Using Light: Principles & Practice

This course is an introduction to what light is and how to use it to bring your photography to the next level. Light is the language of photography, and not knowing how to ‘speak’ in light is the difference between beginner and advanced photography. Based on the successful and popular format of Using Your DSLR Camera, the Using Light series puts emphasis on practical, hands-on application of the theoretical principles taught in class.

In fact, since understanding light is almost solely learned through manipulating it through experience, this first introductory course in the series is extended in length to allow small class sizes of at most 8 students to work through over two dozen extended exercises that demonstrate the characteristics and nature of light, and give the student the satisfaction of successfully problem solving some of the hardest materials to light in the real world. These extended exercises will be set up with materials supplied and set up by the instructor to demonstrate specific principles and challenges of using light to better your photography.

When you have finished this course, you will be knowledgeable and experienced in the three different types of reflection, the properties of light, the family of angles, how the positioning of light changes a scene, and how to light a wide variety of challenging materials, including polished metal, glass, textured white subjects, textured black subjects, and of course, portrait lighting of people. Two nights will be devoted exclusively to portrait lighting styles achieved in the studio but also anywhere with one simple light source.

What Students Have Said

“This course was awesome! The delivery of the content was well thought out and the hands on activities & lessons helped to solidify the concepts. Thanks for a great experience!” — Andrea Brown

“I really enjoyed the course because it was so hands on. I also appreciated that the class size was small. I was able to ask lots of questions & receive individual support & attention.” — Sarah MacDonnell

“The instructor was great! After taking the course (and during) I found myself studying magazines & photos to analyze the lighting style used, which is how I know learned something.” — Kari Souchuk

“I had so much fun, and learned so much! Any questions were answered with great knowledge and I never felt silly asking “silly” questions! A very comfortable environment for learning. The instructors were super nice guys! It would be easy to be intimidated by all the knowledge in the room, and I was surprised at how open minded everyone was.” — Sarah, Starseed Photography

“This course had a lot of hands on work and that was so helpful. I think it’s the best way to grasp lighting concepts.” — Amanda Diaz, Amanda Diaz Photography

“The course was a terrific hands-on and practical intro to off camera lighting and I can’t wait to practise all I have learned.” – Carla Marie Photography