Join us for a “Mastering Off-Camera Flash Workshop” on Saturday, August 22, 2026, 8am – noon, at Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Arapahoe Community College (ACC), 5900 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Then, join us for an Image Review & Post Processing Tips session held via Zoom on August 26, 2026, 6:30-9pm. Workshop attendees may submit up to two images for review or two unedited images for processing.
This is a great way to learn about using artificial lighting for your photos and see where it might take you. It will be focused on all levels of experience. And, you do not need to own a flash or have anything special, just bring your camera and a lens!
Registration Required
There is no cost to attend, but please Register Now so we can plan for the various stations.
Agenda
08:00 – 08:30 Setup & Theory. Brief overview: Understanding light modifiers, sync speeds, and the “888” rule.
08:30 – 09:15 Station 1: One Light. Key light basics, 45-degree angle, shadow management, and utilizing natural bounce.
09:15 – 10:00 Station 2: Two Lights. Introducing fill light or reflector; controlling ratios and balancing intensity.
10:00 – 10:15 Break. Quick hydration and equipment transition.
10:15 – 11:00 Station 3: Three Lights. Adding a hair/rim light to separate the subject from the background.
11:00 – 11:45 Station 4: Four Lights. Introducing a dedicated background light for depth or artistic gel effects.
11:45 – 12:00 Wrap-up & Q&A. Final review of images; teardown and packing best practices.
Workshop Guidelines & Specifics
- Rotation Logic: Attendees divided into four groups. Every 45 minutes, groups rotate to the next station.
- Role Assignments: Within each group, one person assigned to be the “Model,” one as the “Lead Photographer,” and two as “Lighting Assistants” (responsible for adjusting power and positioning stands). Roles rotate every 15 minutes so everyone gets a chance to shoot.
- Setup Tips:
- 1 Light: Focus on Rembrandt lighting (light 45° up, 45° over).
- 2 Lights: Use one as the main and one as a fill (low power) or a background light.
- 3 Lights: Add the third light as a “kicker” or hair light behind the model.
- 4 Lights: Use two to light the subject and two to light the background (or use a gel on one for dramatic color).
- Pro Tip for Attendees: Remind everyone to turn off the room’s overhead lights if possible, or use a low ISO and high shutter speed to “kill” ambient light, ensuring the flash is the primary light source.
Recommended Learning Resources
- Lighting Diagrams & Theory: Excellent breakdown of 4-light setups, covering everything from soft/fresh light to dramatic warm/cold balancing.
- Off-Camera Flash Basics: A great PDF handout for club members; it covers manual mode, light metering, and shadow control.
- Fundamentals of Remote Flash: This YouTube video is relevant because it introduces the “888 rule,” a simple and effective framework for beginners to master remote flash settings quickly.
