Mastering On?Camera Flash
From Built?In Pops to Powerful Hot?Shoe Units
Stop dreading that “deer?in?the?headlights” look and start transforming your on?camera flash into a creative lighting tool. In this focused workshop—perfect for absolute beginners and seasoned shooters who’ve avoided flash—award?nominated instructor Daring?Leaderman distills 25?years of real?world experience into practical, repeatable techniques you can use on any assignment.
Over two immersive hours you’ll discover:
Flash Fundamentals, Demystified – Understand sync speed, TTL vs. manual, guide numbers, and why built?in and hot?shoe flashes behave differently in the same scene.
Bouncing & Diffusing Light – Use walls, ceilings, and inexpensive modifiers to soften harsh shadows and wrap light around your subject for magazine?worthy portraits.
Balancing Flash with Ambient – Master the “dragged shutter” and high?speed sync methods to keep natural backgrounds luminous while your subject pops.
Creative Direction in Tight Spaces – Angle, swivel, and zoom your on?camera flash to mimic multi?light setups—no stands or triggers required.
Color Control & Gels – Match mixed lighting or add drama with simple gel kits that slip right over your flash head.
Problem?Solver’s Toolkit – Red?eye fixes, specular highlights, reflective surfaces, and quick adjustments when you only have seconds to nail the shot.
You’ll leave with a step?by?step cheat sheet, a sample exposure recipe pack for common scenarios (events, portraits, nighttime cityscapes), and the confidence to say yes when the sun disappears and the venue lights go dim.
Bring your camera (DSLR or mirrorless) with a built?in flash or any brand of hot?shoe speedlight—you’ll be practicing live under guided supervision. Whether you’re building a portfolio, photographing clients, or capturing life’s moments, this class will change the way you see that little lightning?bolt icon forever.
Learn to use On Camera Flash
Also check out other Workshops in Richmond, Performances in Richmond, Arts events in Richmond.
