or 28mm. You would be relative close, but the idea would be to have some background story. Wirth a low light lens like an f/1.4 or f/2.0, the background will be slightly blurred. As the subject would be in focus, that's where the immediate attention of the viewer would go; the background would be information or atmosphere (of for example a car they own, their house, the city or similar).
My daughter Robin Isabella on her way to school. 90mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0.
Who to photograph?
We try to arrange to get a few models who are preferably ordinary shy people who, even those who "never look good in pictures". That's the ones we can do magic with.
We will also use the occasion to get as many of ourself (you and me, and the other participants in the workshop) photographed so you have a really cool portrait (or several) for future use.
Some times we have artists, singers, dancers, models; and some times those portraits may develop into "editorial photographs" that include more lifestyle and/or a story for a specific use, for example promotional use on their website, for posters, etc.
We don't plan on doing full body portraits, but some times it falls natural to do that as well. There's a distinct difference between a portrait and a full body portrait; because there will be lot more attitude and expression to control once the stomach, arms and legs are part of it.
We don't plan on doing street portraits, meaning approaching strangers on the street. It can be done, but it's not part of the scope for the workshop to break down barriers of appoaching strangers.
Light
We will find magic light for portraits just around the corner, inside or outside. We may use reflectors, but we don't plan on using flash or other electrical light.
Making a portrait that will do something good for the person
How to make a person happy with themself? That's the big question and the task we are faced with. The key is to address the personality and not treat a person as a piece of furniture. Rather than documenting the state of a face, you are working with portraying the personality. And even more than that; the potential of the personality.
To make a person look in a way so the portrait will do something good for them is the responsibility of the photographer, not of the subject. We'll deal with how to make the person help you help themself achieving just that!
Taken in a cafe (left) and in an office (right), available light, less than two minutes of work.
What to expect
After the workshop you should have a lot more confidence in doing portraits. Because you see that you can do it.
We will have been dealing with all the barriers to a good portrait. The first barriers are the technical barriers (insecurity of result), and we should be able to prove that no matter what, you can always get a great photograph taht is in focus, has good light and pleasing colors. You will learn how to do it really fast and confident. With all this, you should be able to focus on the personality in front of you and work with the person, rather than the camera.
After the workshop, you should be enthusiastic about photographing people, and with that, hopefully make a lot of family, friends and colleagues happy with great portraits. The more you do, the better you become!
Stuff you might want for portrait photography
A 60 cm (2 feet) reflector:
Light meter:
The secret weapon of photography. No batteries and folds so it fits in a labtop bag. Soft gold, silver, white and silver surface; silk screen inside.
Great for ensure always correct exposure. Takes a lot
of guessing out of portrait photography.
WhiBal card:
Combined light meter/color meter:
The easy way to always get the colors right. Fits in a wallet along with credit cards. No battery required.
The LUMU Power can be attached to a smartphone and is both a light meter and a color meter. Nice an compact. Replaces WhiBal and Lightmeter.
Having fun with light and cameras. Photo by Mort O'Summivan.
"A Life With Leica featuring Thorsten von Overgaard" short documentary from Rome, Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thorsten Overgaard Photo Workshop and Masterclass
Do I need a Leica to paritipate
in the Overgaard Workshop?
No, you can use any camera brand. While Thorsten occasionally have been seen with a Nikon, Hasserlblad, Sony, Panasonic and Fujifilm cameras, his core belief is that Leica is the best lenses in the world, and the simplest cameras. Though the majority of participants tend to be Leica users (and any other tend to become Leica users after a workshop), it's a photo workshop where the focus is on taking pictures.
Where to stay
Hotel and travel is not included in the workshop fee. Usually participants choose the hotel type and brand which they prefer, or an AirBnb (many of the participants are frequent travelers). Some pick a place close to the workshop location, while others choose a very different location so as to experience another area of the city as well (and walk back and forth every day while experiencing interesting scenes and locations). The workshop is both eye-opening, but also draining on energy, so generally I recommend not to flush out on a luxury hotel that you won't have much time to enjoy.
I used to like AirBnb, and I have been very good at judging places from their photos, but I do find the standard has dropped. Often a hotel is better comfort and price unless you're a group who want to share an apartment or house.
How to get around
I prefer to learn the public transportation system in a new place. But not everywhere is it the way to get around. Other times I use Uber.com which is drivers you require via the Uber App on your phone. You don't have to speak the language or read the street names to get from A to B, and when you are done, the trip is charged to your credit card or PayPal. No need for discussing prices, cash or card, and no request for tipping. You can also pre-book an Uber to pick you up at a certain time, this way avoiding embarassing delays. Some cities offer rental bicycles, and that can be quite a fun and fast mean of transportaion!
How to book flights
I use kayak.com to research flights and either buy via the links on that website, or use it as research for who fly which routes and then go to their website and book. Or I use my travel agent, Caroline, located in Los Angeles to figure it all out because she can see connections and seats in her system that I cannot see.
I book flights based on flight times and prices. I don't go for the cheapest flights but the ones that have shorter flight times, less stops and the ones that allow me have a good sleep and get to the airport at a civilized time of the day. Often those flights are not more than a few dollars more expensive than the long flights with lots of stops. You just have to scroll down the page to notice them and see what is possible. People who don't travel a lot usually look for the cheapest flights, missing better flights for almost no extra cost, and thus ends up with extra stops and having to be in the airport before sunrise.
A photo workshop in my own city or far and away?
The workshops tend to be a little like a kindergarten. Professional people (who are usually very busy) get to explore their passion for photography exclusively in a place they dream of going to. Often, in the time outside of the workshop, participants explore restaurants, shops or museums they always wanted to visit, or meet up with old friends, or simply get work done. The workshop is in the sheduled daytime, and there is no social get-together in the evenings, unless someone arrange it. I feel the workshop is enough work for the day, so I let people have their own time, just as I get to have my own time.
On the other hand it is also very practical to do a workshop in your own city. It's not as distraction-free because the office or spouse might call in the middle of the fun, a kid is ill and has to be picked up and things like that. The advantage is that you will learn to see the possibilities in your own city, because now you see, and you will never ever again hear yourself say, "there's nothing to photograph in my city".
Photo by Paul Holland.
Which type of Overgaard Workshop should I choose?
In truth, it doesn't really matter. Ask the 30% of the workshop students who return to do another workshop and you will know that even the program is similar, the workshop is always a different experience.
All my Workshops are tailored for anyone who had a camera or a Leica for three weeks or 30 years. "Everyone is a beginner" I say, becuase no matter how experienced you are, you probably got a new camera or lens recently, and the software for editing changes.People who 'know everything' seldom participate in workshops, so no matter how nre you may feel, we're all new to the day, the city and what can be done with the equiment today.
I treat everything as if nobody ever heard about it before. We go over the focusing, exposure and other issues that are always a concern. Nobody is left behind and everybody learns something new. If you don't want to learn new things, there's no reason to do a workshop.
Thorsten Overgaard is present in all workshops
When you do an Overgaard Workshop, Thorsten Overgaard is there. All. The. Time. There are no assistants taking over or workshop students sent out on assignments on their own to come back and get critiqued. We work together all the time. All Overgaard Workshops have lots of time for talking and questions, live demonstrations and how to get things to work better.
There is an emphasis on workflow and sharing in the 3-day workshop, whereas in the 2-day workshop we focus on photographing, and editing of your photos is done as homework. Workflow means getting your digital files under control and setting up a way to work on coputer that allows you to concentrate on taking photographs and making great results. But also workflow is about ensuring highest possible quality, and it is about preserving photographs. In my terminology it is also integrity becuase so many commercial interests lead you onto wrong paths that are time-consuming and costly -a and without your own workflow, you eventually loose pictures, quality.
All this, how to take over your pictures and make them sing with as little work as possible, is covered in the Lightroom Survival Kit and in the Capture One Survival Kit (which are identical, except for the software tool used). Professionals and novices will serve themselves well by getting one of these Survival Kits which have become the industry standard for workflow since they were first released in 2010 (and is updated in new versions whenever software, technology and cameras are updated). If you hate computers - or even if you love them - you will enjoy the breeze of sanity in your digital life, that the Survival Kit offers.
In the workshop you can ask anything about workflow, and if the Survival Kit and the Workshop is not enough to organize your thoughts and pictures, you can buy one-on-one time for consultingin person, via phone/email and video call. There is also "The Photoraphers Workflow Masterclass" where almost any question you could ever want to ask, is answered, illustrated and shown in videos.
"Meeting you was one of the most memorable things in my life!"
- Ihn Lee, USA (board member Samsung)
Expect to meet very competent people from all walks of life and from many different countries. What they have in common is that they want to be as professional in their passion for photography as they are with everything else they do in life. Age range is typically 30-65, and 30% are women. It's very chilled, casual,eye-opening, inspiring - and it will renew your enthusiasm for making photo.
Will I get along with the others in the workshop?
Yes you will. The participants in the workshop, you will find, are very different, yet very compatible. We all share a passion for photography, and often a passion for Leica. Not surprisingly, we have the same values and viewpoints on many things in life. You will find there is lots to talk about and much experience to share that isn't directly related to photography.
The participants are usually professionals in their are of life who have an interest in photography; and want to be as competent in their passion as in their work. And above all, it's people who like simplicity. The age range is 30-70, which also tell you it's not going to be a backpack trekking university campus experience. Mostly you will meet CEO's, company owners, film directors, artists, designers, technology specialists, producers, and similar in the workshop. It's not a networking workshop, though connections are sometimes made, but more interestingly the conversations often offer a view into other areas of life on an expert level. Never a dull moment! 30% of the participants are women overall.
The general attitude is to be professional, in the sense of being good at photography, and very little in making a living from it. About 10% or so of the paritipants make a living from photography.
We seek to make our own photos in the workshop
The workshop as a general rule shy away from tourist traps, busy locations and places "you have to see". The best photographs are usually made in quiet surroundings, narrow streets and in areas that tend to have cool cafes, restaurants and shops. The wider the streets, the more people, the more commercially arranged locations, the more energy is sucked from you, and the less you make your own viewpoint and photos.
Being inspired in an Overgaard Workshop
More than thousand workshop students have experienced that an Overgaard Wrokshop instill enthusiasm in any photographer and raise his or her skill level, self-confidence and production volume. There is no criticism, instructions, things you have to do in a certain way, and there is no tests in an Overgaard Workshop. It's an inspirational workshop performed by demonstartion of how to "Always Wear A Camera" with Thorsten Overgaard present at all times, and in a magical way, you wll find the workshop to be less about Thorsten Overgaard and more about you.
"The secret lies entirely in the fact that education is as effective as it is pleasant, unhurried, casual, and in as ineffective as it is stressed to be important".
- LRH in the book "Creation of Human Ability" (page 202)
A portrait photography secion is part of any Overgaard Workshop because it teaches the basics of light, colors, timing, and you learn to work decisive and fast! And ... apart from the benefit of getting a great portrait of yourself, you can now photography anybody, anywhere, anytime and make a great portarit in a few minutes.
Doing an Overgaard Workshop or Masterclass again
You bought a camera for a reason, and sometimes you forget, and you want to get back that enthusiasm for photography you once had. And you will. A great deal of those who have participated in an Overgaard Workshop or Overgaard Masterclass come back to do another workshop the same year or some years later. There is no "elevated" program for return students, because each workshop is a new and different experience. And each workshop is an individual session with Thorsten Overgaard and a new group of compatible, likeminded people.
The workshop if first and foremost indulgence in your passion for photography in such concentrated dozes as you have never experienced before! Return participants often have some certain goals or subjects they want to explore more, but mostly they just come back because it tend to give them a kick and take the individual participants from where they are now, to a new level.
Portrait photographer David Hartcorn in the Overgaard Workshop.
"Not only did I learn about the technique but I was able to pick up almost on a philosophical level, an appreciation of life & light that is part and parcel of the craft of true Masters. A common mistake when you fall in love with photography, is to think that buying gear will bring you talent. Not so. When you're serious about photography, you need to devote quite a few hours, a couple of days, to learn the craft by observing from someone who has honed his own craft for decades, like Thorsten Overgaard. I had the chance to walk in the footsteps of Thorsten Overgaard during a workshop, and it really opened my eyes on how to have the proper look through my freshly bought Leica. It is the kind of experience that "sticks" with you later, for hours of photographic pleasure".
- Roald Sieberath (Entrepreneur, investor and startup professor, Belgium)
Overgaard #1 Workshop program:
Schedule of 2-day and 3-day workshops
Sometimes the Workshop or Masterclass is three days, some times two days. Both formats have proven to be very workable formats, refined over many years of doing this. I never listen to advisors who say, "nobody have time to spend three days in a workshop", because my experience say it is what is needed to 'get it', and it works. Likewise I don't do week-long workshops because it takes too much energy, and a week away from work and family becomes hard to schedule. Two and tree days es enought to 'get it', and few enough days to fit into another work trip or a trip with the family to the same location.
If you have done a workshop in the past and wonder where all the photo editing is, the answer is that some yars ago digital was new, and there was a greater need to address the confusion of editing and computers. In recent years I find that people. when asked, wante dto do more photography and less editing in the actual workshop. "How do I find my style" and "what to do with my photos" is more relevant, and I try to address this in the workshop as best as I can (the 3-day workshop offers one-on-one editing and review with me to help this purpose).
3-day workshop schedule
"Photo and Workflow"
Overgaard #1 Workshop
Schedule Day 1
Camera settings.
Portrait photography.
Lunch.
Walkabout in the city.
Homework editing as needed.
10:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 13:00
13:00 – 17:00
13:00 - 17:00
Schedule Day 2
Thorsten talk on on workflow.
A) Individual schedule of photographing in the city, or do editing by yourself, with an opportunity of 20 min personal one-on-one editing and review with Thorsten Overgaard at a point (we'll schedule meetups for each to sit down and talk and work with Thorsten, usually in any random cafe).
or
B) The rest of the day is either group editing in one location.
10:00 – 12:00
12:30 - 13:30
13:30 - 17:00
Schedule Day 2
Walkabout in the city.
Lunch.
Walkabout in the city.
Schedule Day 3
Meetup for morning coffee and talk.
Walkabout in the city.
Lunch.
Walkabout in the city.
After the workshop
Homework efinalizing editing (if it wasn't finalized in the workshop).
Select the best photos from the workshop and send them to Thorsten via WeTransfer (who collects all photos from all and then share with the group after some weeks)
After the workshop
Homework editing.
Select the best photos from the workshop and send them to Thorsten via WeTransfer (who collects all photos from all and then share with the group after some weeks)
Thorsten Overgaard doing a short run-through of how he edits fast, decisive and get done with work.
Change of plans, now what?
The workshop policy is pretty casual as to changes, because life happens. You can mostly always change your attendance to another workshop in the future without any cost and without any need to justify why it is necesary. Which other workshop you want to move to, you can decide later; we just need to know beforehand if you can't make it. As a general rule workshops are not refunded.
Which computer to use for photo editing?
Read my article "Advice for photographers: Which computer to use for photo editing" where I test the Lightroom and Capture One software on different Mac models, test hard drives, cables and more. Also, get my Survival Kit for Lightroom or Capture One for in-depth workflow view that will simplify life and secure that your pictures stay forever:
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Working hard on portraits in the Overgaard Portrait Workshop in London. Photo by Brett Patterson.
Doing portraits in the Overgaard Portrait Workshop in London. Photo by Brett Patterson.
Reviews of the Thorsten von Overgaard Masterclass Workshops:
What people who have done a workshop with Thorsten Overgaard say
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop:
"The Overgaard Photography Workshop is an investment that pays immediate dividends.
In four short days there was a marked swagger in my step. This may sound irrelevant to photography, but in my opinion it’s one of the unspoken tangibles that make professional photographers like Thorsten so damn good – their confidence is able to make them disappear in a sense, and put their subjects at ease.
The funny thing about this is that it wasn't something discussed during the workshop, it was something that I learned from observing Thorsten work. The way he moved without hesitation, the manner in which he sized up his subject, and got the shot and moved on. Quick, clean, and confident! For me, that was the most valuable part of the workshop – spending four days at the elbow of a professional photographer!
What an experience!
I came away excited, eager, and confident that I could produce the kind of photographs I've always envied!
Thank you to my friend Thorsten! Some time in the future, somewhere in the world, our paths will cross again!"
- J. J. (New York)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshops in Rome and Paris:
"Thank you for the Rome workshop.
The last days I spent with you in Rome I have done once before. So why do it again? Same type of workshop and with the same photographer.
Simply because I was so inspired by the first workshop two years ago, that I felt I would (and could) squeeze even more out of you a second time.
Of course some repetition was present on theory but two photo shootings are newer the same, and you always get new information there either wasn't presented the first time, or that you did not grasp at that time.
My overall goal taking part in the Rome Workshop was to focus much on the light, which I can transfer to future photo and television news stories that I produce.
And I got it!
The hands-on practice and advice from you benefits both experienced pro's like my self, as well as amateurs who wants to step up a level. So with my tired feet walking around hot Rome, I now will go back to work and let the experiences and inspiration go into my photography works.
You are newer too old, too experienced or (especially) too good to learn. Thank you for good company and learning experiences."
Review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Berlin:
"The Berlin Workshop is still resonating with me. It was truly a great experience, and was really nice to meet you and your family!"
- T. S. (Canada)
"I wanted to take a moment and thank you again for all of the inspiration you give to so many of us. Earlier this evening I participated in an art show. Now, I have to admit that there are few things more satisfying as an artist than knowing that someone is not only willing to pay for your photographs but display them in their home or office. Thank you for all you do."
- L. T. (USA)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshp:
"I diligently edit and process my images after every shoot as taught in your workshop and am always up to date with my images.
I have had your New Inspiration Course for a couple of days and have viewed all videos. I recently submitted a few images to a gallery in Portland for an exhibit.
I will continue to refine and work on the things you have talked about."
- J. L. (Canada)
"It was a wonderful time, so many wonderful lasting friendships developed in this workshops!"
- R. W. (Austria)
"Since we have met in the Overgaard Workshop Amsterdam I have been going wild making photos. Your approach really enabled me to make a steep change in making and processing photos. Many thanks for this!"
- E. A. (Netherlands)
"I’m more confidence in doing portraits after the workshop."
- B. N. (UK)
"The Berlin Workshop is still resonating with me. It was truly a great experience, and was really nice to meet you and your family!"
- T. S. (Canada)
Thorsten Overgaard Workshop Review:
"Thorsten, I appreciate the genuine way in which you continue to communicate with your students and admire your success in creating a community of enthusiasts around you.
"I was such a beginner when I did your workshop that it has taken me quite a while to incorporate what you taught us into my photographic life.
"I remember you are not a fan of spending hours on a photo, and nor am I – indeed one of the benefits of the workshop was to show how one could spend more time out and about with the camera".
- M. B. (France)
"Thank you again for sharing the basics of your craft with us in Milano! It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope to find another opportunity to join one of your future classes in a different city soon!"
- Y. M. (Switzerland)
"Thanks a lot for a great workshop in Stockholm - it was f…… fun and inspiring."
- G. M. (Denmark)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Paris:
"Thank you for the great days and your hospitality. Besides meeting you and the others and having a good time, the workshop inspired me a lot and I learnt lots of new things.
I took more photos than I usually take and was more courageous as well in shooting people. That was great! I'm really happy with the results and what I did".
- B. K. (Sweden)
"It was a good time in Paris, it really inspired me a lot. And good to get to know you."
- B. N. (France)
"Thanks for an inspiring workshop and nice company in a lovely city. It was really great getting together with you and be in the Leica-bubble for a few days. I liked the relaxed atmosphere and learning from you"
- B. K. (Sweden)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Hong Kong:
"It was a great pleasure spending the past three days with you guys. It was a lot of fun walking around Hong Kong with our Leica.
Thank you Thorsten for sharing your professional experience with us, it really changed my point of view on keeping data files. With the advancement of technologies, we must keep a set of data which can take the test of times. That's a very important message amongst others that I learned in the past three days.
In the meantime, always carry your camera and be ready for the next shot!"
- B. L. (Hong Kong)
"First of all my gratitude goes to Thorsten who wants to share his knowledge about (Leica) photography, answering to all our recurring questions.
His methodology is perhaps not what hardware-, software-, cloud-, ...companies want us to do but as a former IT engineer I can only acknowledge his views about preserving our digital "heritage".
Unfortunately the times of the shoe boxes with our 10x15cm photographs are gone (with or without the negatives). Some markings on the envelope and that was it. Some had photo albums for the major events. The advantage of the old system is that anyone could view your pictures without any specialised hardware. I have some 19th century negative glass plates and you can still see what's on it alas in negative.
Recently I found back some negatives my grandfather took in the first WW with his Kodak Vestpocket camera ... In a world full of digital wonders like smart phones we never take so much pictures as nowadays as a society. Most of these pictures are lost or will be lost shortly because of a new smart phone, hard disk crash, incompetence of the user. The chance your hard drive crashes is higher than of your home burns down.
The workflow explained is for me the best I have ever seen. The portrait session; we missed the model but Bengt did a great job. He has FB profile photos for the next 10 years...
Explaining how to observe the light... It was a pleasure to meet you all in this fantastic workshop in Amsterdam, hope we will keep in touch somehow."
- E. B. (Netherlands)
"Than you for an inspiring course in Stockholm, and thanks to your expansive personality and great camera knowledge, lightly conveyed.
The Lightroom Survival Kit will help me remember the intricacies of geting the raw file into a great picture."
- E. B. (Sweden)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Vienna, Austria:
"I would like to say thank you for the workshop. It was a great experience of realizing my potential, capturing important hints and of course meeting you personally.
It was a pleasure for me to join you and the Leica fellows these summer days in Vienna."
- A. P. (Russia)
"I just wanted to write and say it was a very inspiring three days with you all - I learned a lot from everyone. It was a pleasure to meet you all and hope to see many more of your photos in the future.
Thank you for this Thorsten. It was a great use of three days and you really taught me a lot and inspired me very much, not only in photography but music and life. I look forward to when our paths cross again. All the best man."
- E. Z. (Bosnia)
Review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Rome, Italy:
"I enjoyed myself very much in the Rome Workshop. I learned a lot, and only now the full experience is sinking in.
Thank you. I am trying make the New York Monochrome Masterclass as well".
- E. L. (Jerusalem, Israel)
"This is just to let you know that I had a great time these last three days in Amsterdam. We had a good group and I liked the relaxed way in which you approach photagraphy. I picked up a number of valuable ideas and technical tricks. Thanks a lot!"
- M. L. (Netherlands)
"I take the opportunity to thank everybody for having the pleasure of sharing fantastic moments with you all."
- A. S. (Netherlands)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Sydney, Australia:
"Thank you again for the great time in Sydney. It was (and I say this quite seriously) a life changing experience. I'm a lot more confident to take and show my photos now. You should be proud that you have obviously brought knowledge and confidence to so many people. I will see you again some time in the future for a refresher."
- J. G. (Australia)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Malmo, Sweden:
"I was participant on your photo workshops in Malmo in 2011 and 2012. My abilities increased beyond imagination after that. Will you be offering a workshop only about portrait photography?"
- C. B. (Malmo, Sweden)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Berlin, Germany:
"Meeting you was one of the most memorable things in my life!"
- I. L. (USA)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand:
"I'm one of the luckiest guys in the world who have chance to attend the Thorsten Overgaard workshop in Bangkok."
- N. S. (Thailand)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop:
"I also wanted to express my gratitude again for the great workshop experience. As you know, I have been rediscovering my love of photography, and I feel that – beyond everything I learned about light, technique and software – I really took a giant step forward in "seeing" again, and in embracing the sheer fun of making photos.
I think your design of the workshop os right on the mark. The full day of ambling around, looking for the beautiful light, and taking (hopefully) great photos. I know it worked for me (since I was up at 3 AM trying to take pictures of the downtown skyline).
I feel energized about my photography, and am planning on getting much more involved with it over the coming months. I've been taking photos of fun things in the countryside on my way to work (I drive through about thirty miles of fields, dairies, falling-down buildings, old and rusting farm equipment and so on). I'm also learning more about both Lightroom and Media Pro.
So, thanks again for a great experience. I hope to take another of your workshops again."
- B. S. (San Francisco)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Seoul, Korea:
"Dear Thorsten, I wish to thank you for wonderful days of photography. From the first day of theory to the last day of choosing our best, it was a wonderful experience that inspired me to take more pictures and share them with others.
I learned a great deal from your comments and also your showing how to improve the final picture through minor adjustments in Lightroom. Many of my friends have a heavy hand with Lightroom but you showed us how to adjust the camera so that minimal post processing was necessary to have a good final product.
I will always remember those four days as being very special. When you come to Seoul again, I plan to be there!
Again, thank you for a wonderful photo experience."
- G. F. (Korea)
Overgaard Workshop in Berlin.
Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop Review Video
"I'll add my thanks to everyone for making this a thoroughly enjoyable workshop – very atypical from those that I've taken in the past.
Thorsten, the way you've mixed the practical (technical) and the craftsmanship of making a good image with arguably the best tools out there left me with very actionable take-aways.
Thank you for being a wonderful gracious host and hope our paths will cross again."
- D. C. (USA)
"If you want to feel more confident with photographing and editing your photos from DNGs to finished pictures and have fun while doing it, I can warmly recommend attending Thorsten’s workshop. Not only did he help me shoot with more confidence, but he also taught me his editing workflow. He has a pleasant way of instructing and he inspires his students to develop a style of their own."
- P. V. (Monaco)
"Thanks for pushing your students to use those extreme apertures more frequently. Fun stuff.
I hope you are well wherever you are."
- B. P. (France)
"It was a great pleasure spending the past three days with you guys. It was a lot of fun walking around Hong Kong with our Leica cameras.
Let us share this passion and try to get together with each other and share our creations over coffee, lunch or dinner.
Thank you Thorsten for sharing your professional experience with us, it really changed my point of view on keeping data files. With the advancement of technologies, we must keep a set of data which can take the test of times. That’s a very important message amongst others that I learned in the past three days.
In the meantime, always carry your camera and be ready for the next shot! Let’s try to get together again!"
- B. L. (Hong Kong)
"I would like to say thank you for the workshop we recently had. It was a great experience of realising my potential, capturing important hints and of course meeting you personally. It was a pleasure for me to join you and the few Leica fellows these summer days in Vienna."
- A. N. (Austria)
"Thanks again for a fantastic workshop in Montreal. it was a highlight of my summer."
- A. S. (USA)
"Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed your seminar this past weekend in Havana. You were able to clear up most of my photography questions and give me a great deal of other things to think about in image capture and techniques.
I am still quite rusty on the Lightroom use and manipulation, but I suspect that will be secondary to capturing good images going forward. Confidence in color was the real treat of the weekend."
- C. J. (USA)
"It was a pleasure to work and play with all of you for the last few days.
A great experience I won't soon forget. Now I have 11 new friends from round the world.
Thank you to Thorsten for being so patient and working through the details of being an excellent Leica photographer … Searching out the light and introducing us to his efficient workflow processing procedure over the last four days.
I will be approaching my photography in a much different light now, compared to my photography life prior to the course. Awesome!"
- A. R. (USA)
"Thank you for these great days. It has been super fun and educational. I enjoyed our conversations, and now when I've looked through your best pics, I feel humble and starting to realise that I have a lot to learn.
Thank you Thorsten for all support and I wish you both the best of luck with future endeavours.
Fun to meet so many other Leica users. I would love to keep in touch."
- L. M. (Sweden)
"Many thanks for a terrific workshop! Cannot tell you how much I enjoyed learning from you and with colleagues (and new friends) from around the world. I feel that my skills improved, and everyone learned in a very relaxed manner."
- J. P. (USA)
"What a magical three days!!! I greatly appreciated being with such a terrific, interesting and compatible group, and learning not only from Thorsten, but from each other."
- M. M. (Germany)
"I've had some time to reflect on the workshop and wanted to send you a note to say a big thank you for everything that you taught me over the four days!
It was fun, relaxed, informative and a really positive environment. Your collective enthusiasm is infectious and you've changed the way I look at the world.
The three key things I took away from the workshop are:
1) love your gear,
2) keep it simple, and
3) just do it!
I now understand why people who attend one workshop are likely to do another one. I think attending a second workshop would be like listening to your favourite song with really good headphones - you get so much more out of it! I will definitely be back!
I can't recommend your workshop highly enough - if anyone is even considering it they should definitely do it (although, be prepared to want more Leica gear)!"
- J. H. (Australia)
"Enjoying my photography more than ever since the workshop. Love the monochrome Leica."
- R. F. (UK)
"Thanks again for the GREAT workshop experience.
It is going to take me awhile to return to (almost) normal after the last several days. I have photo and software details swirling around in my brain, and am trying to assimilate it all. I hope the three of you had a good trip this morning and that you have a wonderful time in Florida as well."
- B. S. (USA)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Perth, Australia:
"I've had some time to reflect on the Perth Workshop and wanted to send you a note to say a big thank you for everything that you taught me over the four days.
It was fun, relaxed, informative and a really positive environment. You and Joy complimented each other perfectly, your collective enthusiasm is infectious and you've changed the way I look at the world.
I now understand why people who attend one workshop are likely to do another one. I think attending a second workshop would be like listening to your favourite song with really good headphones - you get so much more out of it! I will definitely be back!
I can't recommend your workshop highly enough - if anyone is even considering it they should definitely do it (although; be prepared to want more Leica gear)!
Since finishing the workshop I've bought a light meter and ordered a WhiBal card and a Rock'n'Roll camera strap from Tie Her Up. I've downloaded the workshop notes and saved them to my iPad for holiday reading and will get a new Apple laptop and some hard drives in the new year, start going through all my photos and set up the workflow you taught us.
Most importantly, I'm now carrying the Leica X Vario with me more often!
Until we meet again, keep having fun and spreading the love!"
- J. H. (Australia)
"I’ve been several days thinking about the workshop we attended, and I’m still thinking about it!
Thorsten's job was very professional and complete. And the style he suggested fitted exactly with my way of thinking photography: search for the light, then search for the subject. The use of Leica lenses wide open (with the help of ND filters) - terrific!
My photographs really explode in my computer. Thank you Thorsten, those four days wil be unforgetable to me."
- A. B. (Argentina)
"Three pleasant days have changed forever, years of strong image production.
Congratualtion to Thorsten who could immediately create a team spirit maintain everybody's 3 days 110 % focus on improving ."
- M. J. (USA)
"I had a great time also. Since I only bought my first Leica about 3 months ago, I know I have a lot to learn, and I really feel I have a superb jump start with all of you help. Thanks Thorsten and everyone else. Please let's stay in touch."
- S. G. (USA)
"Thorsten, thanks for another great experience. I look forward to one in Toronto or Montreal!"
- J. H. (London)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop:
"Thanks again for the GREAT workshop experience!
It is going to take me a while to return to (almost) normal after the last several days. I have photo and software details swirling around in my brain, and I am trying to assimilate it all."
- B. S. (USA)
"I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for a really fantastic workshop and the time spent together. This weekend will always be very well remembered!"
- S. M. (Germany)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Hong Kong:
"Thanks again for an amazing experience. Definitely keen to do another workshop with you both in the near future to hone my skills. Thanks again for everything."
- G. C. (Hong Kong)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in London:
"I was in a flat spot with my picture making, I was reading your blog which I follow with great interest. Your blog said 'wear your camera and get out and do something'.
Well, after a bit of thought, I went out and put on an exhibition of 80 pictures in our local library exhibition room. This turned out to be very successful with photographic societies and others visiting the exhibition.
Thank you for having inspired me!"
- R. D. (UK)
"Now, ten days after of our workshop I am feeling even much more grateful to your three days of relaxed lessons. I have been shooting every day and I can notice your legacy more present in my photos.
I have been changing all my image workflow and now it is simpler, faster and with much better final results. Many thanks and congratulation! Your teaching system keep people improving, it doesn't finish when at workshop ends."
- M. J. (France)
"Thank you Thorsten. I'll try and get at least one image everyday. "
- D. P. (USA)
Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop Review:
"Towards the end of the year, I purchased a Leica camera and Leica 35mm lens; I did not know how much this little black box was about to shape all of the next year for me.
I attended a workshop in London with Danish photographer Thorsten Overgaard. It was, not only, an incredibly informative few days but also tons of fun and I met some wonderful people. The encouragement I got from Thorsten and everyone else gave me an incredible boost to get started. In fact I loved the workshop so much I immediately enrolled for the next one, which turned out to be even better.
I found Thorsten's straightforward approach to both using the camera and towards editing extremely refreshing, but it was the way he taught me how to look for light that, honestly, changed the way I view the world.
I see differently now and because of that I also think differently. I've started to compose and record music in a way that is much clearer and for the first time in my career true to how I want to hear it."
- B. G. (Music Composer & Producer London)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Sydney, Australia:
"First of all I would like to thank you for some very educational and inspirational days in Sydney. I feel that I've grown a lot as a photographer, not only through what you taught us, but also by just observing how you move and interact with subjects on the street. And your "All you need is love" approach to photography is the best advise I've ever received as a photographer.
I'm still aiming for my "less is more" approach to photography. If something doesn't add to the story you’re trying to tell then try to crop it out (preferably in camera) or wait for the right moment when there are no distractions. I just had another look at your website and one of my favorite photos is of the Sikh reading a book shot with the 80mm Summilux-R. There must be hundreds of people in that photo but they all add to the story and therefore not a single one should be cropped. Very inspiring indeed!
Hope to see you again in the future, in Australia or somewhere else around the world. All the best."
Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish-American multiple award-winning photographer, known for his writings about photography and Leica cameras. He travels to more than 25 countries a year, photographing and teaching workshops to photographers. Some photos are available as signed editions via galleries or online. For specific photography needs, contact Thorsten Overgaard via email.
You can follow Thorsten Overgaard at his television channel magicoflight.tv.
Review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Luxoria Magazine:
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Join a Thorsten Overgaard
Photography
Workshop
I am in constant orbit teaching
Leica and photography workshops.
Most people prefer to explore a
new place when doing my workshop.
30% of my students are women.
35% of my students dotwo or more workshops.
95% are Leica users.
Age range is from 15 to 87 years
with the majority in the 30-55 range.
Skill level ranges from two weeks
to a lifetime of experience.
97% use a digital camera.
100% of my workshop graduates photograph more after a workshop.
sStreet location (left) and office canteen (right). Available light. 
Expect to meet very competent people from all walks of life and from many different countries. What they have in common is that they want to be as professional in their passion for photography as they are with everything else they do in life. Age range is typically 30-65, and 30% are women. It's very chilled, casual,eye-opening, inspiring - and it will renew your enthusiasm for making photo. 
