Workshop Outline
Elevate your photography skills with our hands-on studio lighting workshop series, designed to help you master everything from basic lighting setups to advanced portrait techniques. Led by experienced photographer Rachel Marie Castillo, each session is tailored to provide you with actionable skills, personal feedback, and the opportunity to experiment in a supportive, creative environment.
Whether you're new to studio lighting or looking to fine-tune your craft, this workshop series will guide you through the essential techniques to create stunning, professional portraits. You’ll receive hands-on training and a chance to practice with guidance on achieving your best shots.
Workshop Details:
CLOSED
Feb 2nd, 10am-1pm
Introduction to Studio Lighting
March 1st, 10am-1pm
Portrait Lighting Essentials
April 5th, 10am-1pm
Creative Lighting and Shadow Play
May 3rd, 10am-2pm
Advanced: Multiple Light Setups
June 7th, 10am-2pm
Advanced: Natural Light + Studio Light Fusion
Learn the foundational concepts of studio lighting, including the role of key light, fill light, and background light. Understand how to control light in the studio for beautiful, dynamic portraits.
Master the classic portrait lighting techniques like Rembrandt, Butterfly, and Loop lighting. Discover how to flatter your subject while enhancing the natural features with simple lighting setups.
Explore the power of creative lighting for unique, dramatic portraits. Learn to play with light and shadows to add depth and interest to your work.
Take your lighting setups to the next level with multi-light configurations. Learn how to balance multiple light sources to create depth and separation in complex portraits.
Learn to seamlessly blend natural light with artificial studio lighting for dynamic, balanced portraits. This session is perfect for photographers looking to work both indoors and outdoors.
Pricing & Sliding Scale
We believe in making our workshops accessible to all. Our pricing is on a sliding scale to ensure flexibility and inclusivity.
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Beginner/Intermediate Workshops: $120 - $150 per session
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Advanced Workshops: $150 - $200 per session
Pay what you can within the range. The higher end supports the workshop series and allows us to offer flexible pricing for all participants.
About the Instructor:
Rachel Marie Castillo
Founder of Rachel Marie Photography and Tucson Headshot, Rachel is an artist, photographer, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in creative and technical photography. Rachel’s approach to teaching is rooted in inclusivity, empowerment, and building confidence behind the camera.
Rachel specializes in portrait photography with a focus on body positivity, self-love, and authentic self-expression. Her work supports women, trans, and femme-identified photographers, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Having worked extensively in both commercial and creative photography, Rachel is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others to help them grow as artists and entrepreneurs. She believes in creating a learning environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
What You'll Learn
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Understanding and mastering different studio lighting techniques
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How to create flattering portraits using basic and advanced lighting setups
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Tips for combining natural light and studio lighting for dynamic results
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Creating dramatic, creative portraits using shadows and lighting modifiers
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How to optimize light for various types of portraits, from beauty shots to business branding
FAQ's
1. Do I need to have my own lighting gear for the workshop?
No, you do not need to bring your own lighting gear. We will be working with strobe (flashing) lights and LED (constant) lights, and all necessary equipment will be provided during the workshop. You'll have the opportunity to experiment with different types of lights and modifiers to understand what best suits your needs, before deciding on what to purchase for your own setup.
2. I already have professional camera gear. Will this workshop work for me?
Absolutely! This workshop is designed for photographers who already have professional camera gear and want to improve their lighting skills.
3. What if I miss a session?
While we do not offer refunds, if you are unable to attend a session, we can apply a partial credit to a future workshop. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
4. Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes! The workshop series is perfect for photographers of all experience levels. Whether you're new to studio lighting or an experienced photographer wanting to refine your skills, each session will provide valuable insights and techniques.
5. Will I have the opportunity to ask questions during the workshop?
Yes, absolutely! Each workshop includes time for Q&A and one-on-one support. You’ll be guided through different lighting setups and will have the chance to ask questions and receive personalized feedback to improve your skills.
6. How will the sliding scale pricing work?
We offer a sliding scale for each workshop, allowing you to pay within a set range that works best for you. For the beginner/intermediate workshops, the sliding scale is $120 - $150 per session, and for advanced workshops, the sliding scale is $150 - $200 per session. Your payment at the higher end supports future workshops and ensures we can continue to offer this pricing flexibility.
7. What should I bring to the workshop?
Please bring your camera, lenses, memory cards, and any accessories you may need. Since we will be providing all the lighting equipment, you don’t need to bring lighting gear, but feel free to bring any modifiers or tools you already use. This is a great opportunity to discuss how your current gear can be used effectively in the studio environment.
8. What if I have no experience with studio lighting?
Not a problem! We’ll cover the basics and help you build a strong foundation in studio lighting. If you're already experienced, the workshop will give you the opportunity to experiment with more advanced setups. Our goal is to meet you where you are and help you develop your skills.
9. How does the included studio time work?
Each workshop includes one hour of studio time for you to practice the techniques you’ve learned. This hands-on experience will help you feel more confident using the lighting setups. If you'd like to extend your practice time, additional studio time can be purchased at a discounted price.
10. What types of lighting will we be working with?
We will be working with mono head strobe lights and LED lights throughout the workshops. These are ideal for creating high-quality studio portraits and are versatile for various types of shoots. We will not be using speed lights during the workshop.
11. Can I attend just one session, or do I need to sign up for the whole series?
You can absolutely attend just one workshop. Each workshop is designed to stand alone, so you can choose the ones that align with your current needs and skill level.
