The Crash Flash Course
© Julia Dean
In this workshop students will learn how to use a flash unit in various lighting situations. First, we will go over all the buttons and dials on the flash. The day is then divided between lectures and demonstrations on different ways to use a flash. Shooting time follows each demonstration so students can put the information to use. The lecture begins with discussions on why and how to use a flash as the main source of light (meaning a low light situation requiring use of a flash) and how to use a flash as a fill light (balancing
ambient light with the light of a flash unit). We will also explore how to determine exposure, how to control the light output of a flash, ways to diffuse a flash, and how and why to include or exclude ambient light. Demonstrations will include using a flash in a direct or bounce mode (on or off the camera). Wireless flash technology is also discussed, as well as how to “power down” the flash input for specific effects. If time permits, there will be a demonstration on using multiple flash, with slaves or remotes.
Participants will work with either digital cameras or with color slide film. Students seeking to advance their portable flash skills are encouraged to take Julia Dean’s six-week workshop “Mastering Your Flash” (see right column).
Julia Dean is the director of the Julia Dean Photo Workshops. Throughout her career, she has traveled to more than 40 countries while freelancing for numerous relief groups and magazines. She is also the author/photographer of the children’s book, A Year on Monhegan Island. Julia received a Bachelor of Science degree in photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts degree in journalism at the University of Nebraska. She began her career as an apprentice to famed photographer Berenice Abbott. Later, Julia was a photo editor for the Associated Press in New York.
She has taught for 24 years at such places as the University of Nebraska, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Santa Monica College, the Santa Fe Workshops, the Maine Photographic Workshops and the Julia Dean Photo Workshops.
