Shaping Light:
Studio Photography with Single and Multi-light Setups
Ready to master the art of light, lens, and expression?
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to deepen your creative control, our 4-day, 12-hour Shaping Light course is built for emerging photographers who want to master the use of studio lighting.
Hosted in our fully-equipped Kennesaw studio, this small-group series ensures a personalized, supportive learning experience.
Each session is a mix of practical knowledge, hands-on shooting, and real-time feedback. You won’t just learn settings — you’ll build a visual language that lets you direct light, shape emotion, and pose with intention.
Instructor:
I’m David Scruggs. My wife Jill and I are principal photographers and co-owners of One Soul Photography in Kennesaw. My love of photography began 40 years ago in photojournalism classes at the University of Florida and then as a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel.
I’ve trained under some of the best photographers in the world, and completed years of studio work with hundreds of models to develop my studio skills and creative style. In 2018, Jill and I formed One Soul Photography, opened our first studio on Marietta Square in 2020, and moved to our present location in 2022 with a concentration in fine art and boudoir photography.
With our studio well-established, I’m able to share my talent and accumulation of knowledge and experience with you.
Course Title: Shaping Light: Studio Photography from One to Five Lights
Course Goal:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Understand how to control light quality, shape, and direction
- Be proficient with one- through five-light setups
- Choose and position modifiers for specific effects
- Develop lighting setups for both flattering realism and stylized drama
SESSION 1: ONE-LIGHT MASTERY
Focus: Light quality, direction, and control with a single source.
Topics Covered:
- Inverse square law
- Light direction and patterns (Rembrandt, loop, butterfly, split)
- Feathering, falloff, spill control
- Soft vs hard light
Modifiers Used:
- 18″ Softbox (open vs gridded)
- 36″ Octabox (open vs gridded)
Lighting Recipes:
- Rembrandt with 18″ gridded softbox close to subject
- Butterfly with 36″ Octabox feathered above
- Loop light with 18″ softbox slightly off-center
Shooting Exercise:
- Photograph a subject with the same modifier at three distances to observe falloff
- Switch between gridded and open modifiers to assess spill control
Handout:
- Lighting pattern diagram sheet
- Feathering demo diagram
Assignment:
Create a compelling one-light portrait using a controlled lighting pattern. Choose a modifier and position to shape mood.
SESSION 2: TWO-LIGHT SETUPS
Focus: Key + fill and separation basics.
Topics Covered:
- Fill types and positions (on-axis, clamshell, side fill)
- Balancing key and fill ratios
- Basic background or rim light
Modifiers Used:
- 7′ Umbrella (for fill)
- Strip light (rim/separation, gridded)
Lighting Recipes:
- Key: 36″ Octabox (open) | Fill: 7′ umbrella
- Key: 18″ Softbox (gridded) | Rim: Gridded strip light behind subject
Shooting Exercise:
- Light subject with 2:1 and 3:1 key-to-fill ratio
- Use strip light to separate subject from dark background
SESSION 3: THREE-LIGHT SETUPS
Focus: Polish and control with rim/hair or background light.
Topics Covered:
- Classic trio setup: key, fill, rim
- Hair light placement and control
- Controlling spill and flare
Modifiers Used:
- Strip lights (gridded and ungridded)
- Umbrellas for background light
Lighting Recipes:
- Key: 36″ Octabox | Fill: 7′ Umbrella | Hair: Gridded strip
- Key: 18″ Softbox | Rim: Un-gridded strip | Background: Umbrella wash
SESSION 4: FOUR-LIGHT CREATIVITY
Focus: Background and accent lighting for visual narrative.
Topics Covered:
- Lighting backgrounds with intent
- Accenting props or clothing
- Gobo use with optical spot
Modifiers Used:
- Optical spot with gobos
- Strip lights for accents
- Umbrella or softbox for background wash
Lighting Recipes:
- Key: 18″ Softbox | Fill: 7′ Umbrella | Rim: Gridded strip | Background: Optical spot with pattern
- Key: Octabox | Hair: Gridded strip | Background: Umbrella | Accent: Optical spot on prop
Each session builds both technique and artistic decision-making, with practical tools to help students internalize and experiment. Optional: include setup time trials or critiques for deeper engagement.
Interested?
Book below or contact us to find out about future course availability. Let’s build your skills — and your confidence — together.