"The ultimate challenge in photography is bringing forth the essence of a person, portraying their fullness and beauty," says Sonoma County's celebrated portrait artist Murray Rockowitz.
photo: rockowitz.com
"Indeed, the proper use of light is imperative, yet, the ability to connect with your subjects in a genuinely respectful way will make your portraits soar to new heights. Learn and practice techniques and sensibilities garnered from my decades of experience and make them your own".
Combined with craft, this is the key to making insightful portraits. And, yes, if you take Murray's class, you will explore light, finding it, using it and when need be, creating it.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 10AM - 4PM.
Location: Murray Rockowitz Studio, 128 Petaluma Blvd. N. Petaluma, CA.
Fee: $150.
E-Mail murray@rockowitz.com
"Be forewarned," says Murray "no surprise to those who have been in workshops with me; this will not be a linear route. (I always advise my students, fasten your seat belts, stay alert and be prepared to learn more than you expected!)"
The class starts with a brief history and various uses of the portrait.
Murray will be touching on portraitists he believes as important, with some examples of their work and with their words.
Learn his philosophy on portraiture, sensibilities and approach to what makes a great portrait.
See how the artist works, with example prints and stories about the making of them and how he helps people to be themselves in front of his camera —portraying their essence of being.
Watch in a brief demo of a sitting with a subject how he sets up and prepares and how he advise people sitting for him to do the same.
See what the photographer is looking for, in conjunction with various needs of various people.
Learn about light and lighting. How different light affects peoples' appearance; finding the right light for each individual.
There will be time for participants to practice on each other. The self portrait and why.
Editing — what he looks for and why.
Thank you for picking this up. I am looking forward to this one. It is such a gift to be able to spend the day sharing my passion and knowledge with others to enhance their craft and creativity, to help propel them to further their photography. At this writing, we have 3 spots available.
Posted by: Murray Rockowitz | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 01:38 PM