Introduction to Studio Lighting

Instructor: Plamen Petkov

Dates: Sundays, February 8, 15, 22 & March 1, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Ages: 18+

Members: $234

Non-Members: $260

(Registration deadline:  February 3)

Description:

Explore the creative potential of studio (strobe) lighting for photographing people. Starting with one light and a simple seamless background, participants will learn proper exposure, light quality, contrast control, and techniques for directing human subjects. In subsequent weeks, additional lighting will be demonstrated for accent lights, background lights and fill lights. Images will be captured digitally and critiqued in session.

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Materials:

Provided by participants:

• Digital Camera

A lighting studio will be set up at Five Points Arts Center and be available by sign up for the duration of the workshop. Strobes, light stands, umbrellas, reflectors, tripod, seamless background paper will be available.

Instructor Bio:

Plamen Petkov is a New York–based photographer working across still life, portraiture, and time-based media. His current projects explore constructed objects and long-form image sequences sourced from live television. He is transitioning from commercial work toward projects supported by grants, exhibitions, and collectors. Clients include Visionaire, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, V Magazine, Elle, Wired, The New York Times, L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Artistry, Coty, and American Express among many others.

Instructor's website: https://www.plamenpetkov.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here