Fine Art Photography: Capture Creative Self-Portraits
A course by Nassia StouraitiPhotographer
A course by Nassia Stouraiti, Photographer
Shoot and edit striking and unique self-portraits in an alternative way using makeup, props, and lighting.
Are your self-portraits simply Insta ‘selfies’, or are they expressions of fine art? Photographer Nassia Stouraiti has always experimented with her craft through self-portraiture, which has helped her discover herself through different lenses. Her work employs a conceptual and cinematic style, expressing intimate messages about identity, relationships, dreams, and the reality we live in.
In this online course, Nassia teaches how to use minimal resources to create captivating and unique self-portraits with fine art principles. She explains how to capture yourself using makeup, lighting, and props. You don’t need an entire crew to produce portraits of yourself!
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 13 downloads
Camera and Equipment
1 minute, 59 seconds
The Mood Board
4 minutes, 23 seconds
The Use of the Space
3 minutes, 22 seconds
The Makeup
12 minutes, 50 seconds
Playing with Objects and Props
3 minutes, 39 seconds
Preparing the Makeup
6 minutes, 58 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start the course by getting to know a bit about Nassia. She shares her journey from self-taught artist to fully-fledged professional and who has influenced her work over the years —from Ingmar Bergman to Pedro Almodovar.
Then, Nassia teaches you about the equipment and camera she uses and where she finds inspiration for her work. Explore the space you have at hand, and play with makeup and props in an original way.
Lipstick, blushes, and eye shadows are essential to Nassia’s photos; she uses them to explore her imagination and ideas. She’ll introduce you to makeup and how you can use it to create striking images. Then, set up the lights and camera and take your first pictures.
Next, move on to the second shooting with props, using only one light source. Finally, edit your selected shots using Lightroom and Affinity. Once you are done, Nassia will show you some tips on how to share your work on social media.
What is this course's project?
Create two fine art self-portrait images. One will be an up-close portrait using makeup, and the second will be a more experimental photo with props and reflection.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in photography and self-portraits who wants to experiment with art.
Requirements and materials
A camera and editing software, but you don’t need professional equipment or editing software knowledge since you can also use your smartphone during this course.
Reviews
- 8 months ago
This course helped me rediscover my creativity and confidence in creating portraits and self-portraits. It was inspiring, motivating, and a great reminder of why I love artistic photography.
- 2 years ago
Me pareció bastante completo, bien explicado. Me quede con poca información de la edición, del maquillaje y de mas ideas. pero ella definitivamente te abre la mente para que tu seas tu propia exploradora de lo que quieres, de tu estilo y como que tomes la iniciativa y pongas a prueba tu imaginación, si me gusto.
- 2 years ago
Un curso peculiar e interesante.
- 3 years ago
I absolutely loved this course. For me was inspiring and motivating to see Nassia Stouraiti shooting and retouching her own portraits. I cant wait to go and explore the self portrait genre. I highly recomand this course to everyone interested in portrait photography.
- 3 years ago
I found this course very inspiring. It gave me what I was missing - the step by step explanation of the creative process, some technical aspects and the most precious one - how to find inspiration. Now I see props everywhere :-)
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparation
- Camera and Equipment
- The Mood Board
- The Use of the Space
- The Makeup
- Playing with Objects and Props
- U3
Makeup as a Concept
- Preparing the Makeup
- The First Shooting
- U4
Shooting with Props
- Objects and Props
- The Second Shooting
- U5
Postproduction
- Selecting and Editing in Lightroom
- Final Details with Affinity
- How to Promote Your Work
- FP
Final project
- Fine Art Photography: Capture Creative Self-Portraits
What to expect from a Domestika course
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.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 beginners and covers foundational concepts, techniques, and creative approaches to fine art self-portrait photography.
You’ll need a camera (mirrorless, DSLR, or smartphone), basic makeup supplies, simple props, and access to editing software like Lightroom. Optional items include a tripod, softbox, and continuous lighting.
Yes, the course covers creative techniques for using smartphones and iPads for capturing, editing, and organizing self-portraits.
You’ll learn conceptual and cinematic approaches, creative makeup and prop techniques, lighting setups, photo editing, mood board creation, and strategies for building your portfolio and online presence.
No prior photography experience is required. The course introduces all the necessary skills and concepts from the ground up.
Yes, you’ll learn how to use artificial and natural light, set up continuous lighting, manage background shadows, and use softboxes for portrait photography.
The course provides step-by-step guidance on bold makeup looks, experimental techniques, and using everyday or extravagant props to enhance artistic expression.