25 Mar Lighting 101 | October 24th & 25th
Lighting 101 | October 24th & 25th
Date | Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25, 2026
Register early to help ensure your class runs. Courses that do not meet minimum enrollment may be cancelled.
Time | 1 PM – 4 PM
Location | Colorado Photographic Arts Center
1200 Lincoln Street, Suite 111, Denver, CO 80203
Cost | $270 Member and $300 Non-Member
Additional Materials Fee | $25 Modeling Fee
Instructor | Chelsea Chorpenning
Skill Level | All
CPAC adheres to a strict payment, cancellation, and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
Objective:
Build confidence using studio, continuous, and natural light to create intentional, expressive photographs.
Course Description:
This hands-on weekend workshop introduces photographers to the creative and technical foundations of lighting for portraiture and personal photographic practice. Through guided demonstrations and interactive exercises, students will explore how to shape, control, and respond to light using studio strobes, continuous lighting, natural light, and common light modifiers.
Students will learn how light changes the mood, clarity, and visual impact of an image while practicing approachable techniques that can be applied in the studio, at home, or on location. The workshop is designed to support photographers who are beginning to work with lighting as well as those who want to strengthen their understanding of how light can be used more intentionally.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a stronger understanding of lighting fundamentals and practical strategies for creating portraits and personal work with greater confidence and control.
TOPICS COVERED
- Understanding light: intensity, quality, direction, and color
- Analyzing and modifying light for creative effect
- Introduction to studio lighting equipment and accessories
- Working with natural, available, continuous, and strobe lighting
- Using light modifiers to shape and control light
- Essential portrait and studio lighting setups
- Creative approaches to lighting for personal practice
- Beginner lighting gear, studio options, and budget considerations
Who This Class Is For
This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate photographers who want to better understand how to work with light. It is a good fit for photographers interested in portraiture, personal projects, studio practice, or building confidence with lighting tools in an accessible, hands-on environment.
Materials Needed:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Computer or tablet
- Notebook or note-taking materials recommended
If you have questions about equipment or file preparation, contact us at edu@cpacphoto.org in advance of class.