Lighting The Scene
Nigel Barker
Lessons
Class Description
AFTER THIS CLASS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
- Light a complex, cluttered scene with different textures and surfaces
- Dramatically alter the mood simply by altering the light
- Use natural and strobe lighting to tell a story
- Comfortably move between natural light and strobe within the same space
- Develop a story using tips on light, pose and more
ABOUT NIGEL'S CLASS:
Harness the story-telling power of light. In this class, watch fashion photographer Nigel Barker use light to tell two entirely different stories within the same space. Learn to evaluate a scene for potential lighting advantages and pitfalls. Train your eyes to spot existing natural reflectors already within a scene. Build your artificial lighting prowess with a behind-the-scenes look at lighting set-ups from a simple single light to a dramatic eight-light ensemble.
Learn how to use light to build a story and a mood into your photographs using both natural light and strobes. In this approximately 90-minute class, watch a start-to-finish shoot in an industrial steam plant. Keeping the setting, styling, clothing, and models the same, Nigel demonstrates how to use light to go from a World War II-era industrial story to a futuristic tale with a touch of sci-fi. The only thing that changes? The light.
While this class follows a photographer primarily known in the fashion industry, the lighting tips and tricks aren't limited to a single genre of photography. Whether you are tackling environmental portrait photography or a fine-art portrait, learn how to light the scene in this CreativeLive class.
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR:
- Intermediate photographers ready to take lighting on-location
- Professional photographers looking for on-location lighting inspiration
SOFTWARE USED:
Capture One
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
As the photographer (and a judge) on America's Next Top Model for 18 seasons, Nigel Barker knows fashion photography. Besides his TV appearances (which also include hosting The Face and Top Photographer), the New York-based photographer also led films and documentaries for Hollywood clients. Respected in the world of fashion photography, Nigel has owned his own studio since 1996 and is the author of two fashion books. Students praise his engaging, to-the-point teaching style (and his British accent doesn't hurt either).
Ratings and Reviews
a Creativelive Student
I think this is a great class for a photographer who is interested in fashion and editorial work. Nigel shows you what it's like behind the scenes and how he invokes the looks, stances, and poses from his models to get the story of his images. This class isn't about the why's and how's of what camera and strobe settings he uses on set. He does show you the different gels, reflectors, and strobes utilized but really just plants a seed so you can explore on your own. He mentions that it's important for the photographer to own their style and lighting. I love how Nigel shares how he creates the environment for a story. For editorial work, I feel one of the most important elements of a shoot is the experience you create for your model. It is the magic ingredient for capturing images with impact.
user-f37802
Nigel is a good communicator and excellent photographer. However, you won't learn too much from this class. It is a Behind The Scene footage showing Nigel at work. That's all. Nigel doesn't measure ambient and artificial light, and won't tell you the light values you need to achieve the desired effect. Recommend to those who look for motivational support; certainly do not recommend to those who look for technical knowledge. For that reason, I feel like the tutorial is a bit overpriced. Thank you
Margaret Lovell
I prefer natural light, but want to learn more about studio light. Nigel is an excellent instructor, and photographer. He can explain lighting concepts in easy to understand steps. He also gives plenty of excellent and useful tips.
Student Work
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