Event date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
As part of TFC’s 45-year anniversary celebrations, join us for this special Portrait Styles Workshop with Michael Sewell. Discover the timeless techniques behind stunning portraits — from Rembrandt to Butterfly, Loop to Split, and even chiaroscuro-inspired looks. You’ll learn how to create a variety of lighting styles that bring out the best in your subjects, and by the end of the day, you’ll leave with a portfolio of approaches you can confidently use in your own portrait work.
This event is now over. Huge thanks to everyone that attended! To see upcoming events, please click HERE.
What You'll Learn
- Classic Portrait Lighting Styles (Rembrandt, Butterfly, Split & Loop)
- Chiaroscuro & Creative Variations
- Posing & Composition for Strong Portraits
- How to Work with Different Modifiers
- Hands-On Studio Practice
This workshop is all about giving you a toolkit of portrait lighting styles. With practical demonstrations and guided exercises, you’ll discover how subtle changes in light placement can dramatically alter mood, character, and expression. By experimenting with a range of setups and modifiers, you’ll gain the confidence to choose the right lighting style for any subject or creative brief.
The Pefect Workshop For...
This workshop is ideal for portrait photographers of all levels, from beginners eager to build a foundation in lighting, to experienced photographers looking to expand their repertoire of portrait styles.
About Your Instructor - Michael Sewell
Michael Sewell is a renowned photographer with several decades of experience working with top hotel groups, restaurants and product brands. Michael’s passion for food and photography is infectious, and his teaching style is hands-on, practical, and fun.
Getting to the Venue
This event is hosted at The Flash Centre Birmingham
The full store address is: The Flash Centre, Spectrum Point, 164 Clapgate Lane, Birmingham, B32 3DE
We do have some limited on-site parking, but this requires pre-booking. Please call us on 01213279220 to confirm in advance if you are arriving by car.
What To Bring?
- Your camera and lenses
- A spare battery
- A memory card
- A pen and paper for making notes
A variety of studio lighting including strobes and continuous LED lighting will be provided for you to master on the day.
Workshop Testimonials
I did a private half day work shop with Michael on product photography. I learnt everything I needed to know right from basics to the more high tech complicated side (but still understandable). Definitely recommend, as he is an amazing photographer and a very good teacher who made it a Fun, interesting and a hands on learning experience. (Poppy Wilson - Photographer)
We invited Michael to do a lecture on Food Photography and it was an absolute pleasure! Michael shared his techniques and started with a practical session for members to watch and learn. He then provided our members with practical set ups for them to have a go and offered support throughout with lighting and settings. Our members thoroughly enjoyed the evening and learned a lot too- it is also worth mentioning that Michael has a great sense of humour which certainly added to the fun of the evening! (Preston Photographic Society)
Key Information
| Event |
Portrait Lighting Styles |
| Lighting Partner |
N/A |
| Location |
TFC Birmingham, B32 3DR |
| Date(s) |
Saturday 22nd November 2025 |
| Times |
10am – 4pm |
| Aesthetic |
Portraiture |
| Models |
1 model |
| Ticket Types |
Full Day |
| Lunch included |
Yes, cold buffet (Please contact us with any dietary requirements) |
Ticket Prices
Early Bird Ticket - £69 (On sale 4th September to to 31st October)
Standard Ticket - £89 (On sale 1st November)
