Learn to effectively see and use light to turn the ordinary image into exceptional. As digital cameras now have the capabilities to capture files with seemingly limitless possibilities in terms of tonal adjustments and layering, it becomes easy to lose oneself in the processing of images as opposed to the act of capturing images. Light can visually shape a story, enhancing the ability for the viewer to “read” a series of photographs.
This workshop is for serious amateurs and emerging professionals looking to enhance images by further exploring quality of light: whether it is natural light, small strobes, or reflectors and larger strobes. Going beyond the basics of new high ISO sensitivity technology, students learn to take advantage of available light or add their own to improve the feel and mood of an image.
Ira Block has been expanding, exploring, and playing with various lighting techniques throughout his 30-year career shooting for the National Geographic. His experience has shown that using light, from various sources can create mood, tone and style in subjects as diverse as archaeological objects, broad landscapes, portraits, and industrial situations.
Ira shares his knowledge and experience with students both in the classroom and in the field. Students study the effects of a variety of light sources from large studio lights with soft boxes and umbrellas to hand held strobes and various grip equipment. With particular attention to making the best use of small on camera strobe, participants explore the endless opportunities for bouncing, using reflectors and mixing with natural light. Students also learn how to improvise when the lighting equipment you need is not readily available, whether it’s as simple as buying a few light bulbs and fixtures at the local hardware store, or using tissue and small flashlight to achieve the desired affect.
Students work on a story throughout the week using class knowledge to work in the field. Students are responsible for conceptualizing and researching a story idea, choosing a lighting style that works best to convey the vision for the story, photographing and editing their photos for a final presentation. By the end of the week, participants are able to look at a given situation and recognize how to utilize light to create a better photograph and ultimately, tell a better story.