SHANE BAKER STUDIOS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
NATURAL PORTRAITS
A hands-on workshop in clean lighting, authentic posing, and natural skin.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
10:00 AM–2:00 PM · DOWNTOWN MESA
Limited to five photographers
350
Create more of the portrait before you ever open Photoshop.
Natural Portraits is an intimate four-hour workshop for photographers who want to create clean, polished images without relying on heavy editing.
I’ll take you through the decisions I make while the person is still standing in front of my camera: light placement, exposure, camera position, background control, posing, and expression.
You’ll watch me build two complete portrait setups from the ground up, then have guided time to create images of your own.
The goal is not to eliminate every finishing adjustment.
The goal is to stop asking editing to solve problems that could have been corrected in the studio.
What you will learn
CLEAN LIGHTING
Learn how light placement, modifier choice, height, distance, and direction change the face.
We’ll create light that feels polished without making the portrait feel artificially perfect.
NATURAL SKIN
See how exposure, white balance, light quality, and camera settings affect skin tone and texture before retouching begins.
AUTHENTIC POSING
Learn how to direct the head, shoulders, hands, posture, and expression without forcing someone into stiff or mechanical poses.
FINISHING IN CAMERA
Learn what to look for between frames so you can correct distracting shadows, awkward angles, wardrobe problems, and background issues while they can still be fixed.
FIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS.
FOUR HOURS.
A PROCESS YOU CAN REPEAT.
This workshop is intentionally limited to five photographers.
You won’t be standing behind a crowd watching someone else work. You’ll be close enough to see the light, follow the decision-making, ask questions as they arise, and photograph the setups yourself.
10:00 AM
Arrival, introductions, and Booch Haus
We’ll begin with a 12 oz drink from our neighbor, Booch Haus, while we introduce ourselves and prepare for the first setup.
10:15 AM
Building the first portrait
We’ll create a clean, light-background portrait while discussing exposure, white balance, skin, lens choice, and light placement.
11:15 AM
Direction and authentic posing
We’ll explore camera position, facial angles, posture, expression, and ways to help someone look confident without over-directing them.
12:10 PM
Lunch at Jalapeño Dragon
We’ll step next door for a light lunch. Lunch is purchased separately, so please plan for approximately $20.
12:40 PM
Building the second portrait
We’ll create a darker portrait with more contrast and separation while keeping the skin believable and the setup uncomplicated.
1:15 PM
Guided shooting and live corrections
Each photographer will have time to work with the subject, use the lighting setup, and receive guidance while shooting.
1:50 PM
Final review and questions
We’ll review what changed between setups and identify the principles you can carry into your own portrait work.
2:00 PM
Workshop concludes
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO:
Understand the basics of manual exposure but want more confidence creating portraits with studio light.
Want more consistent skin tones and fewer surprises when they begin editing.
Struggle to direct people naturally once they are in front of the camera.
Want to deliver polished portraits without spending hours repairing each image.
Prefer a small, conversational environment over a crowded seminar or shooting line.
You do not need advanced studio experience.
You should be comfortable adjusting ISO, shutter speed, and aperture in manual mode.
BRING YOUR CAMERA.
WE’LL BUILD THE REST TOGETHER.
Bring:
- A mirrorless or DSLR camera with manual controls
- A portrait lens
- A fully charged battery
- An empty memory card
- Approximately $20 for lunch at Jalapeño Dragon
A 50mm, 85mm, or 70–200mm lens is ideal, but bring the equipment you already use.
You do not need to bring lights, modifiers, stands, or a laptop.
YOUR WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
Four hours of hands-on instruction inside Shane Baker Studios.
Two complete live portrait demonstrations.
Guided shooting time with the lighting setups.
A maximum of five participating photographers.
A 12 oz drink from Booch Haus.
Images you create during the workshop for use in your photography portfolio and social media, with appropriate model and workshop credits.
Lunch is not included.
We’ll visit Jalapeño Dragon during the workshop. Please plan for approximately $20 for your meal.
About the instructor
SHANE BAKER
Shane Baker is a full time professional portrait and fashion photographer known for high-end portraiture and creative styled shoots.
Natural Portraits opens his working process to a small group of photographers inside his new Downtown Mesa studio.
Rather than teaching a single lighting recipe, Shane will demonstrate how he reads a face, adjusts a setup, directs the person in front of him, and makes decisions that reduce the need for heavy editing afterward.
NATURAL PORTRAITS
Saturday, August 15, 2026
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Shane Baker Studios · Downtown Mesa
$350
Limited to five photographers.
Four hours of hands-on instruction, two live portrait demonstrations, guided shooting time, and a 12 oz drink from Booch Haus.