Portrait Photography Lighting Workshop for Beginners

Here's a shot we'd like to share with you as part of a test shoot for my forthcoming Introduction to Studio Portrait Lighting workshop. I've known our model Sam J for some time but have not had the opportunity to work with her so decided to do a quick test shoot.

This image was created with one Elinchrom BXRi 250 mono bloc with a Rotalux 70 cm Deep Octa soft box and a BXRi 500 with Mini Spot Light unit projecting a window gobo on the background to give depth, and mood. The background is a mid grey paper cyc roll.

Once you master the basics of exposure, light placement and understand the wide array of light modifiers available, creating an image like this is relatively straightforward.

On Monday 23rd April 2012 I'll be running a new portrait photography workshop for anyone who wants to learn how to use studio flash to create stunning portraits.

The workshop has been specially designed for anyone who has little or no experience of working with studio flash and without distractions from other techniques. The idea is that anyone who attends the workshop goes away confident that they can start creating some stunning portraits.

During the day there will be plenty of opportunities to shoot images and work on ideas; our studio is equipped with Elinchrom BXRi studio flash with a good selection of modifiers i.e. soft boxes, grids, beauty dishes, California Sunbounce reflectors and more. I'll be assisted by Ben Potter and we'll be working with Sam J in front of your lenses.

As the workshop leader I have 30 years practical experience in lighting for stills and video working in advertising, corporate and social photography fields.

During the day workshop participants will be actively encouraged to ask questions, take notes and snap the set-ups for future reference. I have written a comprehensive eBook which is only available to my portrait workshop participants which will be emailed after the workshop.

The fee for these workshops, including a light lunch and all refreshments is £130.00 or £99.00 if booked before 9th April. You can find out more about this and other workshops by visiting the training area on my website or book directly via The Flash Centre website.

It will be good to see you for a day of fun to be had by all. My style is relaxed, structured and informative; Ben & I are there for your benefit, we want to see our students shoot great images. We will cover a lot during the day so familiarity with your camera controls is essential, especially Manual exposure where you set the shutter speed and aperture independent of the camera!

If you like this then this may also interest you 12 Tips for Improving Portrait Lighting

Elinchrom and Sunbounce products are available from The Flash Centre; contact Simon Burfoot for a quote and don't forget to mention this blog!