Kingston Introduction to Portrait Photography

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the E-ON Kingston Introduction to Portrait Photography from 20-22 May 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 5 May 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On, Eastern Ontario Region will host an Introduction to Portrait Photography.  This event will include three full days of Basic Digital Photography instruction with Silvia Pecota Studios.  The event will include basic camera manual use and functions, photography, and practice with a focus on Portrait Photography.  Participants will learn the important basics of lighting, composition and posing subjects indoors and outdoors while learning to use the manual functions of their cameras.  It is requested that members bring their own cameras which include manual user settings (learn to use their own is best) however a limited number of cameras will be available to share as the participants will be required to work in teams of 2. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 8.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Eastern ON Kingston, Brockville and Trenton regions who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate and must have the authorization form submitted to the E-ON Soldier On Regional Coordinator by the application deadline or your application will not be considered.

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Daily 0930 - 1530
20 May

• Morning Lesson:  Introduction, inspiration, influences and examples of portraiture style – Understanding Light – Manual settings: aperture and shutter speed, angle and lenses– materials and equipment Shooting the subject: Pose – composition – background wardrobe -props.
• Afternoon Lesson: Practical application, working in pairs taking portraits of each other. Indoor lighting and using natural light.  Experimenting to understand the results/effects of lenses- aperture changes/settings on cameras,

21 May

• Morning Lesson: Setting up more complex lighting. Posing and getting the best out of the subject – focused on background shooting outdoors as a background.
• Afternoon Lesson: Practical application, working in pairs taking portraits of each other- applying the lighting techniques.

22 May

• Morning Lesson: Final Project - In  pairs taking portraits of each other- applying the lighting techniques – being creative with the final portrait set up.
• Afternoon Lesson: Review photos from previous days. Post production: selection/editing the best photo – use of photoshop to clean up image (face/background  - Downloading onto USB stick)

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that transportation and accommodations will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own daily travel to and from the event location. The following meals will be provided during the event: DAILY BAG LUNCH and WATER.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 7 hours of moderate paced activities for 3 days in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.