When it comes to photography lighting,  moving from natural light to studio flash is a definite step-up, there’s no disputing the extra creative freedom it allows.

Understanding the basics of studio flash lighting will help ensure a smooth transition; the same way understanding fundamentals like aperture, shutter speed and exposure will help you switch from Auto to Manual Mode.

This includes the differences between continuous light and flash; different power systems like mono lights or pack lights; flash power and how to adjust it; and how flashes are triggered. If you don’t yet understand these concepts this class is for you.

What to expect:

Tom will have a model on hand, he will be demonstrating using tethered capture to a big screen, you will be able to see what’s going on as we shape the lights.

Class will have the opportunity to participate using your own cameras, we have a limited number of transmitters available.

What to Bring:

Bring your camera, 70-200mm focal length works best for Head Shots.

You should have a basic knowledge of your camera settings, including shutter, aperture and ISO and how to change them in your camera.

Welcome to the Advanced Portrait Studio Lighting workshop, where you will learn the skills and techniques to create stunning, professional-grade portraits using studio lighting. In this workshop, we will cover a range of advanced lighting setups and techniques, including:

1. Multi-light setups: You will learn how to use multiple light sources to create a variety of dramatic and subtle effects. We will cover key light, fill light, rim light, hair light, and background light setups, and how to balance them for different effects.

2. Modifiers: You will learn how to use light modifiers such as umbrellas, softboxes, reflectors, and diffusers to control the quality, direction, and intensity of light, and create different moods and styles.

3. High-key and low-key lighting: You will learn how to create high-key and low-key lighting effects, which are ideal for creating bright and airy or dark and moody portraits.

4. Color gels: You will learn how to use color gels to add creative color effects to your portraits

5. Posing and composition: You will learn how to work with your subjects to create dynamic and flattering poses, and how to compose your shots to maximize the impact of your lighting setup.

Throughout the workshop, you will have the opportunity to practice your skills and techniques by photographing aprofessional model in a variety of settings, including portrait, beauty, and fashion photography. You will receive personalized feedback and guidance from Tom, who will help you refine your lighting and posing skills to create stunning, professional-grade portraits.

By the end of this workshop, you will have the knowledge and confidence to create sophisticated, studio-quality portraits that will impress clients and stand out from the competition. Whether you are a professional photographer looking to expand your skills or an enthusiast looking to take your photography to the next level, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn from Tom experts and take your skills to new heights.

Bring your camera, 70-200mm focal length works best. You should have a basic knowledge of your camera settings, including shutter, aperture and ISO and how to change them in your camera

At Thomas Hopkins Photography, we are excited to announce our new offerings of one-on-one studio lighting and outside lighting sessions! Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate photographer, our sessions are tailored to your specific needs and skill level. Our goal is to help you overcome any challenges you might be facing and assist you in achieving your photography aspirations.

During the one-hour and two-hour sessions, we will cover various aspects of lighting techniques, both indoors and outdoors. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from each session:

One-Hour Studio Lighting Session: In this session, we will focus on the fundamental principles of studio lighting. We’ll cover topics such as:

1. Understanding different studio lighting equipment: Learn about various types of studio lights, modifiers, and accessories to enhance your studio photography.

2. Lighting setups: Master the techniques of creating different lighting setups to achieve various moods and effects in your portraits or still-life photography.

3. Lighting ratios: Understand how to control the balance between your main light, fill light, and background light to create visually appealing images.

4. Posing and composition: Explore how lighting interacts with posing and composition to elevate the overall quality of your studio shots.

Two-Hour Outside Lighting Session: In this session, we will focus on harnessing natural light and using additional lighting gear effectively in outdoor environments. Topics covered include:

1. Golden hour shooting: Learn to make the most of the soft, warm light during the golden hour to capture stunning portraits and landscapes.

2. Overcoming harsh light: Discover techniques to manage challenging lighting conditions, such as midday sun, and avoid unflattering shadows.

3. Using reflectors and diffusers: Understand how to manipulate natural light using reflectors to fill in shadows or diffusers to soften and spread the light.

4. Incorporating off-camera flash: Master the art of using external flashes to add creative lighting effects and balance ambient light in your outdoor shots.

No matter what specific challenges you’re facing with lighting, we are here to help you tackle them head-on. Our experienced photography instructors will provide personalized guidance and hands-on practice to ensure you gain confidence in your lighting abilities.

To book a session or inquire about availability, please reach out to us via phone or email. Let us know what aspects of lighting you’re having trouble with, and together, we’ll work towards enhancing your photography skills and creating remarkable images. We look forward to helping you on your photography journey at Thomas Hopkins Photography!

1. Learning from a Professional: Thomas Hopkins, being a professional photographer, will likely share valuable insights from his experience. Pay attention to his tips, tricks, and workflow, as this can significantly improve your portrait photography skills.

2. Understanding Lighting Techniques: Outdoor lighting can be challenging due to the ever-changing natural light. You’ll likely learn about various lighting setups, using natural light to your advantage, using reflectors and diffusers, and even incorporating artificial lighting when necessary.

3. Camera Settings and Composition: Understanding the right camera settings and composition is crucial for capturing stunning outdoor portraits. Expect discussions on aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and other camera features that impact the final result.

4. Posing and Directing Subjects: A great portrait photographer knows how to work with their subjects to bring out the best expressions and poses. Thomas may demonstrate how to interact with models, making them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

5. Hands-On Practice: Workshops often include practical sessions where you get to apply what you’ve learned. You may have the chance to photograph models in different lighting conditions, receiving feedback from Thomas to improve your skills.

6. Equipment: It’s a good idea to bring your camera and lenses. If you have any lighting equipment like a speedlight or portable strobe, consider bringing them along too. However, even if you don’t have any additional gear, observing the techniques with various equipment can still be valuable.

7. Weather and Dress Code: Since it’s an outdoor workshop, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. You may be walking around or standing for long periods, so wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes.

8. Note-taking and Questions: Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes during the workshop. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask Thomas for clarification or advice.

9. Networking Opportunities: Workshops are an excellent opportunity to meet other photography enthusiasts. Take advantage of networking with fellow attendees and exchanging ideas and experiences.

Remember, the key to getting the most out of any photography workshop is to be engaged, open-minded, and ready to learn. And most importantly, have fun while improving your photography skills!