Location Lighting: The Basics

Photographers constantly seek ways to enhance their storytelling. Situations often arise where natural light becomes a challenge, whether it’s the intense midday sun or the shadows cast by trees, preventing the capture of envisioned images. Incorporating artificial light into storytelling serves as a creative means to define individual styles while preserving the authenticity of documented scenes. This approach not only offers a creative edge to image-making but also proves beneficial when available light falls short. On-location lighting can be intimidating, and the limited time during assignments makes it difficult to experiment in real time while on assignment.

In this two-day, weekend workshop in San Francisco, photographer Christie Hemm Klok shares her approach to using artificial light on location. She helps participants in addressing fears related to using artificial light on assignments by offering hands-on experience with a portable lighting kit and how to use it in simple portraiture and storytelling. Lighting an event in real-time is fast paced and Christie provides insights into anticipating the story in an attempt to get one step ahead with your light.  

During this workshop participants are given a city-based assignment, heading on location to document the scene. Once the assignment wraps up, the group reflects on the day’s challenges and accomplishments. We critique the images, examining both composition and the utilization of light, aiming to bring you closer to an understanding of how and when to use artificial light in your own work.