Studio Lighting For Natural Light Photographers | Getting To Grips With Strobes And Softboxes

If you've ever felt intimidated by studio lighting, then you're not alone! For a long time, I struggled to understand all the numbers, formulae and technical detail that seemed to be a necessary requirement for getting started with studio strobes, especially as I just wanted to get back to creating beautiful portraits!

I finally had a breakthrough, and realised that my knowledge of photographing people using windowlight was all I needed to get started.

If you're reasonably confident with natural light photography, this tutorial will give you the confidence and skills to invest in, set-up and use your first studio light, including three very different lighting patterns you can create with just a single flash in a soft box.

This class covers:

• Why I found studio lighting so confusing to start with (and the huge breakthrough that changed everything for me, bringing the fun and creativity back to my portrait photography)
• The simple studio set-up I use everyday (and why the shape of your lighting modifier matters)
• How to create a stunning studio-lit portrait using a Rembrandt lighting pattern
• How to capture a beautiful studio-lit portrait using a Mask lighting pattern
• How to photograph a dramatic studio-lit portrait using a Split lighting pattern
• The three benefits of studio strobe lighting over natural window light, and why it's proved essential for my photography business

For each portrait you’ll see my images straight-out-of-the-camera with exposure settings and the final edit, too. We'll finish off with some words of encouragement before it's over to you to put your new skills into practice!

Enjoy - and don't miss the outtakes at the very end! :-)

Paul and the masteringportraitphotography.com team

• Why studio lighting feels intimidating (when it doesn't need to be!)
• How windowlight helps you understand studio strobe lighting
• Part I | Demonstration of lighting patterns with window light
• Part II | Set up your lights and camera
• Studio Lighting Shot 1 | Rembrandt Lighting
• Studio Lighting Shot 2 | Rim Lighting
• Studio Lighting Shot 3 | Split Lighting
• The Benefits of Studio Lighting
• Your Project (...and Outtakes)