“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”
– George Eastman
"Kevin is one of the very best portrait photographers I have encountered in my 40+ years around the Austin photo scene. When you see his work it's obvious that his clients have a ball working with him; he's a great guy and he knows his stuff. Five stars for sure." - Jon Leatherwood
This workshop is highly recommended for all photographers. Mastering your camera is essential in photography, but mastery of LIGHT is also essential! This course is a comprehensive look at light in its various forms, both natural and artificial and we look at the many ways we photographers can take advantage of, control, and manipulate light to create great photographs!
A total of 15 hours of learning, either as an all-day two-day class OR as a multi day weekday or weekend class + Photo Session w/Model
Small Class Size
Mix of Lecture, In-class Demonstration and Projects
Learn to control of all forms of light!
Discover the secrets to perfecting your techniques in managing LIGHT to create excellent images for many scenarios:
with an emphasis on indoor or outdoor portraits
but also including photographs of wildlife and landscapes
product photography
reallyall types of photography
Better light = Better photographs!
Take the mystery out of using Electronic Flash!
Understand how Studio Lighting/Strobes (e.g. "monolights") work
Improve ALL of your Photography
with this Workshop!
We cover critical information EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDS TO KNOW!
We end our course photographing two professional models with studio lighting. It is a lot of fun plus you might be surprised by the great images you'll be creating using the skills learned in this class!
March 20-21, 20249am-5:30pm
(plus breaks for lunch)
Includes Photo Session with Model
Put into practice everything you learn in class!
Registration Deadline: 3/13/2024
$499
I'm Interested in a
Future Class!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Want us to add another class? Let us know!
We add more classes throughout the year, based on student interest. Your response might cause us to add another session.
LIGHT - The Essential Ingredient
Photography is all about capturing images, and the key ingredient is LIGHT. In fact, the word "photography" is derived from the Greek words "photos" (light) and "graphos" (drawing). This class is devoted to exploring all of the ways you can use and manipulate light to create excellent images.
Improve the Light,
Improve the Photograph
If you want to improve a photograph, the answer is often to improve the light. I've seen many photographs that are good but fall short of being "great" simply because the lighting could have been better. There are many ways to improve the light, and we'll cover them all in this intensive class on light!
Over the course of this workshop, we explore many aspects of light and its use in creating beautiful photographs, plus we'll have some fun as well!
Learn how to take great shots even in "bad light" conditions.
Frustrated with your flash photography? You'll learn how to create great flash photographs.
Improve all of your photographs through improved lighting techniques
Get creative! Have fun using light in all sorts of creative ways to produce stunning results.
This class is a mix of classroom instruction combined with live demonstrations, hands-on activities and class projects.
Students Are Saying...
"I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin's Light & Photography Workshop. The classroom sessions struck a nice balance of academic lessons that answered many questions and explained principles that I was aware of but didn't fully comprehend and demonstrations of those principles. It was enlightening and refreshing to get clarity! I also found it invaluable to setup and work with my own equipment in the studio while Kevin guided the discovery process. After taking the class, I understand light better, and most importantly, improved my photography. Thanks, Kevin!" -Mike Johanns
"Kevin is an amazing teacher. Love that the classes were small enough that it was almost like having a private tutoring lesson. He encouraged us to ask questions, and was extremely knowledgeable in giving us answers and or solutions to them. I would definitely recommend one of his classes. I've felt a little light bulb go off in my mind, many of times. If you're like me, and love photography and want to learn all there is, this is the place to be."
"If you have questions about "Light" and "Photography", this class is for you. It gave me so much more than I even anticipated. We learned so much more than just how to use a flash (though we learned LOTS about that, and how using a flash doesn't have to give you that fake, harsh, "flash photography" look). It was very interesting to see the different types of lighting a photographer can use, not just studio lights. And, as with all his classes, Kevin made things easy enough to understand, even when talking about the Inverse Square Law."
"I have taken photography classes elsewhere, but Kevin's classes rise above all the rest. He explains things in a way that is easily understood. He limits his class sizes so you aren't just a number in his class and you get more personalized attention. And he uses live demos and hands on experience to help his students further grasp the information. You won't find a better instructor anywhere!" Sheila C.
An understanding of the basics of photography including using the various exposure modes, and understanding the effects of shutter speed/aperture.
A Digital SLR (DSLR) or Mirrorless Camera (MILC) that supports exposure modes such as Manual, Program Mode, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority
If you are not sure if your camera is approprite, contact Kevin before registering.
If you don't own a flash/speedlight you might want to consider buying one before this class. It is not required though. If you have questions about buying a flash/speedlight, let's talk before you go out and buy one!
We recommend you take our Photography 101 Workshop or Photographers Weekend Boot Camp before taking this class, but it is not required. Contact Kevin if you are unsure whether you are ready to take this important course. OR if you have taken Photography 101 or the Boot Camp and feel like you need to review your photographic knowledge and maybe push a little deeper into undrestanding the fundamentals before taking this class, consder my Photography - Mastering the Fundamentals class.
Class Format
Come prepared to learn with camera and notebook in hand! All sessions will be at my photography studio in NW Austin.
The class is a mix of lecture and live demonstrations and activities in class. All live demos will be done with Canon cameras, Canon Speedlites, and Photogenic brand equipment (but the same concepts apply regardless of what brand digital camera you may own). You will be using your own camera for classroom exercises and the photo session with a model.
Session w/Model:
As a student of my Light & Photography Workshop, this also includes a fun session to further your hands-on learning experience.
You will be using your cameras with our studio lighting and one or two models for a fun and exciting photo session. You'll be amazed with the photos you'll be taking in this workshop! Even if you're not really ever planning on doing your own studio lighting, this class will help reinforce the many concepts taught in this course.
Don't worry if you have concerns about how to "pose" the model(s). This class is focused on lighting techniques. The models we use are experienced with posing without requiring much instruction, allowing you to focus on important lighting techniques!
Keep in Touch!
As a former student, you are welcome to email me any time with any other photography questions.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 21 days prior to the class start date, will receive a refund of the workshop fee minus a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made 7 to 20 days prior to the class start date, will receive a refund of the workshop fee minus a $120 cancellation fee. Sorry, no refunds will be made for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the class start date. Your registration for this class indicates your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Students Are Talking About the Light & Photography Workshop
"Again Kevin demonstrated his gift in teaching. Lighting is complicated but he was so effective in developing remarkable skills in a class with a wide range of experience. you leave with a clear understanding of what is possible and what you need to achieve the shot you want!"
"Great class to learn skills related to flash and higher level studio lighting. This class gave good practice opportunities to immediately practice what was just taught. Small class size gives everyone the opportunity to practice and help each other."
"I loved the workshop, you have such a gift for teaching."
"I found this class to not only be excellent for learning about lighting but also to be an opportunity to get fired up again about my photography. I left class reenergized by what I learned and by the fun I had working with lighting. To top it off, the models were outstanding so I have many new portrait shots to add to my portfolio. This was the best photography class I've taken anywhere at any time."
"Kevin is a true educator. He takes the information step by step, and includes images and a note book for his curriculum. He always welcomes questions, all of your questions will be answered, and explained until you grasp the understanding of the concepts."
"Great organization, thorough explanation of lighting"
"This class was two days of solid learning. The instructor was always careful that a particular concept was understood before he moved on. Well worth the money"
"It was a great experience!"
"This was a very hands-on learning experience for an intermediately experienced photographer. You’ve developed an understanding of the basics and now you want to master lighting. I highly recommend, Kevin is very helpful, knowledgeable and really encourages you to think outside the box."
"Thank you for the detailed workshop on Light and Photography. The experience was amazing! "
"I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin's Light & Photography Workshop. The classroom sessions struck a nice balance of academic lessons that answered many questions and explained principles that I was aware of but didn't fully comprehend and demonstrations of those principles. It was enlightening and refreshing to get clarity! I also found it invaluable to setup and work with my own equipment in the studio while Kevin guided the discovery process. After taking the class, I understand light better, and most importantly, improved my photography. Thanks, Kevin!" -Mike Johanns
"The Light & Photography Class with the additional add on session is the most fun class I've taken with Kevin so far! Worth every penny!"
"This was my first class with Kevin and as a result of having taken it, I have enrolled in two additional and one add-on class. Kevin does a superior job of dealing with technical issues and making them understandable. As importantly, he makes clear why a particular item is important."
"The Studio Lighting Add-on Workshop represented an opportunity to put into practice the principles learned in the classroom. I was able to get "hands-on" with studio lighting in a photo shoot. I experienced the process of selecting the lighting, assembling the equipment, and making adjustments based on the results. It was also a great experience working with a model. Overall, this was an invaluable opportunity to take my photography to the next level!" Mike
About the Studio Lighting Add-on Class: "I love how the class brought everything we learned in the light and photography class together. Perfect way to end the course."
"Love love love! Kevin you are the best teacher anyone could ask for! I learned so much about light through the course and am not so intimidated by studio lighting anymore. Thank you for putting in so much hard work and dedication to all your classes." Sana
About the Studio Lighting Add-on Class: "I loved this class!! It was so much fun. At first I was really nervous about working with models and understanding the lighting seemed intimidating. Kevin made it very comfortable and before I knew it I had forgotten to be nervous. Kevin explained and demonstrated how to use lighting in the studio in a way that was easy to understand. It is a great class for anyone who wants to learn how to use studio lighting." Alice M.
About the Studio Lighting Add-on Class: "It was a great class and I learned a lot about light. I loved the photo shoot today, especially the way you kept adding lights/moving things around, etc and had us take photos at each change - great practical application of what we learned."
"Kevin has crafted a class that is extremely informative, well organized, and engaging! He created a warm, nurturing and casual environment that had me at ease from the very beginning. Coming away with much added knowledge and the thirst to learn more, I will definitely be taking more of his classes in the future." - Edward Pagliai
"Kevin's Light and Photography was excellent. Kevin was well organized and the information provided was relevant and helpful." - Tim Smith
About the Studio Lighting Add-on Class: "Recently I took Kevin's Studio Lighting class and it was excellent! I learned so much about a facet of photography that I knew very little about, that was previously intimidating to me. The atmosphere for learning was very comfortable and relaxed." - Edward Pagliai
"As always, I loved taking Kevin's class. His Light and Photography class was full of helpful information, well-explained and presented in an organized way. He was easily accessible for questions or feedback via e-mail, and also met with people both before or after class. All questions were taken seriously and with great openness. As always, his enthusiasm was infectious and made me want to get out, take more photos, and keep learning. Thank you, Kevin!"
"An excellent class in which to learn the single most likely way to improve the quality of your photography. Kevin's live demonstrations of lighting concepts and the opportunity to do a studio add-on session and practice took the worry of an unknown away and replaced it knowledge of the power of light. Be prepared, though; he is going to inspire you to invest in your own lighting!"
"Kevin has an incredible knowledge in the art of photography but even more important is his ability to organize and share that with his students. He has a unique ability to meet each student where they are and help them understand new techniques. If a student has an individual issue he happily meets with them outside of class to help them overcome it. He is a special person and I have enjoyed meeting both he and Gail!!!!" Don Simpson
"I have taken photography classes elsewhere, but Kevin's classes rise above all the rest. He explains things in a way that is easily understood. He limits his class sizes so you aren't just a number in his class and you get more personalized attention. And he uses live demos and hands on experience to help his students further grasp the information. You won't find a better instructor anywhere!" Sheila C.
"Kevin is an amazing teacher. Love that the classes were small enough that it was almost like having a private tutoring lesson. He encouraged us to ask questions, and was extremely knowledgeable in giving us answers and or solutions to them. I would definitely recommend one of his classes. I've felt a little light bulb go off in my mind, many of times. If you're like me, and love photography and want to learn all there is, this is the place to be." Leslie A.
"This is the third class I have taken from Kevin. As with the other 2 classes, Kevin is an excellent teacher and inspires me to study, learn, and practice photography. I get so excited with the classes that I cannot wait to put what I learned into practice. This class was especially interesting in how light(s) interact with the subject, background, and camera sensor to make a photo. I would recommend Kevin's classes to any photographer wanting to better their art." Larry Luedke
"Kevin explains difficult concepts in an easy to understand way. He always provides helpful feedback to individual questions and doesn't hesitate to modify the course content as appropriate for a particular class. I am happy to drive 200 miles for his classes." Susanne Orman
"If you have questions about "Light & Photography" this class is for you. It gave me so much more than I even anticipated. We learned so much more than just how to use a flash (though we learned LOTS about that, and how using a flash doesn't have to give you that fake, harsh, "flash photography" look). It was very interesting to see the different types of lighting a photographer can use, not just studio lights. And, as with all his classes, Kevin made things easy enough to understand, even when talking about the Inverse Square Law."
"I really liked the demos. Kind of nice to see something work, that my mind never thought would."
"I liked learning more about my flash...I was honestly shocked with the versatility it offers."
"I liked the way that things were explained in terms that made it easy to learn. I enjoyed the segments on using a flash on a camera."
"Kevin is a wealth of knowledge. I've learned more about how a camera works, and how to manage light from Kevin than I ever did in college. I've taken four courses with Kevin and each course has helped me gain not only the skills, but also the confidence, to take better photos." Chris
"Great class and great teacher! Kevin is patient and informative. He takes the time to explain things in detail and makes sure you understand the information and concepts (even if it means he has to repeat himself a few times). The demonstrations helped me understand the concepts and the homework gave me an opportunity for hands on experience. Understanding lighting is so important in photography so I would definitely recommend this class."
"I have taken several of Kevin's classes and each one builds on the next. There is a reason his classes sell out so fast. He teaches in a way that no matter what your level he makes you feel comfortable and he goes the extra mile to ensure you understand it. You will see photography in a whole new way after just one of his classes and you will want to take more. They are so much fun!" Donny G (photographer)
"Highly recommend this class. You will learn so much about light. I especially enjoyed learning all about using a flash, reflectors, gels, and how to darken the background without affecting the subject."
"I love everything about the class. The information is relevant and the examples provided help reinforce the learning objectives. I also like having homework assignments and that we discuss them in class with the other students. Oh, and the demonstrations are great. You would have laughed if you had seen my face when you did the demo with the flashlight and mannequin and long exposure…it was like a magic show for me!"
"I feel I am already seeing "light" in a whole new way. I also have even more respect for portrait photographers now. Thanks for all you bring to us!"
"... Kevin is very professional and makes it easy to learn from. A whole new world has opened up for me and I look forward to attending more classes in the future." Karen
"He was able to take complex photography concepts and present them in a way that I could easily grasp and apply. The class environment was also very welcoming and due to Kevin's genuine wish for no one to feel overwhelmed..."
"Kevin has put a lot of time and effort into making his classes a top notch experience, and he has succeeded beautifully. In addition, his demonstrations and unique perspective on his craft make it truly special. I look forward to taking more classes from him in the future!"
"Kevin Gourley is a fantastic instructor! He exceeded all expectations ..."
"You did a fantastic job of explaining photography and light. You are very talented and creative - thanks for sharing. I love that you are so passionate about photography as an art and that you encourage it in others!"
"Kevin's classes are incredibly well organized, and they are a terrific blend of technical and artistic information. He manages to impart a huge amount of information in each class and makes himself available for questions outside of class too... Great experience! I'm looking forward to taking more classes with Kevin."
