Introduction to Studio Lighting
© Maura C. Lanahan
This six-week course is designed to take the mystery out of using studio lights. Students will get to use strobe equipment from the very first class to learn how to make both traditional and creative portraits. The workshop begins with exposure basics and easy lighting set-ups to demonstrate classic looks for portraiture with new techniques progressively added throughout the course. Light modifiers will be introduced such as umbrellas, soft boxes, grids, ring flash, bounced light and how to incorporate multiple light set-ups. Students will be highly encouraged to explore their own natural style and way of lighting. Further topics to be explored include: quality of light, hair and background lights, setting mood with high and low key lights, using a fog machine, and more.
Each class session brings a mix of hands-on experience and lecture on technical information in order to provide participants a solid base so they may support their own creative journey. All participants will have time to shoot and handle the equipment in class. Models will be provided. No prior experience in studio lighting is necessary but students should be familiar with their camera and basic photography fundamentals.
Maura C. Lanahan (www.slidebite.com) started her career working for prominent photojournalists in the Los Angeles area. This influence led her to create a narrative style in her current work. As an editorial and advertising photographer, her clients include: Nike, Apple iTunes, The Independent Film Channel, The Henry Rollins Show, Sarah Graham Jewelry, Zink Magazine and Los Angeles Citybeat. Her photographs and writings have also appeared in Digital Photo Pro Magazine. Maura currently resides in Venice, California.
