Editorial Photography from the Art Director’s Perspective
A course by Lauren Naylor Orso, Photographer and Art Director
Develop a creative concept for a photoshoot and bring it to life on set through styling, posing and photography techniques
Leading your own photography project from start to finish is an opportunity to express your unique creativity. This is the specialty of photographer and art director Lauren Naylor Orso who has worked with numerous brands around the world, including Prada, British Vogue, and Levi’s.
In this course, she shows you how to work as both a photographer and an art director. Learn to develop a creative concept deck, manage your own shoot, and edit your photographs using Photoshop and Lightroom. Explore everything from lighting, props, and camera angles, to outfit styling, selecting your crew, and establishing your own unique look.
What will you learn in this online course?
13 lessons & 17 downloads
What's included in this course?
Meet photographer and art director Lauren Naylor Orso. She shares the journey to becoming a photographer and art director, along with the work of fellow photographers who have influenced how she views the craft.
Explore different places to find inspiration for ideas. Learn how to develop your ideas and translate them into a concept deck of mood boards for style, set design, and more. Discover your own personal aesthetic and how to build on it, then learn how to select the right crew for your photoshoot. Get familiar with the equipment and materials used for the final project.
Prepare your set and start shooting! Use your concept deck as guidance for styling the set for your photoshoot, including lighting and props. Select a collection of looks for your model, considering outfits, hair, and make up. Lauren gives you a step-by-step guide to working with props, camera angles, poses, and more.
Select your final photos and edit them using Lightroom and Photoshop. Lauren discusses how to build your portfolio, work with commercial and editorial clients, and ways to approach each of them. To finish the course, hear her tips on using Instagram as a tool for sharing your work.
- 97% positive reviews (121)
- 5,754 students
- 13 lessons (1h 22m)
- 17 additional resources (8 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe PhotoshopWhat is this course's project?
Learn to develop a creative concept deck, manage your own photoshoot, and edit your photographs using Photoshop and Lightroom.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone interested in approaching photography from an art director’s perspective.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge of photography and lighting is required.
In terms of equipment, you will need a camera or smartphone, access to Photoshop and Lightroom, lighting, and props specified by the teacher in the course.
Reviews
Lauren Naylor Orso
A course by Lauren Naylor Orso
Lauren Naylor Orso is a photographer and art director based in Los Angeles, California. She fell in love with photography during university while studying visual arts. After graduation she worked in studio portrait photography and as a sponsorship coordinator, both of which Lauren realized were stepping stones to the career she has now. She develops concepts for brands as an art director and brings them to life as a photographer.
She views photography as a gateway to connect with others, using emotion as her inspiration to tell a story through images, with a cinematic and raw aesthetic. Lauren has worked for numerous global brands including Prada, British Vogue, and Levi’s.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Preparation
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Tips to Develop Your Unique Style
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Building a Concept Deck
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Selecting Your Crew
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Materials
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U3
The Photoshoot
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Preparing the Set
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Exploring PVC Plastic/Vynil Props
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Using the Shower Curtain
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Photos With Handheld Props
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U4
Post-production
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Selecting and Editing Your Images 1
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Selecting and Editing Your Images 2
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Building Your Portfolio and Finding Clients
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to Art Direction in Photography
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate photographers who already understand basic camera settings and want to develop their skills in editorial, fashion, and creative direction photography.
You’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a basic lighting kit (like strobes or reflectors), and access to Lightroom and Photoshop. Some lessons use props and set styling materials, but alternatives are suggested.
You will learn how to curate, edit, and present your images to create a compelling portfolio that attracts commercial clients and magazines, as well as strategies for ongoing portfolio development.
Yes, the course teaches you how to build effective mood boards and concept decks using digital platforms like Pinterest, helping you communicate your creative vision to teams and clients.
Yes, you’ll explore creative prop selection and usage, including techniques for in-camera distortion and visual effects using items like plexiglass, PVC, and hand-painted backdrops.
You’ll learn both natural and studio lighting setups, including how to use strobes, snoots, and reflectors, as well as moody lighting and color grading for editorial looks.
Yes, the course includes detailed modules on editing, color grading, and retouching using Lightroom and Photoshop, including non-destructive workflows and film emulation effects.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
ottimo corso
Well worth it! Highly recommend!
So so helpful, wonderful course!
Aburridisimo
Lauren is knowledgeable, thorough and inspiring.