Photographing People – Communication, Body Language, and Authentic Portraits with Gordon Below
A good portrait doesn’t start with the camera, but with the person in front of it. This workshop focuses on the most important foundation of portrait photography: the ability to guide people in front of the camera with confidence, respect, and authenticity. After all, powerful portraits aren’t created by technique or lighting alone, but through trust, communication, and the right photographic guidance.
Together with two experienced cosplay performers in street clothes, participants will learn how to turn simple portrait situations into lively and expressive images. Without elaborate setups or spectacular costumes, the focus is entirely on body language, eye contact, posture, and the impact of small changes. This highlights just how much expression and the overall impact of an image are influenced by the communication between the photographer and the subject.
A special focus is placed on consciously interacting with people in front of the camera. Participants learn how to provide guidance, alleviate uncertainty, and encourage natural reactions. Through practical exercises, they discover how small directional cues, changes in gaze, or deliberate body language can result in authentic portraits that convey personality and presence.
In addition, participants will explore a variety of portrait scenarios—ranging from calm individual portraits to duo scenes that reveal relationships, closeness, and distance. The workshop is complemented by group image reviews and discussions about impact, authenticity, and photographic direction.
Drawing on his many years of experience in portrait, people, and documentary photography, Gordon Below offers practical insights into how photography of people creates a connection between the photographer, the subject, and the viewer.
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to gain more confidence in working with people in front of the camera and learn how to create authentic and impactful portraits through communication, trust, and mindful guidance.
About Gordon Below
Gordon Below is a photographer, photography instructor, and coach with many years of practical experience in portrait, photojournalism, travel, and people photography. After working in press photography and spending many years running his own studio, he now focuses on photography workshops, photography trips, and one-on-one coaching. In his workshops, he combines photographic expertise with a special intuition r fon Light, Perception, Visual Language, and Persöity.
Workshop information
- Speaker: Gordon Below
- Suitable for: Beginners and advanced students who want to deepen their understanding of portrait photography and improve their skills under the guidance of an experienced professional.
- Minimum number of participants: 7
- Maximum number of participants: 10
- What to bring: Eown Camera with Lenses, empty Memory Cards and full Rechargeable Batteries. Recommended are Focal Lengths between approx. 35 mm and 85 mm or one corresponding Standard Zoom.
- Duration: 4 hours
- When: Friday , October 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Nuremberg Exhibition Center , NCC West, Interview Room, 1st Floor
- Price: 185 €
- Note: The price of the workshop includes a weekend trade fair ticket worth €25.
Experience more at Imaging World 2026
Imaging World 2026 is much more than a single workshop: you can expect a whole weekend full of photography, content creation, video, creativity and inspiration – with exciting program items, strong brands and many opportunities to try out new things directly.
Your weekend ticket includes access to the entire trade fair:
- further workshops and events in the fields of photography, video, lighting, business and content creation
- exciting stage program with lectures, live talks and inspiration for your photography
- creative playgrounds where you can directly experience technology, sets and new image ideas
- leading exhibitors and brands from the photo and imaging industry
- Imaging World photo competition, where you can submit your best pictures
- Free camera check & clean for your equipment on site
This will turn your workshop visit into an entire trade fair experience: you will learn new techniques, gather creative ideas, test equipment, meet like-minded people and take home lots of inspiration.
Plan your personal Imaging World weekend now and discover all the highlights around workshops, stage, playgrounds, exhibitors, photo competition and free services.