Photography Masterclass – Cristina Mittermeier

Cristina Mittermeier, Mitty, is hailed as one of the most influential conservation photographers of our time. Her work focuses on Photography that reveals the important relationship between human cultures, indigenous people and biodiversity, the ocean and climate change.

In over 8 hours of content, Cristina teaches the essential skills for conservation photography. You will access and unlock the mindset of a conservation photographer, and immerse yourself in storytelling through collaborations with local communities. Access a lifetime of knowledge, discover the significance of capturing cultural traditions and session preparation methods. No matter what level you are, Cristina’s teachings offer invaluable insights and tools for elevating one’s craft in the Art of “Photography with a Purpose”.

What You’ll Learn In Photography Masterclass

1. Introduction

Embark on your photographic journey with your master: Cristina Mittermeier. In this opening episode, Cristina unveils the course roadmap, shares insights into upcoming lessons, and unveils her dynamic teaching methods—setting the stage for an immersive exploration of the art and impact of photography.

2. How My Photography Started

Trace Cristina’s photographic origins in this captivating lesson. Delve into her initial steps, discover how she honed her craft, turned her camera into a funding source for expeditions, and forged a portfolio and philosophy towards her work.

3. Creating a Self-Assignment

Cristina unravels the origins and significance of the Mexican tradition—Day of the Dead. Prepare for your next assignment as she guides you through the intricacies of capturing the essence of this rich cultural celebration, setting the stage for a compelling photographic exploration.

4. Building a Conservation Story: The Fishermen

Immerse yourself in the philosophy behind Cristina’s collaboration with local fishermen. Witness a sunrise shoot capturing the essence of Mexican fishermen at sea, as Cristina imparts insights into the art of storytelling through photography.

5. Composition Part 1 (of 4)

Cristina highlights the significance of composition in photography. She advocates for techniques like avoiding centering the subject, utilizing grids, creating tension, and leveraging emotions through placement, angles, and gestures. The ultimate essence lies in observing, simplifying, and leading the eye to what truly matters in a composition.

6. How to Be a Conservation Photographer

Unlock the mindset essential for a conservation photographer as Cristina introduces you to Orgcas, one of her cherished conservation groups. Explore their impactful work and learn how aligning with such organizations can amplify your photographic endeavors.

7. Advice to My Younger Self

Join Cristina on a reflective journey as she shares the pearls of wisdom and lessons gleaned from her early photography ventures. Gain invaluable insights and principles that will smoothen your path as you navigate the evolving terrain of your own photographic adventure.

8. Day of the Dead: Creating La Llorona

Dive into the intricacies of crafting an iconic portrait in its natural setting with Cristina. From concept inception to meticulous execution, follow her journey as she reveals the key steps to capturing compelling and visually striking portraits by the sea.

9. Building your Skillset

Uncover the essential skills for conservation photography as Cristina reveals her career-crafted skills, from building impactful networks to infusing powerful language and storytelling. She guides us through her methods for success as both a businesswoman and conservationist. Elevate your craft with the indispensable tools fueling Cristina’s impactful career.

10. Making a Portrait in Oaxaca

Join Cristina on location in an ancient Oaxaca monastery as she captures stunning daylight portraits of a woman in traditional dress. Get real-time insights through her lens, focusing on composition and perfect lighting. Learn her expert tips and try her techniques for your own portrait sessions!

11. My Essential Books Part 1

Step into Cristina’s library as she reveals the key books guiding her photography career. From the thrilling adventures igniting her passion for oceanic exploration, to works made by her heroes in photography and conservation, that opened her eyes to the issues she’s committed to solving. This lesson will inspire you to hit the books, refine your style and align it with the cause.

12. My Essential Books Part 2

Dive back into Mitty’s essential books. Here you will learn further lessons in storytelling, photography and meet the people who helped shape Cristinas philosophy towards her work. This lesson equips you with the insights to elevate your photography and guides you to understand the true power that your photos have to effect change in the world.

13. The 6 Wedges Construct

If you’re aiming to take purpose driven photographs, this is the lesson for you. Cristina explains her self-appointed guidelines and the importance of photography as a tool for change. You’ll take away an ideological framework that helps set your photographic goals leading to the right stories to tell and the best ways to tell them.

14. Day of the Dead Sessions in Oaxaca

Join Cristina in beautiful Oaxaca, where she runs you through her process for taking stunning portraits. offering a firsthand glimpse into the art of creating visually striking and emotionally resonant portraits. Learn the skills that will elevate your portrait photography skills to another level.

15. The Most Asked Questions

How do you become a National Geographic photographer? In this lesson, Cristina will uncover the mysteries of her photography career by answering her most asked questions. You will gain invaluable insights and walk away with a checklist of tips and tricks that will illuminate your path to success.

16. The Director’s Q&A with Cristina

Director Chris Ryan asks Cristina his burning questions. Hear her honest insights on fear, rejection, musical inspirations, current reads, and future explorations. Learn valuable tips on working safely around wild animals and discover more you didn’t know about Cristina, including the surprising animal that triggers her phobia.

17. Sacred Ecology Part 1

Join Cristina as she discusses a fundamental aspect that underlines her work with indigenous peoples around the world. Meet the last people who are truly connected to nature, and learn how to tell their story in an honest and respectful way that benefits and empowers them.

18. Sacred Ecology Part 2

Crisitina shares with you more lessons learnt from years of working alongside indigenous communities. Follow the stories of revival that indigenous cultures are undergoing, and build upon the importance of amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Learn to protect their way of life through impactful storytelling and generate change through your lens.

19. Creating Portraits in an Ocotlan Market

Walk alongside Cristina in the bustling markets of Oaxaca, where she teaches how to approach strangers and take beautiful portraits. This lesson is your key to unlocking authentic real-world portraits that will break through the noise and captivate your audience.

20. Composition Part 2 (of 4): Focal Length and Bokeh

In the second part of this lesson, Cristina takes you through the many ways focal length can make a photograph captivating and unique. Learn practical tips and techniques that you will take with you throughout your life as a photographer.

21. Composition Part 3 (of 4): Cropping an Image

Keeping ‘clean’ spaces in your images is an essential lesson. Ideal for editorial use, Cristina guides you in capturing photos with purpose and using cropping to enhance your visual storytelling. Learn the skill of eliminating distractions and focusing on what truly matters in your narrative.

22. Composition Part 4 (of 4): Juxtaposition

In the third and final part of this lesson, delve into the art of juxtaposition with Cristina. Learn how to skillfully blend subjects and surroundings to capture photos rich in contrast, humor, and narrative depth. Elevate your storytelling prowess as Cristina guides you through creating images that resonate with compelling stories.

23. Black & White or Colour?

Should your image be in vivid colour or timeless monochrome? Cristina teaches you the fundamental elements for choosing between black and white or colour in your photography. Learn the factors to consider and gain insights into when each choice can elevate your visual storytellin

24. Setting Up Your Photography Business

Dive into the entrepreneurial world of photography in this crucial episode. Cristina provides invaluable insights into setting up your photography business. From crafting a compelling brand to navigating the business landscape, learn the essential steps to establish a successful venture.

25.Tips and Advice to Help “The Photography Hustle”

Get your notepad ready, this lesson will go over the fundamentals of hustling as a photographer and the important hills you’ll need to climb to get to the top. You’ll learn the skills that will get your name in the spotlight and turn your passion into profit.

26. The Path to Becoming a Photographer

Discover Cristina’s path to becoming a photographer and what she suggests we all should look out for in the journey to becoming a photographer. She offers insight and learning into her creative roots and exactly what she suggests to give you a vision as an artist photographer.

27 The Importance of Research

Before your shoot, understand key research aspects. Let Cristina guide your planning. With her tips, your current equipment is likely enough to capture stunning images. Follow her steps to prepare and use it effectively.

28. My Influences and Finding your Own North Star

Cristina shares the photographers who have shaped her work and continue to inspire her. Discover how to find your guiding star in reason and philosophy to enhance your photography every time you pick up your camera.

29. Engaging with People and Animals

Want to get up close to people or animals in your shots? Cristina shares her top tips for both, teaching you how to ask the right questions and stay curious while respecting boundaries.

30. Portrait Session: Carmen & the Iguana

Cristina loves photographing people with animals. Watch her in action as she chooses backgrounds and natural lighting. In a 14th-century Oaxaca monastery, she captures a woman with an iguana, echoing Graciela Iturbide’s style. Learn real-time how she creates striking portraits, inspired by her famous ‘Lady with the Goose.’

31. How to Improve your Visual Storytelling

Unlock storytelling secrets with Cristina’s expert guidance. Learn to enhance your skills and captivate your audience by creating and composing engaging narratives that shape a compelling photo story.

32. Photographing the Guelaguetza

In this dynamic live lesson, shadow Cristina as she guides you through photographing the Guelaguetza, an annual indigenous cultural event in Mexico featuring vibrant dances. Enjoy the spectacle while learning Cristina’s techniques for capturing its essence.

33. What is in the Camera Bag?

Cristina reveals her refined photography setup, showcasing her essential above-water gear. Discover what she uses in the field and get tips on best practices for your equipment and shooting techniques.

34. Preparing to Photograph Wildlife

In this episode, discover how Cristina prepares for her wildlife photography.

35. Key Tips for Photographing Underwater

Underwater photography, while exhilarating, is highly challenging. Dive into the depths with Cristina as she shares the ins and outs of her underwater setup and provides a checklist of tips and tricks to take with you beneath the waves.

36. My Underwater Photography Techniques

Combining photography of people, nature, and underwater scenes requires diverse tools, with your camera being the constant. Setting up underwater involves specialized housings and strobes. Cristina shares her techniques.

37. The Magic of Underwater Photography

Growing up in a small Mexican mountain town, Cristina never envisioned an oceanic adventure life. Diving into the cold, dark waters reveals a mesmerizing, spooky underwater world. The dance of herring and orcas, the secrets of mangroves, and the thrill of photographing marine life make every dive a new, breathtaking mystery.

38. The Story Behind My Favourite Underwater Photographs

Join Cristina as she revisits her favorite underwater photos, explaining the how and why behind each shot. Gain valuable stories and techniques to enhance your own photography, both above and below the waves.

39. Using Light to Help Your Visual Storytelling

Photography is the art of capturing light. In this lesson, Cristina will teach you various strategic techniques to use light effectively in your own work.

40. Developing Your Photographic Style

How do you develop an iconic personal style? Cristina shares her insights and experiences, teaching you to craft a unique look, recognize positive steps, and navigate potential pitfalls. Unlock and shape your distinct visual identity with this lesson.

41. The Day of the Dead: the Parade

Cristina returns to her home country, Mexico, to photograph Oaxaca’s vibrant Day of the Dead parade. In this lesson, stick by her side as she navigates the bustling parade, capturing lively events. Learn the keys to photographing dynamic scenes and staying focused in a chaotic environment.

42. Developing a Philosophy for Your work

Discover the ethos and philosophy behind Cristina’s impactful work. Learn to develop a mindset that guides you in creating photographs with a positive impact.

43.The Day of the Dead: the Oaxaca Cemetery

Honoring the departed is central to Mexico’s Day of the Dead ceremonies. Capturing the candlelit cemetery scenes is essential to this story. In this lesson, Cristina will teach you how to take extraordinary photographs that weave together to tell a compelling narrative.

44. Don’t Leave Home Without

Embarking on an expedition? Learn from Cristina the essentials of packing for photography trips. She shares her system, how she prioritise the gear selection, how to simplify it and how to pack for all scenarios.

45. Farewell

Thank you for joining this photography course! Photography is a powerful tool to change the world and Cristina gives a few last words of encouragment.

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