Here’s a quick Week 5 round-up, so you can see what’s been added (and refined) this week. 📄 New Cheat Sheets Added Core Foundations - Aperture Cheat Sheet: A clear, practical reference focusing on what aperture actually controls and how to use it intentionally. Portrait Photography - Portrait Genre Cheat Sheet: Designed to support the new portrait genre content and help you think beyond settings — into intent, connection, and choices. 🧍 New Genre Post - Portrait Photography — Genre Post This post explores portrait photography as more than just photographing what someone looks like, and begins to unpack how intention, awareness, and decision-making shape stronger portraits. 🛠 Refinement & Polishing While there wasn’t a large content drop this week, time was spent reviewing and refining the Absolute Beginners Course, which was completed last week. That means clearer explanations, smoother flow, and small improvements that make the material easier to return to and use in practice. 🔜 Looking Ahead Over the coming week I’ll be: - Adding further cheat sheets - Continuing to build out genre and deep dive content - Refining existing material where clarity can be improved As always, move at your own pace — these round-ups are here to keep things visible, not to rush you. Thanks for being here 😊

PORTRAITS. This is not a posing exercise. It’s an observation exercise. Photograph one person this week without telling them how to stand, sit, or pose. Before you take a single photo: - spend a minute just watching - notice how they naturally hold themselves - notice what their hands do - notice when their expression softens Only then, lift the camera. How to Shoot It - Use natural light (window light or open shade) - Keep the background simple - Stay close enough to feel present, not intrusive - Take fewer frames than usual — wait for the moment You’re not chasing a look. You’re allowing a moment. Gentle Direction (If Needed) If your subject feels unsure, try one small suggestion: - “Just take a breath.” - “You don’t need to do anything.” - “Look past me, not at the camera.” Then stop directing again. What You’re Looking For - the moment after laughter - a relaxed posture - hands at rest - an expression that isn’t performed These moments often last only a second. That’s why watching matters. Reflection (Optional but Powerful) Afterwards, ask yourself: - When did the portrait shift from posed to natural? - What changed when I stopped directing? - What did I notice that I usually rush past? Reminder A successful image doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest. If you’d like, share your image — or share what you noticed instead. Both count.