ArtWalk Portrait Workshop - Portobello Photography School

A collaboration with Art Walk Weekends.
Spend the day making meaningful photographic portraits of Art Walk Weekends artists with technical and creative support of professional photographer and experienced educator Alicia Bruce.
Over the course of the day you will learn how to get better quality photographic portraits, appreciate the quality of available light and make meaningful portraits of artists.

We'll even start the day with a delicious FREE hot drink courtesy of The Little Green Van.
A unique chance to meet and photograph some of the artists participating in Art Walk Weekends programme.

Beginners, amateurs, professionals and anyone curious about making better pictures is welcome.

See behind the scenes on last years workshop here

We will cover:
Composition

Lighting

Symbolism

Positioning

Technical considerations

Engaging and guiding the sitter

Our base for the day with be picturesque Portobello Promenade , beach and surrounding area.

About the tutor
Alicia Bruce has 20 years of photographic experience and over 10 years teaching experience and a teaching qualification. She is currently Teaching Fellow in Photography at the University of Edinburgh and Photography Tutor at Edinburgh College of Art (BA (Hons). She also taught popular photography weekends at Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow for 10 years.

Alicia has exhibited and published her photography internationally winning several awards, including the Royal Scottish Academy Morton Award. Her work is held in several public and private collections, including National Galleries of Scotland and Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago. Recent commissions include Zero Tolerance’s ‘Violence Unseen’, ‘209 Women’ at the UK Parliament, ‘Our World Heritage’ for Edinburgh World Heritage. Her teaching page is: https://aliciabruce.co.uk/teaching/

About Portobello
Portobello is Edinburgh's seaside suburb with a thriving, dynamic community, beach and promenade and ever-changing sea and skyscape. It is 20 minutes by bus from the city centre.

Who is the course suitable for?
This course is suitable for absolute beginners, enthusiasts and experienced practitioners looking to improve their portraiture skills. If you are an absolute beginner you can also sign up for The Camera workshop to gain a deeper understanding of your camera or go straight for The Photographic Portrait.

Further information on Eventbrite

The exhibition is part of the Season of Photography 2026, a celebration of photography in Scotland running from 1st September – 20th December 2026.