October may have seen the end of the warm days, but it also held the first of my photography workshops. My day courses are mostly concentrating on lighting, from the beginning; taking your simple speedlite set-up off camera, to multi light monoblock and speedlite sets with smoke, gels, filters and ambient light all mixed in!
This first workshop concentrated on a the use of studio lights within an indoor location. Starting with the basics; how to set up studio lights, what camera settings to use, how each modifier affects the light and all about the dreaded inverse square law!
Lovely image by Edward Thomas. 2 lights were used; 1 key, 1 lighting the background and Jade's hair. Flag was used to control hair light and a reflector used to lift the shadows.
We met at The Brunswick pub in Hove, the attendees were led down a narrow staircase to a dark basement, in which we had our lights set up and modifiers spread out across a bar. This intriguing room allowed us the chance to start with no ambient light bright enough to affect the image and such a variety of different backgrounds and small environments in which to shoot Jade. From a plain black curtain backdrop to a retro corner complete with old armchairs and an old wireless radio unit!
Throughout the day Jade was giving guidance on how to direct a model, things to look out for and tricks to get the best out of anyone.
After the group each had a chance to build up a part or all of a scene piece by piece we had a quick lunch and moved to the first floor. Here we had 3 rooms to play with and lots of ambient light pouring in though large windows. We went through balancing ambient/ daylight with flash and how to use that to creative effect.
From then on the group had time to create scenes of their own. Building it up with direction and guidance from myself.
The vintage corner! Behind the scenes images courtesy of Chris Richards-White
All in all it was a fantastic day. I had a lot of fun and I know the group did too. The venue was fantastic and I will definitely be using it again. The place was so rich with character that we could always come out with something different.
Behind the scenes images courtesy of Chris Richards-White. Thank you very much for them!
And thanks to The Brunswick freehouse for loaning us their space with such freedom to make it ours!