Simplified One Light Photography

with G. Michael Higgins

Join us for a dynamic lighting workshop with portrait photographer, G. Micheal Higgins, where you'll harness the power of a single light source to master the fundamentals of photographic lighting! This hands-on experience will guide you through the essentials of light direction, intensity, and quality, providing you with the tools to create stunning images with just one light. Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors will share tips and tricks to make the most of your lighting setup. By the end of the session, you'll walk away not just with knowledge, but with newfound confidence to illuminate your photography!

What we’ll cover:

  • 1. Understanding Light and Shadows

    • Learn how light direction, distance, and hardness/softness affect your subject.

    • Exercise: Move a single bare bulb light around a subject (front, side, back, high, low) and capture images to compare shadow effects.

    2. Modifiers and Their Impact

    • Explore how softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors change light quality and control shadows.

    • Exercise: Take a portrait using a bare light, then repeat with different modifiers. Compare images to see how each one changes the look.

    3. Mastering Light Placement

    • Learn key lighting patterns (Rembrandt, loop, butterfly, and split lighting) and their effects on mood and dimension.

    • Exercise: Recreate one lighting style of your choice on a partner and take a portrait. Share and discuss results with the group.

    Student Takeaways:

    • Understand how the direction, distance, and quality of a single light source affect shadows, contrast, and mood.

    • Understand how to use softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, and grids to control light for different effects. And

    • Feeling comfortable setting up and adjusting a single light to achieve desired results in different shooting environments.  

Location:

This workshop will be held at the amazing HYPR Studios, right next to our Old Fourth Ward location!

About G. Michael Higgins

G. Michael Huggins is a personal brand and fashion photographer, creative director, pose coach, and educator dedicated to capturing authentic stories through his lens. He founded Foto-Therapy Photography in 2020, transforming his passion into a thriving career.

His journey began with a simple goal - photographing his clothing line, Marked Clothing. This sparked a more profound love for photography, which led him to explore weddings, portraits, and editorial work. He learned lighting techniques and invested in new photography lenses, which led to the launch of Foto-Therapy as a business. Shooting that wedding was the catalyst that pointed him into the trajectory of starting his business. From hobbyist to professional, G. Michael quickly honed his craft, expanding into business branding, model portfolio development, and high-impact editorial storytelling.

In 2020, he co-founded AMP Studios in Muncie, IN, alongside two other creative professionals, providing a dedicated space for innovative photography and artistic collaboration. The studio remains a creative hub, even as G. Michael has recently relocated to Georgia to expand his photography career and reach new audiences.

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of personal branding. G. Michael continues to empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and creatives through his work - helping them present their best selves to the world through Foto-Therapy Photography & Media."

More info

 

What do I need for this workshop?

Students are asked to bring their cameras with a portrait lens. Bring reflector kits if you own them as well.

Any questions? Contact us here!