Robert Sullivan Photography will, again, be teaching what was a very well attended and popular workshop at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum during last year’s RAIL – A Steampunk Event.

However, this year, participation to this advanced class will be limited to only 12 attendees to ensure that Robert has an opportunity to work with each student in the hands-on portion of the workshop while they put to use what he will be demonstrating and teaching. (There will also be a general beginner photography workshop earlier in the day)

Here’s what you will learn in this information packed 3-hour Advanced Lighting Workshop:

• How to properly light your subjects with off-camera flash
• How to determine the camera and flash settings needed to create cinematic style portraits with well exposed subjects and dramatic backgrounds
• How ISO, aperture, and shutter speed relate somewhat differently with flash than without
• How make a drab sunset “pop” in camera and even before post processing
• Post processing techniques to enhance the drama of your photography
• Off-camera flash, powerpacks, and remote trigger options to consider purchasing
• Several methods to trigger an off-camera flash (one is a surprisingly unconventional method)
• Variables in flash photography such as flash power, distance between flash and subject, flash modifiers such as umbrellas and softboxes, and reflectors

Classroom Instruction Followed by a (very) Hands-on Workshop

While this 3-hour course will begin with a brief introduction to equipment and concepts in a classroom environment, the emphasis and majority will be a two part “hands-on” workshop. Under Robert’s supervision, you will first use a single off-camera flash to properly light steampunk cosplay characters in front of rail cars and locomotives at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. Participants can bring their own external flash and modifier or use one of a limited supply provided by Robert (first to sign up, first served. Availability can be confirmed prior to sign up.)

This will be followed by an opportunity to shoot with a 3-5 studio light system after Robert conducts a brief demonstration of how he uses this equipment on location. This final multiple light demonstration will be very fast-paced as we “chase the light” during the few minutes right before and after the sun sets (7:47pm) to create a dramatic portrait of participating steampunk cosplay characters. It will require participants to quickly take turns using the on-location multiple light setup as Robert assists with the rapidly changing settings of your camera and lighting that will be required while the natural light quickly fades. Or, participants can continue to use the single light setup that they were already using. Either way, Robert will rotate among participants to provide instruction and guidance.

The train museum coupled with the rare opportunity to photograph costumed characters appropriate to the venue is almost a dream come true for many photographers and is certainly a unique opportunity to create interesting and excellent photography. Join Robert Sullivan Photography to learn how to purposefully create excellent photography. You will leave with unique images along with the photography knowledge to do it again on your own.

Note: This is the second of two photography workshops at this venue on the same day

In addition to this advanced off-camera lighting photography workshop, a general beginner photography class will also take place earlier in the day. Those who take this beginner class at noon and feel ambitious can also take this advanced class from 5pm - 8pm (which will coincide with sunset). It will be quite a leap to bridge the gap between the beginner class and the advanced class, however, you will certainly be exposed to a lot of information and be better prepared for future workshops. If you are considering taking both workshops and have doubts, please feel free to call Robert at 305-986-9781 to discuss the possibility.