Learn how to harness the power of natural light to create stunning portraits both indoors and outdoors. This interactive class begins in the Precision Camera classroom, where Holly will walk you through key concepts of how light interacts with the face, how to control shadows, and how to work with the tools that elevate natural light photography.
In-Class Concepts (45 minutes):
How light direction affects the face and mood of a portrait
Tools to improve your results: reflectors, filters, tripods, and recommended lenses
Outdoor considerations: time of day, weather, blue hour vs. golden hour, and how to prepare for real-world challenges
Indoor considerations: making the most of windows, balancing overhead lights, and setting white balance for different light sources
Posing, prompting, and working with people: tips for children, maternity, families, couples, branding/headshots, and newborns
Quick Editing Review:
While this is not a full editing class, Holly will briefly cover techniques to improve natural-light portraits in post:
Compensating for blown-out backgrounds with HDR photography and multiple exposures
AI masking in Lightroom for subject/background adjustments
Using Evoto for quick portrait retouching
Hands-On Practice (60 minutes):
After classroom learning, you’ll move outdoors to apply your new skills with live models. This guided practice session gives you the opportunity to experiment with reflectors, filters, and stabilizers while receiving feedback and tips from Holly in real time.
Who Should Attend:
Photographers of all levels who want to build confidence and creativity when shooting portraits without studio lighting.
What to Bring:
A camera with charged batteries and memory cards, your preferred portrait lens (50mm or 85mm recommended but not required). If you have any reflectors or tripods you’d like to practice with, bring those along as well.
