Program Overview

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Studio Photography Fundamentals

Course Overview

This quick-start practical introduction to studio photography will familiarise you with the equipment and techniques in a professional photography studio and give you the opportunity to experiment with lighting techniques in a studio setting.

Key Details

• Location: Institute of Photography, Penryn Campus
• Course Duration: 1 day
• Tuition Fees per Individual: £200

Course Details

This is a one-day practical introduction to studio photography fundamentals based in large professional photography studios at our Institute of Photography. It has been designed to appeal to studio photography beginners who would like to gain knowledge of how to set up a professional photography studio, including using lighting.

This course will provide an introductory day’s learning, and is designed to familiarise you with the equipment, safety protocols, and workflow of a professional photography studio setting. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence you need to operate a photography studio safely and efficiently, whilst achieving professional results.

Course Outline

This is an outline of what to expect for the course. The day will start with tea, coffee and a welcome to the day’s activities. Then we’ll get straight into the day’s learning, covering the following topics:

• Camera Setup – Understanding camera settings and how to use a light meter for a correct exposure.
• Safety Protocols – Guidelines for working safely in a studio, including handling equipment properly and maintaining a tidy, hazard-free environment.
• Studio Workflow – Overview of typical studio processes, from planning, subject preparation, lighting adjustments, image capture and sending images to print.
• Lighting Equipment – An introduction to key lighting techniques such as a single light and a single light and reflector, including learning how to position and control them for optimal results.
• Reflectors and Modifiers – How to use reflectors to bounce light and soften shadows, as well as experimenting with the use of different light modifiers such as soft-boxes, honeycombs, snoots and brollies.

Course Leader: Roger Shone

After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 1985 Roger moved to London and started working in music retail. The following 17 years saw him moving into the export, distribution and sales side of the music industry. In 2002 he decided to take a career break and leave London. He travelled to the USA, Australia and New Zealand for just over five months during which time his passion for photography was rekindled. In 2003 he enrolled on the HND Photography & Digital Imaging course at Truro College. A year after completing the course he started working there as a Photography Technician and in 2012 joined Falmouth University in the Institute of Photography.

How You'll Learn

Roger delivers all the topics on this course as a practical demonstration followed by the opportunity to try out the techniques. As well as learning the theory, you’ll gain hands-on experience of everything you learn. Expect to be taking photographs throughout the day.

Who is This Course For

This introductory course is suitable for photographers or photography enthusiasts who would like to gain experience of a professional studio setting. It has been designed for beginners wishing to gain experience of studio lighting and how to set up and work in a professional photo studio, with no prior studio experience required. It would also be suitable for creative makers or product designers who would like to learn how to take better quality photographs of their products in a studio environment.

What to Expect

An in-depth day where you’ll be on your feet in the studio getting hands-on with practical demonstrations. Roger teaches this course by demonstrating the method then giving you the opportunity to try it out. You will be using our professional quality cameras and equipment during this course.

What to Bring

All equipment and materials are provided. Please remember to bring a packed lunch with you.

What We'll Provide

All materials you will need are included in the course fee, including 5 professional quality 6x4 prints and 1 10x8 print of your chosen photos. The course also includes tea/coffee and free parking on campus.

Food and Drink

Tea/coffee is included, with all diets catered for. Please note: lunch is not included in the course cost, we recommend bringing a packed lunch or visiting one of our on-campus cafés.

Location

This course is taught in our specialised studio facilities at the Institute of Photography on our Penryn campus.

Eligibility

This course is suitable for photography enthusiasts who would like to gain experience of a professional studio setting. No prior studio experience is required.

How to Apply

To apply for this course, make your selection from the available dates below, this will take you to an event page where you will be able to book yourself onto the course via the Book now link.

Upcoming Short Courses

• Photography studio
  • Fri 15 Aug 2025
  • Price: £200
  • Studio Photography Fundamentals
    • In-person
    • This quick-start practical introduction to studio photography will familiarise you with the equipment and techniques in a professional photography studio and give you the opportunity to experiment with lighting techniques in a studio setting.

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