If this will be your first Hacker Lab photography class, start here

In this group class, we will introduce the key elements needed to create high-quality images in a lighting studio. Learn about the different types of strobes, hot lights, reflectors, and materials, and how to manipulate light in order to create stunning images.

This course is an orientation to the Hacker Lab photo studio, and an introduction to studio lighting. The main goal of this lecture and demonstration class is for you to become familiar with the equipment available to you in the Hacker Lab photo studio. In addition to an overview of the equipment you will be given an introduction to the basic functions of a DSLR camera as well as studio lighting. A basic understanding of your camera is recommended.

We will cover:

• Studio Overview:
  • An overview of what equipment is available
  • Safety precautions for working with studio lighting
  • Studio usage procedures (logging in and reserving studio time)
• Lighting Concepts:
  • Quality of light, discussion, and demonstration
  • Studio lighting exposure techniques for strobe and continuous tone lights
  • How to control shading and contrast
• Product Lighting:
  • Basic techniques to light small products
  • Basic techniques to light flat art
• Portrait Lighting:
  • Lighting ratios
  • Head positioning

What to bring

• A pen and notebook
• No camera required, however you may bring a DSLR if you have one
• This class is both a lecture and a demonstration

Important information for all classes:

• Please make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early and sign our general release of liability agreement.
• Please review Hacker Lab's current COVID precautions by clicking here.
• Do not come into the Lab if you have a cough, fever, or feel sick in the past 14 days.
• While photography isn't particularly messy, the makerspace is a shop and thus full of wonderful ways to get stains and dirt on your clothes. Please dress appropriately, wear closed-toed shoes, and don't wear anything you don't mind getting a bit dirty.
• After taking this class, consider taking Product & Still-life Studio Lighting and Portraiture and Modeling Studio Lighting.