Article by:

Deon Van Den Berg 

Creative Photo Workshops – Advanced Flash Photography Workshop Review

On Saturday, the 21st of August, the Creative Photo Workshops crew ran an Advanced Flash Photography Workshop at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. (click the image for a larger version and more images from the day)

Upon arrival, all the attendees were sat down and Shelton went around the group to get an idea of what each of us were hoping to get out of their day at the workshop. Considering everyone in attendance had varying levels of experience and also differing expectations for the day, this helped to get a better understanding of who they were dealing with and allowed them to cater to specific needs.

The first set up that they took us through was a basic headshot with one speed light and a shoot-through umbrella. All attendees were given their own time to alter the set up, changing the lighting to suit what look they were visualising. Although it was a basic setup, it allowed for many variations with options for additional lights and even modifiers to create a very interesting portrait.

Once everyone had their opportunity to shoot and pick the crews brains clean with questions, the basic set up, of one light, was being built upon.

Following the basic set up, Shelton introduced us to “clam shell lighting” with a twist. Another two speed lights were set up; one with a red gel to create a rim light and the second with a blue gel white lit the backdrop. Everyone managed to get great shots, and didn’t hesitate in showing them off. The guys from Creative Photo Workshops are very hands on and ensure that each person involved fully understands the setup and have a great photo to show for it.

The next two scenarios were a great way to show how to produce creative lighting in a simple manner. For the first scenario the model sat against a door that was dividing two rooms, and Shelton set up one speed light, with a grid, to the left of the model pointing down at her. Once we all started taking photos and got the right settings in place, we realised that when it was understood what the light and modifiers could achieve, we all discovered that we could create beautiful images with a affordable lighting kit. The resulting images were beautiful and the model seems to be looking out of a window with the moon lighting her face.

The following scenario, again something that could be easily recreated by those in attendance, was a fireplace lit up by a speed light with an orange gel. A second light, again set up to make the model pop, pointed down at her face providing a window-light feel.

The beautiful architecture of the convent was used in the following three scenarios. Firstly, the model posed in a hallway decorated with beautiful lines and shapes. The model posed in the middle of the hallway with one speed light firing from the outside a window onto the models face. The other two set ups were outside using a blend of ambient light and flash, producing images that everyone was excited about.

The guys at Creative Photo Workshops have created a tight community of followers including one photographer returning for his fifth workshop on Saturday. Images from the weekend have already flooded facebook and personal blogs. But apart from the images taken, I realised that many don’t only come to learn a whole bunch of new techniques but also because the workshops are simply fun and allow everyone there to make new connections and network with likeminded photographers, all with the passion to learn. It’s easy to recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level. All lighting kits that were used on the day were affordable and accessible and this was one thing that those involved were surprised about.

Shelton Muller – (Head tutor at Creative Photo Workshops) explained that their workshops cater for the needs and expectations of the group and also the individuals attending and therefore the contents of workshop will vary from one to another based on attendees specific needs. The scenarios and techniques of this workshop were based on the needs and expectations of the group attending on Saturday 21st of August.

The available workshops run by Creative Photo Workshops cater for all styles and levels of photography. After things on the day came to a close, Shelton talked about the fact that they offered a variety of workshops to ensure that there was something for photographers of all levels to attend but he mentioned that they do occasionally get attendees joining a workshop that are more advanced than their skill level. So, it is strongly recommend that if you are just getting the world of digital photography, you look through all the workshops to find the one that best suits as a starting point and the build from there.

For more details on the workshops that are coming up check out www.creativephotoworkshops.com or their facebook fan page . They will be adding the summer 2010 workshops in the coming months.