This course aims at training students to work fully and effectively as a photographer with a set up in a lighting studio. We teach students to read and see light and record it with lighting meters and decide their lighting design for different themes including portraiture, fashion, still life and magazine photography. Lighting on ‘how to shoot’ different subjects including portrait, still life, fashion and beauty etc. will be demonstrated. Students will acquaint themselves with the use of flash for both in indoor and outdoor setting, including the daylight studio.

To start with, this course will help students to focus on the practical use of photography in their future career as a professional photographer. In a deeper context, we expect students to interpret and create their style, using studio lighting, backdrop and props. We explore the creative works of successful photographers in a studio context. Assignments are set to test the students’ ability in similar creative exercise from ‘how to light a still life’ to ‘how to work with models and art directors’. Trends and visual design in magazine photography will be explored and discussed. Students should plan and implement photographic projects to experiment with different setting and lighting. They also learn to work with various type of models in practical assignments. Upon finishing the course, they should build up competence and confidence to take up shooting jobs and manipulate their creative idea in a photo commission using studio setting and lighting equipment. They can also produce an individual image portfolio and develop their own style.

The course is delivered as a workshop with hands on practice. Course works and assignments are designed on practical grounds to prepare students to handle commissioned photo works in studio environment in all aspect. Students are responsible for the whole creative process, including setting up, lighting practice, model casting, make up and styling and art direction. The course delivers an all round immersive experience to prepare participants to manage their photographic career with a clear artistic direction.