Come and spend a day with us learning to create better portraits. And laughing a fair bit while we do it!
At Mastering Portrait Photography, we offer small-group workshops in a studio between Oxford and London, covering all aspects of portrait photography from camera craft to the sales room and everything in between. All skill levels are welcome, from enthusiasts to working professionals. A one-year mentoring programme with monthly one-to-one sessions is also available for photographers seeking sustained progress (and a bit of a kick along the way!)
If you love portrait photography and you want to get better, faster, then you are in exactly the right place. Our studio sits in the countryside between Oxford and London, and we kitted it out for one thing above all else: learning. Proper space, proper kit, proper techniques, and usually just the right amount of chaos, coffee, cookies and cake.
I’m Paul. After twenty-odd years earning my living with a camera, a book that went further than I ever dreamed (it’s out there in five different languages!), and more shoots than I could begin to count, the thing I love most is still this: that moment when it all clicks into place for someone. When the light does what they hoped it would, the person in front of the lens softens and simply becomes themselves, and the photographer realises, oh, I can actually do this. That is what these workshop days are for.
We keep the groups small, because nobody ever learnt to read light from the back of a crowd. You learn it by getting your hands on the gear, having a go, getting it a bit wrong, and having someone standing right next to you to help you get it right. No egos. No showing off. No secrets held back. Just come and play.
In fact, it’s all created to be the kind of workshops that I would have loved to learn from when I was honing my skills.
Current Workshops
These are our upcoming workshops – book now to reserver your place!
What you’ll learn
All of our workshops are a little different, but across the whole series you will get to grips with the things that genuinely make your portraits ‘pop’:
- Light, in all its forms: beautiful natural light, punchy studio flash, off-camera lighting, and the magic that happens when you start mixing ambient, strobe and a little bit of magic!
- Positioning your camera, choosing your lens and the difference all of this makes (you might be surprised how much time you spend on the floor!)
- Posing and directing real people so they still look like themselves (but on their very best day!)
- Reading expression and building a connection, which is really what great portraits are about in the first place.
- The camera craft underneath all of it: exposure, and why your settings do what they do.
- What to do when a shoot goes sideways (because every now and then it does!)
- Post-production and retouching that still looks (perfectly) natural. From Lightroom to Photoshop, DxO tools, the latest AI and what it can do for you (even if you hate it!)
- And the business side too: pricing, products, the client experience, all the bits that turn your eye for an image into an income (if that’s what you want anyway!)
Whether this is all brand new to you or you have been shooting for years and want to sharpen up (or get your mojo back), there is something here for you.
How we teach
Here is how a day tends to go. we will set up a shot and talk you through it, not just the what but the why, because once you understand the reasoning, you can rebuild it anywhere. Then it is your turn. You shoot, I watch, and we fine-tune it together: nudge the light, change the angle, adjust the pose, until you see the picture come together in front of you.
It is important that we get to play: we will make mistakes on the day, of course – that’s rather the point. Far better to screw a shot up here, with me next to you and a coffee going cold on the side, than to discover it on a paid job. We cover the foundations and the properly advanced stuff, and we go at the pace of the people in the room. It’s a safe space to be creative, clever, occasionally daft but always curious – and it’s always a lot of fun!
One-To-One Masterclass Days
Sometimes the best way to learn is just the two of us. A one-to-one day is entirely yours: every topic is on the table, we can jump around wherever your curiosity takes us, and we can dig into exactly the things you want to crack, from lighting a face in any conditions, to prepping your files for Photoshop, to working out where your business goes next. Pick a date that suits you and we will build the whole day around you.
We Would Love To See You!
Have a browse of the current workshops below and find the one that is calling to you. Dates are live, places are limited, and the sold-out ones will come round again, so if you see one you love that has gone, drop us a line and we will let you know the moment the next one opens.
One-Year Mentoring Programme
Sometimes you simply want more: more time, more access, more input, more sessions. Just, well, more. If that’s the case, then our one-year mentoring programme might just be for you as we custom-design the programme to suit whatever your ‘more’ might be.
Over a twelve-month programme, we work together properly: a one-day session every quarter here at the studio where we get to work one-to-one on lighting, posing, post-production, business or whatever it is you need. In between those sessions, we have a monthly catch-up because, let’s face it, everyone needs a friendly nudge now and then! The programme is designed to give you ideas and techniques and then keep things moving over the year.
Places are strictly limited so that you get the very best out of us and the programme (you deserve it!)
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, whether to go for your qualifications or you’d like to develop your business, you can read the full details here.
Fancy a discount?
We have always supported this beautiful industry (just as it supported us!) If you are a current member of The SWPP, The BIPP, The Guild of Photographers, and the Mastering Portrait Photography Website we provide healthy discounts as our way of saying ‘thank you’. Just ask and we will sort it.
Previous Sold-Out Workshops
Sadly, these dates have gone but, like all good things, they come round again – drop us a line if you’d like to know when
What People Say
I could tell you it’s brilliant all day long, but you would probably rather hear it from the people who have actually stood in the studio with us:
Another excellent workshop from the team at Mastering Portrait Photography. Very well planned and delivered with lots of great insights from Paul and with a lot of laughs along the way. I came away with increased confidence in my ability to improvise and find good portrait light, even when conditions might be difficult.
I really enjoyed Paul Wilkinson’s masterclass on portrait photography on location in Oxford. The workshop was practical, engaging and genuinely pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best possible way. Being asked to find suitable locations, direct the models and apply what we had just learned in real time was incredibly valuable. It forced me to think quickly, make creative decisions with purpose and take more control of the shoot, all skills that are so important as a professional photographer. Paul’s teaching style was relaxed, clear and full of useful insight. I came away feeling inspired, challenged and with a much better understanding of how to approach portraits on location with confidence.
An informative but relaxed atmosphere with multiple locations and different models and ample opportunity for 1 interaction with Paul.
A empowering workshop that has given me confidence to use light and settings for portraits, very enjoyable learning experience
Thank you for another insightful and inspiring workshop!
Having now attended a few of Paul’s courses The 2026 Bootcamp was exactly what I expected from Paul and Sarah. Great atmosphere, lots of creativity, infectious enthusiasm , some top banter, amazing models and great technique .. and I also have to mention the food.
A joy to spend two days in the company of Paul and Sarah, some brilliant models and a small group of enthusiastic photographers, immersing ourselves in the world of portrait photography. Paul’s energy and sense of fun is infectious and the supportive environment that he and Sarah create enables lots of new learning to take place. Thank you!
Do not hesitate to book a master class or bootcamp with Paul. With a wealth of experience, there seems to be very little he doesn't know and won't share. He's a fantastic mentor wanting to boost everyone's ability and confidence, encouraging you to succeed. I've just complete the two day Mastering Portrait Photography, and I am still digesting all that we covered. It was two full packed days of learning, great company and lots of laughs. Couldn't recommend it enough.
Confidence. That’s what Paul wanted us to take from these two days. A did it deliver! You can read all the text books in the world but putting it into practice over two full days with a group of like minded and eager photographers is what really inspires confidence
I can't say enough good things about the bootcamp and the MPP team. The whole team made it an absolute pleasure to attend and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from Paul. As well as increasing my knowledge some of my long running mental blocks have been removed and my photography will see positive change as a result. A massive thank you!
Right from the word get go, Paul and Sarah have thought about everything and anticipated the needs of the average participant. From the pre-course communication to the welcome and introductions, as well the initial basic presentation, of studio photography, Paul kept to the script. He quickly evaluated us, as he does with his clients, and concentrated on the needs of the varying needs an expertise individual participants. He made sure that everyone got something out of the course, despite different stages of experience the participants. He demonstrated his knowledge about different camera equipment and to guide us through multiple Lighting set ups and made us participate actively in the light set up. The entire studio sets up impressive, well thought after and pre-arranged to sync seamlessly with different camera equipment of the participants. He took care and attention to the questions by the participants and answered them with enthusiasm and knowledge. Kai, Katie & Jess were enthusiastic, patient and were fun to work with. Sarah took care of us immensely making tea and coffee and keeping us topped up with fluids and sustenance, and taking care of the logistics. I could not ask for any more from the course.
Paul's personality is an integral part of his work and the relationship he has with his team would seem to be not only an essential element of his successful business but a clear example of how to love what one does for a living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the studio and how do I get there?
Our studio sits between Oxford and London, making it easy to reach from either direction by road or rail. We’ll send full directions and parking details once you’ve booked.
Do I need to be a professional photographer to attend?
Not at all. Our workshops are built for portrait photographers at every stage — from seasoned pros sharpening their edge to enthusiastic shooters building a solid foundation. We pitch the teaching to the people in the room.
How big are the groups?
Small. We keep numbers low so there’s time for proper, hands-on attention — we demo a setup, explain the why, then you shoot it yourself while we’re right at your shoulder adjusting lights, angles and poses.
What will I actually learn?
Lighting that serves the story (natural, studio and off-camera flash), posing and direction, getting honest expression and connection, camera craft and repeatable setups, problem solving for tricky situations, professional retouching, and the business side — pricing, client experience and sales flow.
Do I need to bring my own camera and equipment?
Yes — bring your own camera so you learn on the kit you’ll actually use day to day. The studio is fully equipped with lighting and modifiers for you to work with. If you have specific gear questions, just ask us ahead of your visit.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes. Current members of the SWPP, the BIPP, the Guild of Photographers, and the Mastering Portrait Photography website all get a reduction. Just ask and we’ll sort it.
What’s the difference between a workshop and the mentoring programme?
Workshops are focused, hands-on sessions on a particular theme. The One-Year Mentoring Programme is a full year of sustained, one-to-one progress — monthly sessions, portfolio development, drills between sessions, a business tune-up, and accountability throughout. Places are limited.
Can I have one-to-one tuition instead of a group?
Yes. Our One-To-One Portrait Photography Masterclass Day is tailored entirely to you, your goals and your camera. It’s ideal if you’d prefer dedicated time on the specific things you want to improve.
What’s included in the One-Year Mentoring Programme?
Monthly one-to-one sessions (online or in the studio), portfolio development with image critiques and editing reviews, lighting and posing drills between sessions, a business tune-up covering pricing, products, marketing and client journey, competition and panel strategy if you want it, email support between sessions, and clear goals and milestones so you can see momentum building.
Can I get my copy of the book signed?
Of course. If you already have the book, bring it along for a signature. If you don’t, you can grab a signed copy at the studio.
How do I book a place?
Browse the current workshops on this page and book the one that suits you. For the mentoring programme or one-to-one days, get in touch and we’ll talk through the details — and we’ll get the kettle on.