Build your studio lighting skills and create polished, professional photographs

Studio Lighting for Photography Courses

Studio Lighting for Photography Courses


Lighting can make or break an image and understanding how to use studio lighting in your photography can be confusing, our Studio Lighting for Photography courses are designed to guide you through the science, variety and best practice of studio lighting. Throughout this practical photography course, you will dissect studio lighting looks created by well-known photographers and use a model to demonstrate and understand the behaviour of light and how to manipulate it. Working in a studio environment you will be hands on with flash lighting equipment, backgrounds and props and learn the do’s and don'ts of positioning your subject.

The course’s aim is to equip you with the technical tools to add another layer of creativity to your portraits. Each participant will have the chance to trial different lighting techniques, using a selection of light modifiers and will leave with a selection of work to add to their portfolios.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE:

Master the skill of studio lighting and discover how light can transform every photograph you create.

  • Develop the skills to confidently work with professional studio lighting equipment.
  • Discover how different lighting setups can shape mood, texture and atmosphere.
  • Learn to create more polished, professional-looking portraits and still life images.
  • Build a practical understanding of light modifiers, reflectors and studio accessories.
  • Strengthen your creative decision-making by learning to control and manipulate light.
  • Receive expert guidance and personalised feedback throughout practical studio sessions.
  • Leave with the skills to apply studio lighting techniques to your own photography projects.

New to photography?

Before attending this course you will need a basic knowledge of aperture, camera lenses, shutter speed and ISO including exposure modes. If you’re new to photography, then you may find it helpful to sign up to one of our Beginner Courses first.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
03 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
30 Oct 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
19 Nov 2026
Thu
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
18 Dec 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
12 Jan 2027
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
03
Oct
03 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
30
Oct
30 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
19
Nov
19 Nov 2026
£195.00
Day:Thu
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
18
Dec
18 Dec 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
12
Jan
12 Jan 2027
£195.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Soft & Hard Light

Understand the difference between soft and hard lighting, and how each can shape the mood of your images.

Light Modifiers

Explore how to use soft boxes, beauty dishes, umbrellas, snoots and reflectors to control your lighting.

Lighting Setups

Practise one, two and three-light setups to create a range of professional studio effects.

Backgrounds & Props

Discover how backgrounds and props can support your creative vision and strengthen your final images.

Working with Models

Develop confidence directing and photographing a model in a studio setting.

Exposure and Colour

Develop an understanding of exposure, colour balance and lighting ratios to produce consistent results.

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Located in the heart of Waterloo, our fully equipped Photography Studio has everything you need to develop your skills, including studio lighting, backgrounds, cameras, tripods, props and more.

Step outside and you are surrounded by brilliant shoot locations, from the Southbank, Leake Street Arches and Lower Marsh Market to Waterloo Bridge, the Thames riverside and the bold architecture of the National Theatre. It is an ideal setting for exploring studio lighting, portraiture, street photography, architecture, composition and natural light, with the city providing a constantly changing backdrop for your work.

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Do I need my own camera?

Please bring a mirrorless camera, a DSLR camera or a compact camera with full manual controls, your camera’s manual, a fully charged battery, an empty memory card, comfortable shoes and an external flash (if owned, we can supply them if not).  If you don’t have all of this please don't worry, we can provide all equipment as needed.

Want to learn more?

Many of our student go on to explore other creative areas to broaden their skills and keep their inspiration flowing. Whether it’s diving into a new art form, building on your current abilities, or simply trying something different for fun, these courses are a great way to continue your journey with us

Photography Summer School

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
Photography Summer School

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
03 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
30 Oct 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
19 Nov 2026
Thu
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
18 Dec 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
12 Jan 2027
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
06 Feb 2027
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
23 Mar 2027
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
17 Apr 2027
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
12 May 2027
Wed
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
18 Jun 2027
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£195.00
03
Oct
03 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
30
Oct
30 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
19
Nov
19 Nov 2026
£195.00
Day:Thu
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
18
Dec
18 Dec 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
12
Jan
12 Jan 2027
£195.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
06
Feb
06 Feb 2027
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
23
Mar
23 Mar 2027
£195.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
17
Apr
17 Apr 2027
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
12
May
12 May 2027
£195.00
Day:Wed
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
18
Jun
18 Jun 2027
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day

Payments options

Cancellations Policy

Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked.

 

Weekly courses and one-day workshops
Cancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead.

 

Intensive courses of five consecutive days or more
Cancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead.

 

We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance.

Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off*

Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off*

*Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Closest Station: Waterloo
Closest Bus Stop: Imperial War Museum / Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway
James Ross
James Ross
City Academy Photography Tutors
City Academy Photography Tutors

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