Course: Photographic Lighting

The course...

The course consists of 6 lecture/demo sessions plus one practical outdoor session, conducted over 6 weeks.

Light is something we all interact with on a daily basis. Surprisingly, many photographers don't understand how it works or how it can be manipulated. This course starts with basic theory and then applies that theory through a structured series of live camera demos displayed on a digital projector. Students watch each photo being created and are able to scrutinise the lighting setup and the camera settings used.

Lighting is best learned by doing it. Unfortunately, designing a course that allows every participant to try each shot themselves would require a lot of time spent waiting for people to take photos. Homework is assigned each week so that students can get some first-hand practical experience.

I use flash lighting heavily as that is my preferred light source. If you are scared of flash, I spend some time taking the mystery out of it. Students who do not want to use flash will find that the lighting concepts will generally work with any other light source they choose to use (with some flash-specific exceptions).

When...

The next course is scheduled to run on Wednesday evenings from 10 October to 14 November 2012.

Each session starts at 8pm and runs for approximately 2 hours.

Where...

The Wednesday night sessions are conducted in a function room at the Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie. The Sunday evening session is conducted outdoors in the Melbourne CBD.

Course fee...

There is a course fee of $200. Student numbers for each course are limited to 10.

Assumed knowledge...

The course assumes that students have not manipulated light before. It also assumes that students understand how to operate their camera and that they have a working knowledge of aperture, shutter speed and film speed.

What to bring...

Students need to bring their cameras to session 4 but they will not be required for any of the other sessions. Basic notes for each session are supplied and all demonstration photos are posted online within a couple of days of each session. Students are welcome to bring pen/paper if they wish to make additional notes.

If you've seen me speak before...

Basic versions of these sessions have been run at camera clubs around Melbourne. The course features expanded versions of my "Introduction to Flash" presentation and my two "Playing With Light" presentations (which are split into 3 sessions and expanded). The last couple of sessions are new content, designed to push students beyond the basics covered in the first few sessions.

To enrol...

If you are interesting in attending this course in the future, send an email to david@gilliver.net to sign up.

Previous students have said...

"Overall your style of teaching is really easy to understand and I learned a lot from this course."

"This was advanced for me but still got lots out of it."

"Much of the photography was different from what I normally do but I have been inspired to use my camera more and differently. Thanks, well done!"

"A fantastic course. Would recommend to anyone wanting to improve your lighting knowledge and technique. "