Photography 2–Intermediate Topics/Intro to Lighting
The intermediate seminar is geared to the photographer who has a working understanding of camera mechanics and “knows” how to manipulate f-stops and shutter speeds, but wants to learn more about light and how to control it better. This 15-hour seminar will review and enhance your understanding of the basics of photography and take you into the realm of fashion and beauty lighting! Three 3 hour lectures are followed by a four-hour live model shoot in the studio (with a two-hour review/set-up before the model gets onto the set). You will learn about:
- f-stops
What they really are
How they effect depth of field
Circles of confusion
- Depth of Field
Why distance affects depth of field
The 1/3—2/3 rule
What effect focal length of the lens really has on depth of field
- Perspective
What effect does focal length really have on perspective
“Atmospheric” perspective
- Film or Digital?
Another look at what it is: thinking in “stops”
The inverse square law and how it pertains to f-stops
Interplay of light and film/digital latitude–”What do lighting ratios really mean?”
Light temperature and its impact on film/digital
Color balance and one quick way to solve some color balance problems for digital capture
Quality of light–impact on digital capture
Modifying light outdoors
- Studio Applications
Metering techniques (metering for exposure vs. metering for balance)
Main lights
Light modifiers
Fill sources (additional lights and reflectors)
Negative fill
Lighting the backdrop
Hair lights
Accent lights
Adding color
Standard headshot set-up and MORE!
Course Notes
Students must be at least 18 years of age
Students must own a camera that is either fully manual or has a manual override. NO AUTOMATIC OR POINT AND SHOOT cameras allowed!
Students are responsible for completing two to three assignments per week. EACH CLASS (FOLLOWING THE FIRST SESSION) WILL BEGIN WITH A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE OF HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS.
Students are encouraged to audio tape the classes. Sorry, no video taping.
Classes will be limited to 10 students and will begin as soon as class is full. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening, the actual dates of the classes will be determined later.
Final meeting will be a four-hour session on a Saturday or Sunday, depending on the model’s availability.
*All images created under the direct supervision of Stephen A. Dantzig are for student’s personal use only. They may not be used for any commercial purposes, nor can they be sold or resold*
Course Fees
Seminar: $350.00
Model fees: $80.00
Total fees: $430.00 plus $20.26 General excise tax
Students are responsible for the costs of their own film and processing or digital printing.
Comments from former students:
“This class was terrific. With Steve’s knowledge of photography and a small class size, I learned more here than I have in other classes I have taken over the years. I finally understand the great importance of lighting and depth of field. The assignments were also very helpful in understanding techniques of camera use.” —Frank Damon
