Flash, Studio and Artificial Lighting
Learn flash and studio lighting: on-camera and off-camera flash, TTL vs manual, bounce, lighting setups, portrait patterns, product lighting and ratios.
15 lessons
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Lessons in this course
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1
Understanding Flash and What It Changes
Learn what a camera flash is, how its very short burst of light freezes motion, why flash has a sync speed limit, and the main types of flash you can use.
7 min -
2
Built-In and On-Camera Flash
Learn the limits of pop-up and hot-shoe flash, why direct flash looks flat and causes red-eye, and simple ways to get better results from on-camera flash.
6 min -
3
TTL and Manual Flash
Learn how TTL flash measures and sets power automatically, how manual flash power works in stops, what flash exposure compensation does, and when to use each.
6 min -
4
Flash Exposure and Balancing Ambient Light
Learn how every flash photo combines two exposures, which settings control flash and which control ambient light, and how dragging the shutter works.
6 min -
5
Flash Direction, Bounce and Diffusion
Learn how bouncing a flash off ceilings and walls makes it softer and more directional, how diffusers really work, and what to do outdoors.
6 min -
6
Fill Flash in Daylight
Learn how to use fill flash outdoors to soften harsh shadows and light backlit faces, how much flash to use, and how to handle sync speed in bright sun.
6 min -
7
Off-Camera Flash
Learn why taking the flash off the camera transforms your lighting, how wireless triggers work, what equipment you need, and a simple first setup.
6 min -
8
Single-Light, Two-Light and Multi-Light Setups
Learn the jobs of key, fill, rim and background lights, how to build one-light, two-light and three-point setups, and why to add lights one at a time.
6 min -
9
Studio Lights and Common Modifiers
Learn the difference between studio strobes and continuous LED lights, and what softboxes, umbrellas, beauty dishes, grids, snoots and barn doors do to light.
6 min -
10
Lighting Portraits and People
Learn the classic portrait lighting patterns, loop, Rembrandt, butterfly and split, plus broad and short lighting, and how to choose light for each face.
6 min -
11
Lighting Products and Still Life
Learn how to light products and still life: showing shape and texture, controlling reflections on shiny objects, lighting glass and clean backgrounds.
6 min -
12
Background Lighting and Subject Separation
Learn how to light a background white, keep it black, or create a gradient, and how distance, grids, rim light and tone separate your subject from it.
6 min -
13
Creative Lighting Techniques
Learn creative lighting techniques: color gels, colored backgrounds, motion with rear sync, light painting, projected patterns and practical lights.
6 min -
14
Lighting Ratios, Contrast and Consistency
Learn what lighting ratios are, how stops convert to 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1, how to measure them with a meter or test shots, and how to keep lighting consistent.
6 min -
15
Professional Lighting Workflow
Learn a step-by-step professional lighting workflow: planning the look, preparing gear, building lights in order, testing and working safely.
6 min