Lighting 101:
Studio Lighting for Beginners
Course Begins: May 6, 2013
Sold Out, next run fall TBD
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Are you confused about strobes, softboxes, sync cords, and triggers? This introductory studio lighting class will start from the ground up as participants learn how to position their lights and take a handheld meter reading. We will learn about how to use light ratios and various lighting styles to create portraits to flatter our subject. Accent lights such as background lights and hairlights will also be taught during this online workshop. Detailed lighting diagrams and sample photos will be shared to help participants create stunning images, including Jes’s recipe for perfect high key every time. Whether you are just getting started with studio lighting or if you have been working with lights for awhile but still don’t feel totally confident and in control of your results, this is the class for you!
course fee:
$300/person for full participation
$150/person for study along
Study-along members will have access to all materials and will be able to read the forum, see others’ assignments, but will not be able to post questions, conversation, or request critique on their assignments. Full Participation students will be able to do all of the above.
registrants:
30 active participants
Study along seats available.
For more information about our policies and workshop FAQ please click here.
what we cover:
- Basic studio lighting terminology
- Overview of basic studio lighting gear
- How to use a handheld light meter
- Setting up and positioning your studio lights
- Various lighting styles
- Using light ratios to set the tone of your images
- Multilight setups: Using hairlights and background lights to enhance your images
what you get:
one week for gear Q&A prior to the first lesson
four weekly lessons
four weekly assignments
detailed lighting diagrams and example images
PDF copy of all posted lessons and exercises
detailed, personalized critique and guidance every week
what you need:
- DSLR and portrait lens
- Two studio strobes (with modeling light, variable output, constant power supply)
- A large modifier for your main light: softbox, octobox, or brolly box
- A smaller modifier for your accent light: grid or stripbox
- Two light stands
- Method to trigger strobe (either sync cord or wireless trigger)
- Gray card, zebra card, or another method to set CWB in a strobe situation
- A large reflector, approximately same size as your main light modifier
- A handheld meter that records flash readings. Recommended meters are the Sekonic L-308S or L-358.
For more information about this gear list, please click HERE.
If you have gear-related questions, please feel free to contact the instructor. In addition, this course has been designed with a “gear getting week” upfront. This will allow workshop participants access to the private workshop forum to ask questions of the instructor and teaching assistants for a full week before any lessons are posted.
course instructor:
Jessica Gwozdz is a Certified Professional Photographer and mom of two. She is located in Chicago and specializes in studio portraiture of kids and families.
Lisa Harrison of Lisa Harrison Photography , Stacey Haslem and Heather Rodburg will be teaching assistants in this workshop.
This is a fun, informative and well-structured class. You will learn so much about light placement, metering, lighting ratios, artistic techniques and so much more. This was my first CM class. I was reluctant at first because of the cost, but the information I have gained has changed how I look at everything. I was watching TV with my husband and he said, “hey, hair light.” Jes is a wonderful instructor. She speaks very clearly and to the point. She is kind, helpful, patient, and oh so knowledgeable. Her examples are breathtaking. If you are interested in learning more about studio lighting, and want to learn from the very best, don’t hesitate to take this class.
I have just finished this class as a “study along” participant. I have learned SO much. I can see a big difference in my studio lighting in these 4 short weeks. Before this class, my lighting was just hit or miss and I dreaded doing studio sessions because I wasn’t for sure how they would turn out. Now I’m not hesitant any more. I look forward to my studio sessions and feel much more confident about them! Thanks so much!
This class was amazing! I had been shooting with my studio lights for 2 months and was basically winging everything and trying to learn it all via YouTube videos…it was NOT working! I learned so much in this class and it was incredibly helpful to have every single one of questions answered. I’m now so much more confident bringing clients into the studio. Thanks, Jes!
I’ve taken numerous “short” courses in varying aspects of photography but this course is by far, the most comprehensive, well-explained, supported, and practical that I’ve taken. It is more than worth the financial investment. I’m hopeful for a second follow-up course. Jes is wonderful, as as her assistants. All questions were answered in a timely and professional manner. We all felt supported and encouraged along this journey. What was promised during the first week came to fruition by the end of the course.
Give this course a try, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m so bummed full participation is sold out! :(
As a hobbyist, I stayed away from studio lighting because I assumed that “decent” results would require several thousand dollars worth of equipment and months if not years of research. As a perfectionist, I craved the control of studio lighting. Finally, a combination of curiosity and my satisfaction with prior CM workshops led me to peek into the studio lighting area of the forum. When I saw the results other complete newbies like myself were getting with <$1K of studio equipment within just a month, I was sold.
To describe my studio space as less-than-ideal would be an understatement, but while I will never be able to achieve certain results that others with the same equipment can achieve in better suited spaces or that those with similar spaces can achieve with different equipment, I now know the reasons for the discrepancies, and I can troubleshoot to achieve the best results possible within the constraints of my studio space and my photography budget.
This course will lay the groundwork for you to start answering your own questions as they arise, and to me, that is the mark of effective instruction. Jes goes above and beyond to answer your questions with much more detail than you would ever expect, and she offers so many examples to explain everything.
If you are comfortable shooting in manual mode and if (1) you have ever wanted to learn studio techniques, (2) you have ever been frustrated by the weather, or (3) you want to improve your natural light photography while learning a completely different skill, this workshop is for you!
Of all the classes I have ever taken, this one has made the strongest impact on my photography. I have taken several studio classes before, but this is the first time it has all come together for me. It was so nice to see everyone’s images improve over the month. Whether a beginner, or some experience… each lesson had something for everyone. Jes is an amazing instructor! She takes time to really get to know her students. Her feedback is so positive and encouraging. If you ever have an interest in studios, this class is a MUST. And if you are not interested in studio lighting…. take this class and you will be. I can NOT wait for the hope of studio lighting 201! I don’t want this class to end! (sniff!)
This workshop far exceeded my expectations. I took away so much knowledge, the ability to problem solve, and also the confidence I needed to really bring everything I’ve learned into practice.
Jes is a fabulous instructor and was so willing to answer questions, post additional pictures and lighting set ups, and offer encouragement. I am walking away from this class with both an excitement and newfound passion for studio lighting, whereas before, I dreaded the thought of ever using anything but natural!
Worth far more than the $300! Don’t hesitate to sign up!!
I loved this workshop with Jes. I can’t believe how much I learned (I was already familiar with studio lighting) but WOW! taking this class really connected all the dots for me. Jes is a wonderful instructor (as well as her helpers) to answer your questions, help you when you get stuck on something. Don’t hesitate to sign up for this class!
Great class !!I learned so much.The informations was so helpful and Jes gave a lot a good advices. A big thank you to everybody who made this class work!
This was easily the best money I have ever spent! Before the workshop I would set up my lights and it would be hit or miss with how the photos turned out. But now I actually understand what it is that the lights do and where they are meant to be! What a difference it makes. A friend of mine said to me just two days ago that my photos have really stepped up a notch and it’s all because of everything I have learned from Jes!
I want to thank Jes over and over again for this workshop. I learned so much! Do not hesitate, if you are thinking of taking this workshop, take it. It was so worth it. I finally understand studio lighting. Whenever I had a question, Jes or one of the members helping with the class answered it so quickly and thoroughly. I could not be more happy with this workshop, it was high above my expectations. I would take another class with her any day. I can’t say enough nice things about this experience. I am so sad that it is coming to an end. Thank you so much Jes and everyone else who helped with the workshop.
I never thought I would enjoy a Studio Lighting Class so much! Jes is a great teacher who explains everything so well and no question is too stupid to be asked. Her lessons and videos are well done and explained in a way that is easy to understand and grasp. I would take another class from her in a heartbeat. This class is worth every penny!!
Well, I wish I could thank Jes a thousand times over for everything that she has taught me in the class!!! I have been looking forward to taking this class for over a year, but had to wait until I had acquired all of the required equipment in order to take it. Seriously, if you have studio lights and have never taken a studio lighting class, take this class. I thought I had a pretty decent understanding of light as I had been using my speedlights as OCF, but the information taught by Jes completely changed things up for me and rocked my lighting world. It has probably been the best $300 I have spent in a long time and can’t praise this class enough!
This class was totally eyeopening! What I thought I knew about studio lighting was just the small tip of the iceberg. Jes was so amazingly helpful right from the start with answering all of my equipment questions so that I could update my gear to make my studio more efficient. Each lesson was explained so well with awesome documentation, videos and photos to make what I initially thought were difficult concepts, much easier to understand. I feel so much more confident with using a light meter and adjusting my setups to get the looks I want that I can’t wait to keep practicing and playing instead of always getting frustrated. And the CC from the helpers/mentors were invaluable as well. I definitely recommend this class for anyone who loves studio lighting as much as I do!! Thanks Jes, this was a wonderful experience.
I have always wanted to learn studio lighting. After joining Clickin Moms and seeing Jes’s work (and alumni images) I finally took the plunge. All I can say is that I was blown away. Each lesson was so clear and full of great information, clear diagrams and inspiring images. I could not believe the results I got after the just first lesson- I thought it would take me weeks to get those results! Hair lights and background lights were the proverbial “cherry on top”. Jes is an experienced photographer and teacher and is there for you ALL the way! If you want to learn studio lighting THIS is the class to take.
I’ve had my studio lights for about 5 years and have always been so intimidated by them, never used them properly, had so so results, not consistent at all. I should have taken the class FIVE years ago!!! Step by step is explained so well and there is no such thing as a dumb question! I am forever grateful for this class and for Jes and all her helpers. It is a MUST take class if you want to learn that shooting outside isn’t the only way to get great photos. You CAN shoot amazing photos inside too with the help of this class.
Wow what an amazing workshop! So glad I decided to do it, very informative as well as helpful in learning studio lighting. any questions I had were answered quickly, and I had many throughout the workshop! not one went unanswered! Jes is an amazing teacher, if there is anything about a lesson that is not understood she will stick with you until you get it!. I thought that I would never understand F Sops and after this workshop I totally 100% get it! I cannot recommend this workshop enough, I now have the tools to go into my studio with total confidence! Thank You Jes
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I’ve used studio strobes off and on for a couple of years but never really loved the results I was getting. I would look at other photographer’s work and wonder how they achieved their quality studio work. This class was loaded with tips and how-to from someone who knows her stuff. Jes was so patient and thorough in answering questions, even with so many different kinds of equipment being used by participants. I’m actually excited to do studio work now, whereas before I halfheartedly offered it as a backup to outdoor and natural light sessions. Taking this class was a great business investment. Highly recommended!
If you have studio lights, or are thinking of purchasing lights…take this class. Jes does a phenomenal job of explaining the basics. This class has made a HUGE difference in my work. No more guessing. Now I know how to meter a shot for different scenarios. I’m super excited to practice everything Jes has taught me. TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!
This is a fantastic class, it’s highly organized with an incredible amount of useful information to help you rock studio lighting. The techniques that I learned were so valuable, and Jess is a fantastic instructor, she went above and beyond to make sure you were grasping each new skill. I highly recommend this workshop!
In March I knew next to nothing about studio lighting; today I went into the studio, took hundreds of shots and have so many keepers I don’t know where to begin. This is a well-structured course with clear lessons and videos and indefatigable coaching online from Jes. If you want to learn studio lighting, I think you should begin here and nowhere else. I’m not the fastest learner in the photographic world, but I learned so well and so consistently in this course that I’m delightfully confident in the studio. If Jes were to announce a sequel to this course, I would sign up for it in a heartbeat. DEFINITELY, if you can, sign up for the full participation because you will get such amazing help from Jes as you face up to each new assignment.
I started this class with nothing but my camera, light meter and a desire to learn studio lighting. Every word and piece of equipment was foreign to me, but with Jes’ gentle guidance I walked away with a strong base in studio lighting. Her lessons are detailed and full of information but so easy to understand. Jes is always willing to answer questions and really wants you to walk away with confidence in the studio.
Highly recommend this class!
I took this class thinking I would learn to dabble in studio lighting but NO, I came away with a passion for it. Jes draws you in immediately with her easy to understand, detailed lesson plans complete with diagrams for those of us who need to “see” what we are doing. Jes’s enthusiasm for the participants quickly rubs off on everyone and her encouragement makes you want to be her best student ;-). Jes is a complete professional who thoroughly knows her stuff and is able to teach it in small enough bites until you are able to digest the whole big world of studio lighting. Don’t miss the opportunity to take this amazing class with a fabulous instructor!
I think this workshop is a must for everyone. Jes is an amazing instructor and the information I learned helped me understand lighting as a whole even better. Our lesson with light ratios and how they affect your image…. and how you can control them in studio was simply amazing. I now LOVE shooting in studio, where as before I kinda “liked” it because I had to when weather conditions made it the only other option. I only wish it was longer …. I was having so much fun and learning so much, I did not want it to come to an end.
Wonderful workshop. The only part I did not like about it was the fact that it ended. I went from not having a clue about studio lighting to being very comfortable. I would highly recommend this class. Jess has a great teaching style and is more than willing to go the extra mile answering any question you might have.
Hoping she does a Studio Lighting 201 course soon
I came to Jes class with a set of studio lights and some half baked ideas about lighting that I had picked up online. I learned how to use a meter to get great exposure, how to set backlights, hairlights and main lights and a reflector to get beautiful feathered light. Jes is such a patient teacher, carefully and gently pushing each student forward and ensuring they get the most out of the course. Absolutely recommended.
When I started this class, I had a set of lights I’d inherited from a friend who’d gotten out of photography and I had no idea how to use them. The few times I’d attempted to shoot with studio lighting, I ended up with horrible photos that were riddled with unflattering shadows. Jes’ class was worth every penny. She patiently taught me how to use my studio lighting to it’s full potential. Each week’s lesson built on the previous week’s material. By the end of four weeks, I was producing beautiful shots with only the shadows I wanted to add depth and dimension to my photos.
If you’ve made the investment in studio lighting — or are preparing to do so — I highly recommend making the additional investment in yourself and your skills by signing up for this class. The class converted me from a studio lighting skeptic to someone who truly enjoys studio work.
Jes did a fabulous job working us through all the aspects of studio lighting. I was brand new to lighting, and started by opening boxes and setting things up. Others in the class had been using lighting for quite some time. She was there for each one of us! We even posted our fails so she could help diagnose the problem. I highly recommend this class for those that want to go to the next step of controlling the light!
This really was a very informative and helpful workshop. I’m not sure I could or would have gotten this information anywhere else, nor would I have gotten all of my questions answered so quickly. Jes is a wonderful teacher, seems to be on the computer all day and night to answer questions, and really seems to want her students to be successful. While this class claims to focuses solely on studio lighting, many of the techniques we learned are also applicable to working with off camera flash on location or in client’s homes. I still refer to Jes’ class notes on a weekly basis, and I pick up something new each time. I cannot recommend this workshop highly enough.
Before this course, I thought studio lighting was beyond my capability. And truthfully, I didn’t think that I would find the studio shooting much fun, but I was determined to learn how to work with lighting in case it became necessary. Well I can say with complete transparency that Jes totally changed my mind about studio work!
I learned so much in the course that I have decided to build a studio in our basement when we begin renovations! Jes made it so easy to learn the basics and was so helpful with my myriad questions. I found that lighting is not so scary at all!
Back when I was in med school, we had a surgery attending physician who was so inspiring, he almost convinced me to become a surgeon during the month I worked with him…and considering how much I hated the OR, this was no small feat. But this was an *almost.*
Jes, however, did this doctor one better. She gave me the tools and training I needed to learn thus allowing me to fall in love with something I didn’t think I would get into at all. And that is utterly fabulous!
This was my favorite workshop!! Jes is an amazing teacher and explains things so well. If you want to get into studio lighting this is a MUST!!
It was so fun to see the whole group work together and support each other. We learned so much from Jes and from each others successes and failures. Don’t even think twice, you must take this course!!!!
Definitely do NOT hesitate to sign up! Jes is awesome and this workshop was the best $ I’ve spent. I went from guessing my settings to actually knowing what they should be and understanding why. I am so much more comfortable with my lights now and I feel I can handle most situations that come up. Many thanks to Jes for this experience!
Jes’ class is fabulous! Don’t think about it–just sign up! After the first assignment I had people who didn’t know I was taking a workshop asking me what was going on because my studio portraits had improved *so* much! Jes is a fantastic instructor and is practically on-call 24/7 to answer all of your questions, calm your fears, reassure you when things go wrong, etc. It was a fantastic experience–the forum was so active and helpful! Now I’m just waiting for 201 to be offered!