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.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
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.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/17/2025
- Early enrollment advised
- No UCSD parking permit required
- No visitors permitted
Schedule:
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.