Master the art of on-location portraits with portable studio lights, continuous lighting, and other lighting accesories

  • Learn to capture compelling portraits in diverse locations using off-camera flash, continuous lighting, reflectors and diffusers

  • Hands-on experience in small groups, ensuring personal time with the equipment and guidance in directing a location shoot

  • Immerse in a full-day model shoot, crafting stunning portraits with innovative lighting setups using minimal equipment for maximum impact!

About the On-Location Lighting Course

Course details

  • Interactive sessions in small groups for personalized learning and hands-on practice with equipment.
  • Day 1: Explore the core principles of on-location lighting, focusing on portable studio lights and continuous lights, with practical demonstrations on leveraging both indoor and outdoor lighting. Equip yourself with knowledge on off-camera flash, using wireless transmitters, and also reflectors and diffusers.
  • Day 2: Direct and engage in a comprehensive practical shoot, addressing the essential portrait lighting setups. Learn to navigate and resolve common challenges encountered in on-location shoots.

Presented by Danie Bester

Danie Bester, the Founder and Programme Director of DPC, is one of the most knowledgeable and versatile photographers in South Africa, with a deep understanding of artificial lighting, both in the studio and on location. Over the past 15 years, he has trained and mentored some of the country’s top photographers.

My philosophy on lighting is that any scene and any light situation can be enhanced by using flash in some capacity, even if it is only a subtle rim light, a hair light, or just a punch from a key light to lift the shadows.

Trompie van der Berg

Key aspects

The most important aspects covered in the On-Location Lighting Course:

  • Camera settings for flash photography.
  • Mastering portable studio strobes and continuous lights in varied locations.
  • Understanding and using wireless triggers, TTL, and manual settings for creative control.
  • Effective use of reflectors and diffusers to sculpt light.
  • Techniques for blending flash with ambient light, including sync speeds and strobist approaches.
  • Mixed lighting: Combine flash with ambient or natural light, including dragging the shutter and strobist techniques.
  • Coordination of multiple off-camera flashes.
  • Crafting light with modifiers like softboxes and umbrellas.
  • Practical 1 and 2-light setups.
  • Strategies to foresee and tackle common on-location issues.
  • Comprehensive hand-outs: Quick-reference guide and an e-book with lighting setups and diagrams.

Who is this course for?

Photographers at an intermediate level keen to advance their skills in on-location lighting for portraits and weddings.

Course duration

2-Day weekend workshop.

Requirements

  • DSLR or Mirrorless camera with manual mode, and a fundamental understanding of camera settings.
  • Note: This course is focused on off-camera and advanced portable lighting, with minimal emphasis on speedlights. For in-depth speedlight techniques, particularly for events and functions, consider our dedicated 1-Day Speedlight Course.

Cost

R3,100 per person. R600 discount for returning DPC students. Includes lunch and refreshments.

Upcoming On-Location Lighting Courses

  • Dates to be announced