06/2024 FIRST EVER STUDIO LIGHTING WORKSHOP: FULL BREAKDOWN - Early YT post W/Free notes to copy/paste

STUDIO LIGHTING WORKSHOP: FULL BREAKDOWN
Instructor: StretchLifeVisuals (Nick Jonas)
Location: Samia's Content House, Atlanta
Date: June 23,2024

🕜 PREP & MINDSET

"The time is 5AM. No sleep. Running off pure adrenaline."

• First-ever workshop: no flyer, just a story post + word-of-mouth.

• 10 attendees max, two sessions: 12PM and 2PM.

• Mental prep: full transparency on nerves, imposter syndrome, and being vulnerable.

• Core principle: "Action over words" — just do it, even if you're not 100% ready.

📦 GEAR PACK LIST (for a small studio space)

• Main Light: 7ft Parabolic Umbrella

• Modifiers:

  • Strip Box (x1)

  • 20-30in GBM Softbox

  • Reflector (for under-chin fill)

  • Beauty Dish (standard and Easy Lock versions)

• Lighting Units:

  • Godox AD600 (portable)

  • Godox DP600III (plug-in, studio light)

  • Godox AD200 (for backlighting, "been through war" edition)

• Cameras/Lenses:

  • Sony a7R V w/ 24-70mm f/2.8 (ideal for tight spaces)

  • A variety of attendee gear: Canon R6, Sony a6400, Nikon, etc.

📊 LIGHTING SETUP #1: THE "GO-TO"

Primary Configuration:

• Front: 7ft Parabolic Umbrella

• Back/Rim Light: Strip box with Godox AD200

Camera Settings (Starting Point):

• ISO: 125-250 (low as possible)

• Shutter: 1/100

• Aperture: f/2.8

• Flash Power: Start high (1/16), adjust down (1/32, 1/64)

• Exposure Meter Target: -1.3 to -1.7

Step-by-Step Process:

• Expose for background first.

• Add main light and test until properly exposed.

• Add backlight (start at 1/1, then reduce to taste).

• Adjust light placement to avoid spill on the wall.

• Use reflector underneath to fill shadows under chin.

Teaching Tip: Trial and error is essential. Don't be afraid to overshoot and scale back.

🔍 COMPOSITION TIPS

• Use gridlines on camera to align subject + props.

• Subject should be centered; props like tables and plants should sit on vertical/horizontal thirds.

• Get low to make subject appear larger and stronger.

• Be intentional with spacing and framing to tell a visual story.

👍 LIGHTING SETUP #2: SMALL ROOM / TARGETED LIGHT

Lighting Modifier: Gridded 20-30in Softbox

• Less spread, more directional.

• Best for precise lighting and intentional shadow placement.

Technique:

• Frame using grid lines.

• Introduce reflector for bounce lighting.

• Compare gridded vs. non-gridded light results.

Teaching Point:

• Small modifiers require accuracy. Mistakes show easier.

• Great for moody or cinematic effects.

📊 LIGHTING SETUP #3: BACKDROP SCENE

Modifier: 40in Deep Parabolic Softbox (with and without grid)

• Slightly harsher than umbrella but still soft.

• Used mainly for video, but adaptable for photo.

Light Positioning:

• At a 45-degree angle to the model, slightly above eye level.

• Model must face the light to avoid flat or poor exposure.

Shadow Talk:

• Learn to "see" shadows, not just light.

• Shadows create drama and depth — use them on purpose.

💡 KP'S SEGMENT: INTENTIONALITY & COFFEE-STAIN LIGHTING

Photographer: KP / @thekparchives

Philosophy:

• Ask clients: "How do you want to feel when you look at these photos?"

• Shoot with emotional tone + outcome in mind.

Setup:

• One-Light: Stained diffuser with coffee

• Warmer tones to flatter deeper skin tones

• Typically no grid

Goal:

• More warmth, more soul

• Angle light 45 degrees for natural shadow depth

🔄 QUICK FIRE GEMS

• Use what you have: Expensive gear isn’t necessary

• Silver = harsher light; White = softer

• Feathering = aim light slightly away for a softer hit

• Background blur: Use primes like 105mm f/1.4 for strong subject separation

🎉 FINAL THOUGHT

"It’s time to quit talking about it and be about it."

This workshop was built on short notice, fueled by grit, and filled with practical gems. Whether you're shooting with a Canon kit lens or a Sony beast, the principles stay the same: know your light, feel your subject, and shoot with intention.

Drop questions in the comments, try these setups yourself, and tag me (@stretchlifevisuals) in your test shots — I wanna see y’all level up.

Stay creating.