Understanding Light & Light Modifiers (Self-Paced)

Professional studio lighting requires understanding not just equipment, but the fundamental principles governing how light behaves and how different modifiers shape light quality. This comprehensive course breaks down lighting concepts into clear, understandable language and demonstrates how each principle applies to practical lighting scenarios.

After This Course, You'll Be Able To:

• Use professional lighting vocabulary to discuss light characteristics and solutions
• Create distinctive lighting styles that match your creative vision
• Build complete lighting setups with confidence and intentionality
• Recreate inspiring lighting from reference images you admire
• Systematically develop your light modifier collection

Fundamental Principles of Light:

Instructor Mark Wallace methodically explains the essential principles that govern studio lighting. Each principle is presented clearly, then applied to specific light modifiers so you understand why different tools produce particular effects.

Principles Covered In Detail:

• Light direction: how light position influences facial modeling and form
• Contrast and tonal range: creating dimension and visual interest
• Light quality: the difference between hard light and soft light, and when to use each
• Effective size: understanding perceived light size relative to subject distance
• Inverse Square Law: how light intensity changes with distance
• Angle of Incidence and Reflection: controlling light spill and direction
• Color temperature: managing warm and cool tones in studio lighting
• Dynamic range: handling exposure across highlights and shadows

Modifier Selection and Application:

Once you understand these principles, the size, shape, and surface characteristics of each light modifier make logical sense. You'll know why a large silver umbrella behaves differently from a small softbox, when grid usage is appropriate, and how to control light spill effectively. This knowledge allows you to build effective setups with whatever modifiers you own and make smart future equipment purchases.

Suitable For All Studio Photographers:

• Beginner to intermediate portrait photographers establishing studio practice
• Portrait photographers currently working in a studio who want to deepen their understanding
• Anyone interested in expanding their lighting equipment collection strategically
• Photographers seeking to master more sophisticated lighting options

Software Used:

• Adobe Photoshop CC 2021
• Adobe Lightroom Classic 2021

About Your Instructor:

Mark Wallace is a photographer and educational content creator based in the United States. He's best known for his popular web video series Digital Photography One on One and Exploring Photography, sponsored by Adorama. His YouTube videos have been viewed millions of times, and he maintains active engagement with followers through social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. In 2014, Mark left conventional travel for a two-year worldwide adventure visiting 28 countries and capturing thousands of unique photographs. In 2016, he further embraced adventure by exploring the world on a motorcycle, combining his passion for photography with his love of travel.