Understanding Photographic Light: Studio & Location
ART-40398
Understanding Photographic Light: Studio & Location
6 Weeks | Prerequisite: Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, & ISO (ART-40629) or equivalent experience.
Unlock the power of light and discover its transformative role in photography. In Understanding Photographic Light: Studio & Location, you’ll build on your existing camera skills and learn to manipulate both natural and artificial light sources with confidence. Through guided practice, demonstrations, and constructive critiques, you’ll discover how to observe light’s qualities, control its intensity and direction, and shape scenes for expressive, intentional images.
Course Details
As you progress, you’ll delve into key concepts like the Inverse Square Law, lighting ratios, and the effective use of modifiers and meters. The course integrates real-world scenarios, encouraging you to experiment with window light, continuous lighting kits, or even a simple desk lamp—ensuring you can achieve striking results regardless of your setup. By the end, you’ll have both the technical know-how and creative insight to apply lighting techniques seamlessly to diverse photographic genres.
Whether you’re interested in portraiture, still life, or editorial work, this class equips you with essential lighting skills that transcend boundaries. 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. With a thoughtful approach and consistent practice, you’ll elevate the quality of every image you capture.
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-40629) or equivalent experience.
Equipment/Software: Fully adjustable DSLR camera or prosumer camera. Image editing software.
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.