Online Light Painting Workshop with Michelle Essenson

Explore the wonderful world of light-painting through this online workshop running over two half-days.

The workshop includes a range of practical activities for participants to try out at home in-between the two sessions. To enable participants to gain the most from these activities additional tutor support will be provided via email and a one hour (optional) Zoom meeting. Participants are also encouraged to collaborate, share and support each other.

The course is aimed at people with little or no experience. Michelle covers the fundamentals and you will learn how to produce your own unique and interesting light-painting photos using a variety of tools and techniques.

The possibilities are endless, and this workshop is a great way to unleash your creativity.

Day 1: Saturday 18 July 14:00 – 17:00 BST

Day 2: Saturday 25 July 14:00 – 17:00 BST

During the workshop we will:

• Review the concept and history of light painting and look at a range of styles and images.
• Establish how to set up your camera, work out suitable exposure settings and how to focus in the dark.
• Demonstrate how to make simple but effective lightpainting tools from everyday items at home. Participants will have the opportunity to add and share their own ideas for tools. We will also look at tools available for purchase from specialist suppliers and, most importantly, torches.
• Explore a range of lightpainting techniques via discussion, demonstrations and pre-recorded materials.
• Provide time for participants to work together in online groups to generate ideas and plan their practical time in-between the two sessions. 
• Offer extra support during the practical activities. Each participant will be encouraged to make a lightpainting tool(s) and practise a number of the techniques.
• Share, review and build on each participant’s work during the second half-day session.
• Introduce participants to a number of the global, vibrant, and supportive online lightpainting community groups.

What is provided:

• Access to a zoom-based online learning environment.
• Handouts and other workshop materials.
• Detailed instructions and tutor support for the practical work in-between the two online sessions.
• Access to various social media groups for sharing work and ongoing tutor support.

What to have to hand:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a ‘M’ manual control setting allowing ‘bulb’ mode (‘Live Comp’ is an ideal alternative for Olympus users) and the ability to control focus manually.
• A sturdy tripod if your own one.
• Spare batteries.
• Wireless triggers enabling you to operate your own camera from a distance would be ideal. Alternatively, a cable release (or remote control via an app) is helpful. If you are stuck at the point, we’ll find a way for you to manage with shutter delay.
• A torch - the best features to look out for will be covered in the first session. If you have any battery operated ‘fairy’ lights, children light sabres or other small light sources, it’s worth having these to hand too.
• For the practical activities, cardboard (pieces, tubes and small boxes), plastic bottles, old wrapping paper, tin foil, cellophane sweet wrappers etc. may be useful to you - lightpainting is great for upcycling.

Requirements:

• A working knowledge of adjusting your own camera settings, especially in ‘M’ mode and how to use the ‘B” bulb setting (Live Comp/Live Time if an Olympus user).
• Internet access
• A webcam or microphone for interacting (your laptop may have these built-in already)
• Speakers to hear the presentations
• You will need to install the Zoom app, but full instructions will be provided.

IMPORTANT

Please look out for the attachment in your confirmation email. If you don't receive it, please email learning@rps.org  

The tutor will need access to your email address to enable her to send you a link to the class - we will presume that by booking this course you are giving permission unless you contact us to state otherwise. 

We will also be sending you the tutors email address, and all the links and info you will need once you have signed up. You will receive a Zoom invitation via email, shortly before the lesson begins.

Overseas participants - Please check the time of the workshop if you are outside the UK. This link which will help you to calculate the timing of the online workshop: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/custom.html

Michelle Essenson

Michelle is passionate about light painting and is looking forward to building people’s confidence and experience with this great genre of photography. Having run her own Learning and Development company for many years, she is a very experienced workshop facilitator and coach. She is known for her creativity and desire to help others unleash their own in fun and supportive learning environments. More of Michelle’s light painting work can be seen on Instagram @lightpaintingmagic_by_michelle

Attend an online event before 31 July to receive 20% off new membership. Learn more here. 

Image Michelle Essenson