Studio Photography Fundamentals
Get familiar with a professional photography studio in this one-day introduction.
Course overview
This quick-start practical introduction to studio photography will familiarise you with the equipment and techniques in a professional photography studio and give you the opportunity to experiment with lighting techniques in a studio setting.
Based in large photography studios at our Institute of Photography, and using our professional-standard equipment, the course is suitable for complete beginners and photography enthusiasts wishing to gain some knowledge of studio photography and lighting.
At the end of the day, you will choose up to 6 of your favourite shots and we’ll print these in professional quality for you to take home with you.
Tuition fees per individual: £200
Location: Institute of Photography, Penryn Campus
See course dates below that are available to book.
Upcoming Short Courses
Fri 15 Aug 2025
Price: £200
Studio Photography Fundamentals
In-person
This quick-start practical introduction to studio photography will familiarise you with the equipmen...
If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.
Course details
This is a one-day practical introduction to studio photography fundamentals based in large professional photography studios at our Institute of Photography. It has been designed to appeal to studio photography beginners who would like to gain knowledge of how to set up a professional photography studio, including using lighting.
This course will provide an introductory day’s learning, and is designed to familiarise you with the equipment, safety protocols, and workflow of a professional photography studio setting. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence you need to operate a photography studio safely and efficiently, whilst achieving professional results.
This course is based in a large photo studio in our specialised facilities at the Institute of Photography.
You’ll be guided through an overview of typical studio processes and safety protocols from planning and preparation to lighting adjustments and sending images to print. We’ll look at camera setup, reviewing settings and using a light meter for a correct exposure.
Following these basics, you will learn about some key lighting techniques and we’ll experiment with positioning and control. We’ll explore the use of reflectors to bounce light and soften shadows, and there will be time to get creative with different light modifiers such as soft-boxes, honeycombs, snoots and brollies.
Throughout the day, you’ll be taking photos and getting hands-on with the different techniques.
At the end of the day, you will choose 6 of your favourite shots and we’ll print these in professional quality at our Photo Lab (five 6x4 and one 10x8 print included), so that you can take them home with you.
This course is taught by Roger Shone, who has been a technical instructor at the Institute of Photography since 2012 and is an experienced senior technician supporting students on our photography degrees.
The course includes all equipment and materials, prints of your chosen photos to take home (up to 6), and tea/coffee. We recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you or visit one of our on-campus cafés.
This is an outline of what to expect for the course. The day will start with tea, coffee and a welcome to the day’s activities. Then we’ll get straight into the day’s learning, covering the following topics:
- Camera Setup – Understanding camera settings and how to use a light meter for a correct exposure.
- Safety Protocols – Guidelines for working safely in a studio, including handling equipment properly and maintaining a tidy, hazard-free environment.
- Studio Workflow – Overview of typical studio processes, from planning, subject preparation, lighting adjustments, image capture and sending images to print.
- Lighting Equipment – an introduction to key lighting techniques such as a single light and a single light and reflector, including learning how to position and control them for optimal results.
- Reflectors and Modifiers – How to use reflectors to bounce light and soften shadows, as well as experimenting with the use of different light modifiers such as soft-boxes, honeycombs, snoots and brollies.
Course leader: Roger Shone
After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 1985 Roger moved to London and started working in music retail. The following 17 years saw him moving into the export, distribution and sales side of the music industry. In 2002 he decided to take a career break and leave London. He travelled to the USA, Australia and New Zealand for just over five months during which time his passion for photography was rekindled. In 2003 he enrolled on the HND Photography & Digital Imaging course at Truro College. A year after completing the course he started working there as a Photography Technician and in 2012 joined Falmouth University in the Institute of Photography.
Read moreHow you'll learn
Roger delivers all the topics on this course as a practical demonstration followed by the opportunity to try out the techniques. As well as learning the theory, you’ll gain hands-on experience of everything you learn. Expect to be taking photographs throughout the day.
Who is this course for
This introductory course is suitable for photographers or photography enthusiasts who would like to gain experience of a professional studio setting. It has been designed for beginners wishing to gain experience of studio lighting and how to set up and work in a professional photo studio, with no prior studio experience required. It would also be suitable for creative makers or product designers who would like to learn how to take better quality photographs of their products in a studio environment.
An in-depth day where you’ll be on your feet in the studio getting hands-on with practical demonstrations. Roger teaches this course by demonstrating the method then giving you the opportunity to try it out. You will be using our professional quality cameras and equipment during this course.
All equipment and materials are provided. Please remember to bring a packed lunch with you.
All materials you will need are included in the course fee, including 5 professional quality 6x4 prints and 1 10x8 print of your chosen photos. The course also includes tea/coffee and free parking on campus.
Tea/coffee is included, with all diets catered for. Please note: lunch is not included in the course cost, we recommend bringing a packed lunch or visiting one of our on-campus cafés.
This course is taught in our specialised studio facilities at the Institute of Photography on our Penryn campus.
There is plenty of parking available on our Penryn campus and you can also reach us via a range of public transport options. You can find out more, here.
For campus maps and information on visiting us, please visit our How to find us page.
This course is suitable for photography enthusiasts who would like to gain experience of a professional studio setting. No prior studio experience is required.
How to apply
To apply for this course, make your selection from the available dates below, this will take you to an event page where you will be able to book yourself onto the course via the Book now link.
Tuition fees per individual: £200
Upcoming Short Courses
Fri 15 Aug 2025
Price: £200
Studio Photography Fundamentals
In-person
This quick-start practical introduction to studio photography will familiarise you with the equipmen...
If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.
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