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Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Lighting Techniques for Photography

“Photography is writing with light.” This comprehensive technical course explores the physics and artistry of illumination. Whether using studio strobes, speedlights, or continuous LEDs, students will learn to shape light to define form, texture, and mood. The curriculum covers standard lighting patterns (Rembrandt, Butterfly), ratios, and the use of modifiers to control hardness and softness.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the physics of light: Quality (Hard/Soft), Direction, and Color
  2. Operate studio equipment: Strobes, Triggers, and Light Meters
  3. Execute classic lighting patterns: Rembrandt, Loop, Butterfly, and Split
  4. Control "Lighting Ratios" to manage contrast and mood
  5. Mix flash with ambient light for location photography
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Physics of Light: Inverse Square Law
  2. 02Introduction to Studio Strobes & Grip
  3. 03Modifiers I: Umbrellas & Softboxes (Diffusion)
  4. 04Modifiers II: Grids, Snoots, & Barn Doors (Control)
  5. 05The One-Light Setup: Feathering & Falloff
  6. 06Classic Portrait Patterns: Rembrandt & Loop
  7. 07Classic Portrait Patterns: Butterfly & Split
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Lighting Ratios: Measuring Contrast
  10. 10Background Lighting & Gels
  11. 11High Key vs. Low Key Lighting
  12. 12Speedlights: Portable Flash Techniques
  13. 13Mixing Flash with Ambient Light
  14. 14Lighting for Texture (Product/Still Life)
  15. 15Creative Lighting: Colored Light & Gobos
  16. 16Final Project: The Cinematic Lighting Series

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Cinematic Lighting Series

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting by Fil Hunter
  2. Mastering Lighting: Using The World's Most Important Photographic Tool by Susan McCartney
  3. Sketching Light by Joe McNally
  4. The Hot Shoe Diaries by Joe McNally
  5. Lighting for Texture (Specialized Guides)
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