To kick off our 2020 workshop agenda, Frank Robbins led an in-depth 4-hour studio lighting workshop at the Montclair Community Library. Thanks to Frank’s vast experience as a professional portrait photographer, members who attended learned the methods, terminology and focus of what comprises studio lighting photography, from setup to tear down.
Frank graciously hauled all of his expensive and heavy professional lighting equipment into the library for the purpose of demonstrating the techniques and methods for us in real time. It was such an effective form of teaching, to see exactly where the key light, fill light, and back light need to be positioned and where your camera should be angled to achieve the lighting style you desire. With the help of Elvira, Frank’s “assistant” we were able to see the immediate light/shadow pattern changes happening as each adjustment was made.
The portrait lighting patterns we learned in the class were: Split, Butterfly, Loop, Rembrandt, Broad, and Short.
After the lecture portion of the workshop, each member had the opportunity to plug his or her camera into the transmitter to fire off the strobe flash and photography a subject. In conjunction, we were also able to practice posing a model. As we were acting as each other’s models, we also gained the experience to be the one in front of the camera. Any photographer who takes portraits of people should take the time to feel what it’s like on the other side of the camera. It really does help to be able to empathize with your clients/subjects when trying to calm their nerves and direct them what to do.
We all learned so much and thank Frank for volunteering to educate us. Frank serves on the board as Vice President for the Prince William Photography Club. We are lucky to have such a resource in our neighborhood and club.
If you would like to participate in these workshops, join our club! Membership is an annual fee of $25. Learn more about membership here. To try us out before becoming a member, join us on the first Thursday of each month at the Montclair Community Library from 6:30-8:30PM.