Understanding Light: Natural Light Basics
with D'Ann Boal
4 WEEK WORKSHOP BEGINS AUG 26
Learn how to “find the light.”
This online course will help you learn how to “find the light” and take your natural light photography game to the next level! You’ll learn how to see and use light effectively, assess the quality of the light and manipulate it through a variety of techniques. We’ll cover how light contributes to the mood of an image and how you can use the direction of the light intentionally in your images. You’ll learn how to move beyond the golden hour and feel confident photographing subjects at any time of day while making the most of the light that is available. This is a Click Photo School textbook course, and you’ll see beautiful examples from a number of photographers to help you understand the concepts in new and exciting ways.
PREREQUISITES
To get the most out of this workshop, students should have a solid understanding of the exposure triangle. We will also talk about reflecting light during the course and students are encouraged to practice with a natural reflector or a DIY reflector (more information will be provided during the course of the class) Some students may want to purchase a reflector ahead of the class beginning.
what you’ll get
WEEKLY LESSONS
4 weekly lesson PDFs
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Videos that cover finding, using and manipulating natural light.
DAILY INSTRUCTOR-LED Q&A
Full participation students engage in instructor-led discussion and Q&A for daily interaction and support. Study along students have full viewing access.
CREATIVE VIDEOS
Creative videos from the instructors on how they use light in their own work.
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK & CRITIQUE
Full Participation students receive extensive personal video critiques of weekly assignment submissions.
Study Along Students have full viewing access.
syllabus
Welcome & Preassignment
Lesson One
LEARN ABOUT
Find and Identify the Light
Quality, Direction
Color and Intensity
Reading the Light
Soft Light and Hard Light
Lesson Two
LEARN ABOUT
Additive and Subtractive Light and the Tools You Need
Feathering
Filtering
Reflecting and Diffusing; The Science of Light
Making Hard Light Soft
Making Soft Light Hard
Natural and Dedicated Reflectors
Catchlights
Lesson Three
LEARN ABOUT
Working In Different Light– Open Shade
Covered Shade
Window Light
Direct Light and Backlight
Filtering the Light
Changing the Look of the Light
Lesson Four
LEARN ABOUT
Choosing the RIGHT light for your image
Understanding and Exploring Light Direction
Mood and Intent and why they matter
Styles and Profiles
as seen on instagram
#UNDERSTANDINGLIGHT_CLICKPHOTOSCHOOL
"I really loved this class. If you are looking for a class that will help you “see the light” both indoors and outside, this is definitely it."
- UMBREEN
read more reviews >
about your instructor
D’Ann graduated with a master’s degree in education, but it wasn’t until her son was born and they moved to the Caribbean that she picked up a camera and never looked back. Photographing their quiet life by the sea inspired her photography journey. Today she runs a photography boutique specializing in newborn, child and family photography. Living on a farm in Colorado with her husband, son and daughter, she loves to capture the light and magic of her children’s lives. She treasures her daily cup of jasmine tea, hikes with family, and long swims in the sunshine.
how it works
start learning
All class content is organized into simple steps as part of a clear, self-guided pathway inside your private online classroom. You'll check off each interactive step as you go, from completing readings and watching videos to student Q&A and assignment submissions.
download weekly lessons
Each week, students receive a set of course materials, which generally include a PDF and instructional videos. All course materials are yours to download and keep.
Materials vary by program
study & ask questions
Your registration includes access to a private online workshop for sharing and discussion. The workshop is open 24 hours a day so that you can learn and join discussions on your own schedule. The instructor is present in the workshop every day to answer questions and offer encouragement.
complete weekly assignments
Students receive an assignment to complete each week that pertains to the topics covered in the course materials and builds upon class discussion throughout the week.
Full Participation students engage in an interactive online classroom experience that includes instructor-led group discussions and detailed, personalized guidance for the duration of the workshop. Full participation students post their assignments in the workshop and receive critique each week.
Study Along students have access to all materials and are able to view all content and conversation in the main workshop. Study along students will not be able to ask the instructor questions or request instructor feedback on their assignments, but they can follow along with instructor critiques of the Full Participation assignments.
This class was a game changer for me – at the most basic level I now look for light and see the differences in light. I cannot say enough about Danielle who went above and beyond to answer questions, and explain nuances in detail This class provides so much information about using light to your advantage. I feel like I have a whole new arsenal of tools to make the best with the light that I have. And I now understand why I was having issues in some scenarios. I have taken two other CM classes as a SA. This was my first FP. Not sure I can ever do SA again. The feedback is invaluable. I am sad it is over especially because I had so many overcast days – I want to take this class in every season just for the awesome feedback!
This class opened my eyes to the light around me. It helped me improve my use of light in photography and my appreciation of the beauty of light in my everyday life. Danielle Awwad takes the time to create extra videos to help elucidate difficult concepts. She ensure the course material is personalized to the level of each student. Well worth the investment.
I LOVED this class! There is so much information and it has already made such a difference in my images. The information is well presented and thorough. Elizabeth is so thorough and thoughtful in her evaluations of your work. She has an amazing eye. If you are debating between study along vs full participant I highly recommend full participation to get the feedback. She answers every question with thought, examples, links, she really cares that you understand it. This was my second Clickin Mom’s course, my first was MME and this was a great second class to take.
If you are thinking of taking this class, stop thinking and start taking! This class was the most informative and photography-changing class I’ve had. I learned so much about finding and using light and I feel like my photos are finally starting to match my intention. Elizabeth was a supportive and involved instructor, who answered every question we posed as quickly and thoroughly as she could. Her feedback was invaluable! I can’t recommend this class enough!
This was my first class on light and I learned so much more about it than I expected. Every week was packed with information and Elizabeth guided us through each concept, answering all our questions with thorough explanations, personal examples, and video. She was seemingly always available and eagerly offered plenty of helpful, friendly encouragement. It’s a foundational class that’s changed the way I see light forever and how I use my camera every day since. I’ve read tons on this subject, but nothing substitutes the feedback and interaction of a workshop, especially when you’re able to take it FP and pour yourself into it each week. I seriously learn more in a 4 week workshop than I do in a year on my own.
I really loved this class. If you are looking for a class that will help you “see the light” both indoors and outside, this is definitely it. Elizabeth is a very supportive instructor, and she was also willing to dive into directions not in the syllabus based on questions asked by students. It is the first class I have taken, so I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I would definitely recommend it as a full participation course. My only regret is that it was just 4 weeks. I want more!
Understanding Light is a fantastic introduction to all things light! The materials (pdf’s and videos) were very thorough and really help to build a solid foundation for seeing and understanding how to use light. Elizabeth is exceptionally sweet and encouraging. I really felt like she cared about each one of us in the class, and that is a great feeling! She is more than willing to answer all questions and help you in any way that she can. She provides detailed video feedback on the weekly assignments that is very helpful. This is the class to take if you want to start building your knowledge of light, both indoors and out!
This class was by far the most eye opening class I have taken. My only regret is that it didn’t last longer. Elizabeth constantly encouraged us to ask questions, no question was too small and she answered in such detail. I have learned to see light in a whole new way and it has changed my photography. I highly encourage full participation in this class, the constant feedback is invaluable.