Amazing Lighting Workshop!

I was so lucky to be able to participate in a fantastic lighting workshop in Franklin, TN earlier this week with Zach and Jody Gray- check them out! http://www.grayphotograph.com/
The day started out like a scene from Wizard of Oz or Twister.  I was already thinking this could be a 'lightning' workshop instead of lighting with all the severe storms predicted, and I thought our workshop was going to be outside!  I had my poncho and umbrella handy, but figured any equipment couldn't possibly deflect bolts of lightning.

During our class time, it got extremely dark and windy with horizontal rain included.  I moved quickly from the window and found out later a tornado supposedly touched down not too far from us!  After the threat passed, we were able to go to a really cool place called The Factory, with plenty of covered and indoor areas.  The rain never really let up and it got very cold, but we all had a blast and learned so much.

Before we broke off into our groups to try our hand at off-camera lighting, Zach gave a demonstration on setting up one light and walking through the metering process, comparing natural light vs. the awesome one-light result.  I grabbed a natural light shot of Lindsey while he explained.  He later showed us the results and it was hard not to be amazed (you'll have to image since we didn't get a shot at this point).:)



Our group went with Jody first and each person took their turn setting up the light for the particular look they wanted (lighting pattern) as well as how dramatic they wanted the image (lighting ratio).  After the setup was ready, everyone set their cameras and took their turn!



The before/after below:  The first shot on the left shows how the day actually was- gray, rainy and generally miserable.  With the dramatic lighting setup of I think a 90% ratio, the image on the right is as captured using one off-camera light- what an amazing difference! 




We were very happy to move indoors and try to dry off- here was the second setup:


Then it was back outside with AJ's turn at setting up the light/shot:




It was time to thaw out back inside.  The first shot on the left almost looks photoshopped/fake, but it's not- it's amazing what slowing down that shutter speed did to create that effect.


These below are interesting to see the same basic shot from two different perspectives.



These last shots were shot with a speedlight flash and a giant/7ft umbrella.  Zach demonstrated how even using a flash can produce soft lighting as long as the umbrella is huge! :)


After we were done in our groups, we rejoined the rest to see the last demonstration of the day with glamour lighting and a reflector to achieve a beautiful image which Zach shared with the group.  It's another one of those you have to imagine :)


After a long day, the monsoon was finally slowing down a bit and we headed back for some delicious Italian food and discussion/review of the images of the day.  I had a wonderful time and learned so much!  Now, who's ready to be my model?

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