Introduction to Studio Portrait Lighting Class (Austin)

Introduction to Studio Portrait Lighting

Learn how professional photographers create powerful portraits by shaping light and controlling shadows in the studio.

Join photographer and educator Jasper Johal for a slide show presentation, followed by a hands on demonstration exploring the craft of studio portrait lighting. Using examples from Jasper’s own professional portrait and editorial photography, this class reveals how intentional lighting transforms a simple photograph into a compelling portrait. 

This class focuses primarily on studio lighting techniques — how to design, shape, and control light using strobes, modifiers, backgrounds, and creative lighting decisions. Jasper shares the thought process behind creating portraits that communicate personality, confidence, and emotion.

Class Highlights

1. Understanding Studio Light

Learn the fundamentals of creating professional studio portraits:

• How photographers “paint” with light
• The difference between light quantity and light quality
• Creating depth with highlights and shadows
• Understanding direction, contrast, and mood
• How small lighting changes create dramatic differences

Using examples from Jasper Johal’s portrait work, students learn how lighting choices influence the feeling of an image.

2. Studio Lighting Equipment Explained

Understand the tools professionals use:

• Studio strobes vs. continuous lighting
• Softboxes, umbrellas, grids, beauty dishes, and reflectors
• Controlling softness and contrast
• Light placement and distance
• Background separation techniques

Jasper explains not only what equipment does, but why a photographer chooses it.

3. Creating Different Portrait Styles

See how lighting creates different visual identities:

Corporate & Professional Portraits

Clean, confident, approachable lighting

Editorial Portraits

More expressive lighting with storytelling and personality

Fashion & Creative Portraits

Stronger shapes, contrast, and visual impact

Dramatic Portraits

Using shadows and controlled highlights to create mood

4. Multi-Light Portrait Setups

Master the foundation of studio lighting:

• Key light + fill light
• Hair and rim lighting
• Background lighting
• Creating separation from the background
• Balancing multiple lights for natural results

Students learn how commercial and editorial photographers build lighting setups step-by-step.

5. Types of Portrait Lighting

Topics include classic approaches such as:

• Rembrandt lighting
• Loop lighting
• Butterfly lighting
• Side lighting
• Dramatic low-key portraits

What You Will Learn

By the end of this class, photographers will understand how to:

• Build professional studio lighting setups
• Control shadows and highlights
• Choose and position lighting modifiers
• Create portraits with mood and emotion
• Move beyond “lighting a person” to creating a photographic vision

Duration: 2 hours

Format: Illustrated slideshow presentation + Q and A

Level: Beginner photographers through advanced enthusiasts

Instructor: Jasper Johal

Professional photographer with decades of experience creating editorial, advertising, portrait, dance, and travel imagery. Jasper brings a storytelling approach to lighting — combining technical knowledge with creative vision. 

See Jasper Johal’s website for more examples: 

https://www.jasperphoto.com