Natural and Artificial Lighting: The Basics and Beyond

• Fundamentals of Light: Lay a foundation by exploring the basic principles of light, its properties, and its impact on photography. Gain insights into the true understanding of light, setting the stage for more advanced concepts.
• Natural Light Techniques: Delve into recognizing and harnessing the beauty of natural light sources.
• Artificial Light Sources: Navigate the world of artificial lighting, from continuous light sources to studio strobes. Understand the characteristics of different artificial light sources, their color temperatures, and how to modify and create a signature style to stand out from the crowd.
• Lighting Equipment Essentials: Explore the wide array of lighting gear available to photographers. Discover how each tool contributes to crafting the perfect lighting setup. Using a light meter, and why it is the essential tool for all photographers.
• Lighting Techniques and Setups: This demonstration gives you the tools to elevate your skills in more advanced lighting techniques. Dive into high-key and low-key lighting setups, three-point lighting, and Rembrandt lighting. Understand how to shape light to flatter subjects, highlight textures, and create captivating visual narratives.

On the second Saturday, Ian focuses on building a strong knowledge base for on-location studio lighting to include:

• Introduction to an On-Location Studio: Understand the advantages as well as the challenges of on-location studio setups. Explore different types of on-location shoots and an essential equipment overview.
• Location Scouting and Planning: Learn how to evaluate locations for different types of shoots. Develop a plan for the lighting conditions and the use of artificial lighting, if required. Ian’s tips and techniques when walking into any location and making the lighting work for you.
• Lighting Techniques: First Ian reviews using the natural light on a location, then explore the benefits of using strobes and light modifiers. Ian examines portable lighting equipment and finishes with managing challenging lighting situations.
• Essential Equipment and Setup: Selection and use of backdrops and how to make the best use of what the location offers. Lighting, tripods, stands, and grip equipment essentials. Setting up tethering and wireless communication.
• Posing and Directing Subjects: Communicating with your subjects for natural poses. Tips for working with models, clients, and non-models.