Workshop Reflections

Posted by admin on Feb 6, 2010 in Photo Shoots | 1 comment

I have now had the opportunity to take part in both Don Giannatti’s Learn To Light 2-day workshop and Zack Arias’ one-day OneLight workshop.

For me, I am VERY satisfied with both. Don and Zack are GREAT teachers. I am a National Board Certified Physics Teacher and also have a Master’s in Education. I have been in education for 20 years. I am very picky about learning – and love to do so hands-on and make my own classes engaging by having labs and explorations. Both of these classes do this.

Don and Zack approach their workshops in slightly different manners. For me, I am very glad I have seen both methods.

The main difference between the two classes: the amount of lighting modifiers explored, and the way that the instructor “looks” and “measures” the light.

• Don is more of a traditionalist, making use of a light meter and using it to set the exposure and for reading the light. That isn’t to say that there are times in the class that Don just “looks” at the light and goes for it – he does. But most of the time he uses meters for a while to explore where the flash is set and how the overall exposures are comparing.
• Zack is more of a “new” school of thought (think “Strobist”) of using what is existing, knowing how shutter speed controls ambient and aperture controls exposure (flash/strobe) – and modifying as needed from looking at the exposure in-camera and using the histogram.

Which method is “better?” I don’t think there IS a better method. I think both men do a great job of starting where YOU are – whether novice or pro – and helping YOU craft the light for your needs.

Things to expect:

Don’s class will use lots of lighting modifiers and light set-ups – very cool if you have never seen these (and I had not). You get to play with multiple lights, multiple set-ups, and moving around and doing both indoor and outdoor. You don’t get to see a whole lot of what Don goes through when he is set-up and shot and seeing what decisions he makes.  Don shoots very little during his class.  Some talk and discussion about post-processing was done in Don’s class.

Zack has made his career on using one light either bare or with a 60″ umbrella on a stand. Yes, we explored the Westcott Apollo softboxes (with flashes, not monoblocks) as well. But most all the time, one light.  Zack did a number (3?) of shots where he talked through what he was thinking when doing the PROCESS of making one image – approaching the shot, how he is looking at the subject, the background, and the lighting and the choices he has to make based on what is going on with the light. Zack also at the end of the day talks a bit about workflow and how he goes through editing.

What would I like to see in both classes? More time in POST – what makes the image POP for you as the photographer – why you select one image over another for final delivery. This, I realize, could be a whole second day (or third, fourth, etc) in learning. For me, this is what I need “next.”

Bottom line? Both classes will make you a better shooter – whether just starting out or a seasoned pro. Looking at how someone else approaches photography is always a learning experience and something to enjoy.  Take advantage of either class if it comes to a place near you. Don and Zack answer questions in a non-threatening, non-condescending manner. They are laid-back, and love what they do. Their passion for life and photography is astounding! Neither instructor ends a class until YOU are satisfied. I never got the feeling that either gentleman was watching a clock or wanting to be done. They fielded questions relating to gear, lights, exposure, running a business, making prints, and working with clients. BOTH emphasized not being “that guy” (the dreaded GWC jerk) when males are working with female clients or models.