About the Course
We aren’t “taking” portraits - we are creating portraits. The course will discuss purpose and intent behind the making of a portrait. We will consider lighting, set, and emotion. We will experiment with props and wardrobe and witness how these tools transform the meaning and aesthetic of your portrait. Each session, we will introduce a new tool/idea/lighting technique to help personalize your portrait. Last session is a field trip to Donnamaria’s studio in Waldorf, Maryland.
Your Instructor
Donnamaria Jones
Donnamaria is a published, award-winning portrait photographer based in the Washington DC-Maryland-Virginia area and has exhibited both locally and internationally. She joined the military in 1983 and has served both in the United States Army and Air Force for a combined total of 28 years. Upon retirement, she continued to serve in a research and teaching position at the military’s medical school in Bethesda, MD.
Donnamaria has loved photography since childhood. From her early days in the military, she photographed family, friends, and colleagues just as a hobby. In 2012, she opened her first studio part time, and in 2014, she committed to the full time operation of Circa Life Images Studio, a 2,500 square foot space located on the north end of Waldorf in Southern Maryland. Donnamaria also travels internationally to provide on location photography services and education. She is a war veteran, and although no longer in uniform, she still finds ways to serve her community and this great nation.
Teaching mentality:
Life is experienced through our senses. My goal is to encourage people to use their senses to create. Fabrics and textiles are all around us and appeal to our senses of sight and touch. I want to show students the simplicity of using everyday items and/or pieces of material to create unique wardrobe or looks for any client. No sewing required.