Authentic Portraits LIVE: From Connection to Creation (Part 2 of 2)

Every portrait tells two stories: the one unfolding in front of the camera and the one unfolding behind it.

In this live demonstration, Chris Orwig pulls back the curtain on his complete portrait process, from the first conversation to the final image. Photographing two very different portrait sessions, he'll show how the same principles of curiosity, presence, and connection shape every photograph, whether he's working on a commercial assignment or creating a portrait of someone close to him.

As each session unfolds, you'll see how Chris builds trust, helps people feel at ease, works with light and offers simple direction that feels authentic rather than posed, and responds to the unexpected moments that often become the strongest elements of a photograph.

After the shoots, Chris will move into Lightroom to demonstrate how thoughtful editing can deepen the emotional impact of an image without losing the honesty of the original moment. Rather than relying on dramatic effects, he'll share a refined and advanced workflow that creates the look, style and story that will separate your work from the rest of the crowd.

You'll leave with practical techniques you can apply immediately, along with a deeper appreciation that memorable portraits aren't created by cameras alone. They emerge through attention, intention, and genuine human connection.