From Fear to Flash - Lecture with Joseph “JC” Carey from Westcott Lighting

Do you break into a cold sweat when someone mentions "off-camera flash"? Have you ever pointed a strobe at someone and prayed for divine intervention? Or maybe you’ve just stuck with “available light” because it’s, well... available, free, and doesn’t require you to read a manual the size of a phone book?

If this sounds like you, you are not alone—and you are exactly who this class is for.

Join JC Carey, a formerly-light-phobic photographer turned lighting junkie, for a fast-paced, fun, and fear-free dive into the wonderful world of artificial lighting. JC will strip lighting down to the essentials (and throw in some “a-ha” hacks) so that you leave with not just better photos, but better confidence behind the camera.

You’ll learn how to get light off your camera and into your creative toolkit—whether you’re working with a speedlight, a strobe, or a flashlight duct-taped to a ceiling fan. (Kidding. Mostly.)

JC brings the latest in Westcott’s wireless flash system for you to test, try, and tinker with. All you need is your camera, a memory card, and a desire to stop letting light boss you around.

Topics Covered (with minimal headaches and zero math quizzes):

• The simplest, least-scary way to start adding flash to your photos

• What lens choice has to do with lighting (spoiler: more than you'd think)

• TTL vs Manual (and why both have their place)

• High-Speed Sync & Rear Curtain Sync: What they are and when to use them

• The joy of getting the flash off your camera

• Light modifiers: softboxes, umbrellas, and other magic tricks

• Using gels to add drama, flair, or just fix weird indoor lighting

Whether you’re looking to take better portraits, spark your creativity, or just finally win your war with the flash, this class is your gateway to making light your friend. Come curious, leave lit. (Creatively, not emotionally.)

Photoshoot with Live Model during seminar

Bio:

Joseph “JC” Carey is a lifelong image maker and recovered natural-light-only photographer. Like many of us, JC used to think flash was a four-letter word worthy of pulling your his hair out. His journey into lighting started with a hilariously bad lighting class in 2007—a true “gift” in the sense that it lit a fire under him to learn everything the instructor didn't teach. That fire turned into a full-blown passion for figuring out how to control light, shape it, and use it to create images that stand out.

Fast forward 18 years and JC is now a professional photographer and the Northeast Sales & Marketing Rep for FJ Westcott and a proud lighting evangelist. He spends his days teaching people how to go “From Fear to Flash,” showing photographers that the best available light isn’t necessarily natural—it’s the one you can use consistently to stay creative, even when the sun’s being a diva.

When he’s not lighting something (or someone), he’s being a dad, making photos, or finding new ways to make lighting fun, accessible, and a little less terrifying.

Follow his journey (and see some of his lighting antics) at Instagram.com/JCPhotoMedia

Also check out other Workshops in Lansdale, Arts events in Lansdale, Photography events in Lansdale.