Fundamentals of Photographic Lighting
ART-X403.98
Foundations of Photographic Light: Practical lighting skills for studio and natural environments.
6 Weeks | Prerequisite: Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, & ISO (ART-X406.29) or equivalent experience.
This foundational lighting course is designed for photographers who are new to lighting or want to build confidence working with light in a variety of settings. Through observation, guided practice, and hands-on assignments, you’ll learn how light behaves and how to use it intentionally to shape mood, depth, and visual impact in your photographs.
Course Details
You’ll explore working with natural light and introduced lighting tools while reinforcing essential camera fundamentals, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The course covers core lighting concepts such as contrast control, lighting ratios, and the Inverse Square Law, helping you understand how to balance exposure and tonal range in real-world situations. You’ll also learn a basic digital workflow and make essential image adjustments using Lightroom.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to observe and control natural light, add light to a scene with purpose, and plan simple lighting setups that support creative photographic compositions—providing a strong foundation for more advanced lighting and studio work. You’ll finish with a portfolio that reflects your growing mastery of light and a deeper understanding of how to use it as a tool for storytelling and mood creation.
What You'll Learn
- Recognize and manipulate natural light qualities to enhance image quality.
- Apply artificial light to scenes, from simple desk lamps to studio lights.
- Utilize the Inverse Square Law and lighting ratios for precise control of contrast.
- Implement creative lighting setups that convey intentional mood and style.
- Employ various light modifiers and meters to achieve professional results.
- Adjust camera settings in tandem with lighting conditions for optimal exposures.
- Produce well-composed, well-lit images suitable for a variety of photographic genres.
- Develop a consistent digital workflow to enhance images in Lightroom Classic CC.
- Critically assess your own lighting choices to improve future work.
- Integrate lighting techniques that reflect mastery and artistic vision in your portfolio.
Course Information
Prerequisite: Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, & ISO (ART-X406.29) or equivalent experience.
Equipment/Software: Fully adjustable DSLR camera or prosumer camera, tripod, image editing software. Basic hot light kit or a desk lamp with a flexible handle and rigid shade. 5-in-1 reflector diffuser kit.
Flexible Enrollment: This is an elective for the Photography: Images and Techniques Professional Certificate but is open to all students, even if you are not enrolled in the Certificate Program.
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term.
Course sessions
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This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
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All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
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Instructor:
Elizabeth Norris, M.A.
A photo educator and fine art/freelance commercial photographer for the past 25 years and teaches photography in person for the Art Institute in San Diego
Ellyn holds a Master’s in Art Education and Photography from the prestigious Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where she deepened her understanding of both the technical and conceptual aspects of the medium. As a Core Instructor in the Photography: Images and Techniques Certificate Program at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, she shares her wealth of knowledge with aspiring photographers. She teaches numerous workshops and courses, focusing on both the artistic and technical facets of photography. Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages students to develop their unique visual styles. Ellyn's commitment to education and mentorship has inspired many to pursue photography with confidence and creativity, making her a highly respected figure in the photography community.
