Photography lighting workshops in Melbourne usually involve light meters, modifiers, and a lot of standing around talking about ratios. Ours? Sure, there’s learning. But there’s also pressure, excitement, improv, and a wildly fun challenge that puts it all to the test.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to take a beginner lighting class – or whether you’d feel confident enough to direct someone under studio lights – come with us inside the Loop studio for a little behind-the-scenes recap of our recent workshop.
How We Structure Our Lighting Workshops at Loop
We keep things hands-on, small, and full of surprises. In this workshop, we introduced the foundations of studio lighting for photographers, covering:
Light direction and quality
Hard vs soft light
Using modifiers like umbrellas and reflectors
Metering, test shots, and adapting on the fly
But the real kicker came at the end.
Inspired by a YouTube video featuring incredible photographers Tyler Shields and Mike Gray, we gave each participant a challenge:
10 minutes to set up their lighting
5 minutes to direct and photograph a single portrait – of me
Yup. One subject. One light. One shot to get it right.
Sally’s Shot – Quietly Powerful
Sally stepped into the unknown first – no small feat. It’s one thing to practice lighting setups. It’s another to make a portrait under a ticking clock, with an audience, and with your instructor in front of the lens.
But damn, she owned it.
Sally didn’t hesitate. She made fast, confident decisions, invited me in with warmth, and posed me in a way that felt soft, serious, and personal. Her light? Balanced, flattering, and intentional. She’d clearly absorbed the technical side – but just as importantly, she trusted herself.
That’s a big lesson in any lighting class: It’s not just about where the lights go. It’s about what you do once they’re on.
Jude’s Portrait – Building Story
Next up: Jude.
What Jude brought was theatre. He spun a narrative. A backstory. He didn’t just place me in front of the lens – he gave me a role to play.
And he kept building. Every pose fed the next. Every adjustment pushed the story forward. That energy? Contagious.
Now, here’s the thing: while his final portrait might not be the most polished frame of the three, it’s the one that feels the most alive. It sticks. It reminds us that lighting is just one tool – what we do with our subject is everything.
Most beginner photographers overlook this. Not Jude.
Chris’ Portrait – A Study in Control, Connection & Style
Chris’ Portrait – A Study in Control, Connection & Style
Finally, Chris took over.
But not in an overwhelming way. Calm. Collected. In control.
He welcomed me in early, skipped the awkward faffing about, and just had it sorted. Lights metered. Exposure nailed. He even handed me a jacket – a subtle wardrobe choice to fit his frame.
And then? He chose to shoot in black and white. Not because it was cool – but because he remembered it was my favourite.
That’s when studio lighting becomes more than a technique – it becomes a language. Chris spoke it fluently.
So, What Did We Learn?
Honestly, heaps. Here’s what stood out:
Lighting for photographers isn’t just about gear. It’s about confidence.
Good photographers direct, not just click.
You don’t need years of experience to create something beautiful – you just need time, space, and a challenge that makes you use what you’ve learned.
If you’re curious about photography lighting workshops in Melbourne, or want a beginner-friendly studio class where you can learn the ropes (and then test them in real time), Loop’s the place.
We don’t just teach you how to shape light. We teach you how to bring your whole self into the room – and leave with a portrait that proves it.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
Come join us in the studio. No fluff. No egos. Just a room full of lights, stories, and the kind of energy that helps you take a portrait you’ll be proud of.
Explore upcoming dates for our Lighting Workshops, or book a 1-on-1 lighting lesson tailored to your pace.