Another Workshop
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009, 21:57
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been running another flash/lighting/studio workshop, culminating in a studio day today for 6 photographers from my camera club. The content isn’t anything too heavy or advanced (I think anyway), it’s really just an introduction to basic lighting, how to use studio flash and also how to interact with a model on a shoot. I actually think it’s the last part that a lot of photographers new to this genre find the most difficult and it’s probably the part I find most amusing 
Anyway todays model was the stunning Grace, an Irish based model, who stood in at the last minute to save the day due to a late cancellation from another model. The makeup on the day was by Kasia kaniewska.
I’m still amazed to see how nervous people are when it comes to shooting and working with models. Some of the participants weren’t even able to sleep the night before the shoot, due to nerves Female photographers too I might add 
. Others even had to be reminded to breath during the shoot. 
But overall I think it went pretty well and people prevailed, hopefully getting the images they wanted.
This was the second workshop I’ve run this year, following on from a previous one back in January. What’s interesting is that I was asked by one of the participants about why I run the workshops? It’s certainly not for money, because these are run free of charge with the exception of people needing to cover the model fees and studio hire. I guess the reason I do it is that I enjoy the process of teaching (something I do as part of my real job) but more importantly I really do get a buzz watching people experience something new and enjoying doing it.
It’s also an opportunity to work with new models as well as getting some studio time for myself, so I guess there are some selfish motivations in there too. Anyway, number 2 down and probably the last one this year. Thanks again Grace
Tags: camera club, colour, dublin, flash, grace, model, portrait, studio, work shop
August 24th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I would love to learn how to use my lights better. One of my friends moved to Ireland a few years ago… Maybe I’ll have to coordinate my trip over to see her when you have another clinic
August 24th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Hi Ciaran,
I know I will be going into a studio again, I loved it (even if I can’t sleep the night before!). I am also quite sure if I had not done the workshop I would never have opened myself up to this type of photography and for that I must say a huge THANK YOU!
Regards
Lola
August 25th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Lola, I’m glad you enjoyed it.. and hey, you might have been nervous, you might have lost some sleep, but at least you were able to keep your breakfast down
By the way, I had a look at the images I took on your camera and was shocked to only find JPG’s and no RAW files 
You really should look into moving away from JPG and start shooting RAW. I’m amazed you haven’t been already 
August 25th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Paula.. it’s a long way to come just for a basic lighting course
But if you do ever make it over this far, do drop me a mail, I’d be glad to be of assistance.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:17 am
Hi Ciarán,
I joined the camera club at the start of the year and straight away the flash workshop really caught my eye. I definitely want to sign up for the next one (I know places are limited) so when will you be taking names? … and who do I have to kill to get on the list?
By the way, some fantastic work on the website. The blog entries are excellent and hit on things that are missing from most tutorials.
Cheers,
Rob
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Rob,
These aren’t fixed scheduled events. For the last few years I’ve managed to run two a year and I guess that sort of level will continue. It will probably be early 2010 before I run the next one. I’ll advertise the workshop on the club website as well emailing people directly, that have expressed an interest in attending. But it will still be very much run on a first come, first served basis.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Hi Ciaran,
I’m very interested in doing this workdshop the next time you do it…. so can you add me to your list please!
Many thanks,
Ashley.