A workshop designed to teach photographers effective studio lighting techniques for the fine art nude.

This hands-on workshop explores a variety of studio lighting techniques and teaches the students how use these them working with the human form to create an artistic nude photograph.  The workshops begin with a detailed overview of the stage – backdrop selection, the studio lights used along with their intended light ratios, chosen light modifiers, and model placement within the scene.  The students are also shown finished images produced by the workshop instructors using these same lighting techniques.

Using studio strobes

Each student will have opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced, professional art models using these lighting techniques.  Students will meter the scene, compute the lighting ratios, and calculate a final exposure.  Instructors will provide guidance on composition, how to interact with and direct the model.  However, at the end of the day the students work to accomplish the final vision and execution of their images.  These essential skills provide the photographer with the important building blocks necessary to produce beautiful studio work.

As the day advances and students become more comfortable with the lighting equipment and techniques, we will encourage them to explore and experiment with their own creative lighting setups.  We believe there is tremendous value in experimentation and encourage all of our students to take some time to explore their own visions within the workshops environment.

A student working with a model

Instructors and models will also discuss in detail the important points about working with the nude.  We will cover how to discuss comfort zones so that photographers can clearly understand how a model does and does not like to be photographed.  Even though most art models are comfortable with their own nudity, it is important for photographers to respect their boundaries.  We will discuss some of the legal forms you will want to use such as a model’s release, talk about when these forms are necessary, and what rights are granted to both the model and the photographer.

WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS

• Students should have a solid knowledge of photography and how shutter speeds, aperture, and light combine to create a balanced exposure
• Digital or Film SLR camera.  Most formats are fine including:
  • Digital 35mm SLR
  • Digital Medium Format
  • Film 35mm SLR
  • Medium Format Roll Film Cameras (Hasselblad, Mamiya, etc.)
  • Large Format Film Film Cameras (4×5, 8×10, etc. However, be sure to have an appropriate sync cord adapter for your camera.  Our wireless triggers require a 3.5mm plug on one end.)
• A selection of recommended lenses (in 35mm format focal lengths):
  • 50mm – for full figure shots
  • 85mm-135mm for close ups
  • Zoom lenses that cover these ranges are fine too
• Students must bring their own digital memory cards or film
• Model’s Release Forms
  • We will have generic forms that you can customize and take with you if you don’t have one of your own.
• Due to the fact that photographers will be working directly with nude figure models, we respectfully limit participation to students who are 20 years old and up.

WORKSHOP COSTS

We offer both one and two day workshops for groups of 4 or more.  We usually use one model for our one day workshops and two models for the two day workshops.

• One Day Workshops – $195
• Two Day Weekend Workshops – $395

STUDIO LIGHTING WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Instruction is done at either our Allentown or Pottstown, PA studios.  Both studios are fully equipped with a selection of seamless paper backdrops, studio lights with a selection of modifiers (large and medium softboxes, grid spots, parabolic and standard umbrellas), wireless triggers (Pocket Wizards and Radiopoppers).

Upcoming Workshops

March 27, 2010

Past Workshops

September 2009

On-request Workshops

If you have a small group of 4-6 photographers, we would be happy to offer this one or two day workshop at a time convenient to your schedule.  Standard rates apply.

We also offer private instruction for photographers looking for the ultimate hands-on and individual instruction.

Please contact us directly for details and a personal quote for these on-request workshops.