This 2-part Introduction to Studio Lighting is the first class in our comprehensive studio lighting program. It’s designed to lay the foundation for subsequent lighting classes which make use of the fundamental lighting theory presented here.
We’ll open the demo session with a discussion of working outdoors vs in the studio as well as various types of lighting equipment and their advantages in different situations. We’ll then work with a single studio strobe and reflector to demonstrate how to control lighting contrast and softness independently. First, we’ll simulate on-camera flash and then make step-by-step changes in lighting position, power, and attached modifiers while examining the results on a large computer screen. Each student will practice metering the flash and making power adjustments. Special attention is paid to developing a systematic process for making adjustments to light positions and power levels by pre-visualizing and taking careful measurements. This approach makes it possible to produce images in the studio that require ZERO post processing.
This lab focuses on working with a single light and reflector to produce images in a wide variety of styles. We’ll begin with a brief review of key concepts while our models complete makeup and wardrobe preparations. Students will be presented with a number of example images and asked to determine what modifier was used and where the light was positioned. Students will then work together to create similar images with live models while the instructor provides guidance.
- Detailed interactive demo class full of technical information and lighting theory
- Hands-on lab session with live models and group collaboration
- Working in the studio vs outdoors
- Constant lights vs strobes
- Mono lights vs pack/head systems and speedlights
- White balance in the studio
- Triggering systems
- Understanding sync speed
- Controlling exposure with flash
- Shoot-through and bounce umbrellas
- Softboxes and beauty dishes
- Controlling softness and contrast independently
- Working with the flash meter
- Working with the inverse square law
- Eliminate the guess work during shooting for ZERO post processing later