About us
Matte Black Camera Rentals & Studio is a working photography and videography studio in Tempe, and this group exists for people who want to stop guessing and start knowing what they’re doing with a camera.
Whether you’re brand new or already shooting professionally, our sessions are built to replace uncertainty with clarity. We focus on real-world skills, simple systems, and repeatable techniques that help you walk into any shoot with a plan instead of a question mark.
This isn’t about memorizing settings or chasing trends. It’s about understanding light, movement, sound, and storytelling well enough to make intentional choices and trust your own eye.
You’ll learn alongside other photographers and filmmakers who care about improving their craft, sharing ideas, and building confidence through practice.
Bring your camera, your curiosity, and your willingness to try. The confidence comes from doing the work.
Upcoming events
4
- $65.00
Flash Without Fear – Mastering Your On-Camera Flash
Matte Black Camera Rentals & Studios, 1930 E 3rd St #15, Tempe, AZ, USFLASH WITHOUT FEAR
Mastering Your On-Camera FlashMost photographers rely on TTL and hope it works. When it doesn’t, they’re guessing. This class ends that.
If you understand aperture, shutter, and ISO but feel inconsistent with flash, this workshop will teach you how to control light instead of reacting to it. This is the next step after Photography 101, and where you start thinking like a professional.WHO THIS IS FOR
- Beginner to intermediate photographers who understand basic exposure
- Anyone frustrated with inconsistent flash results
- Photographers ready to stop shooting on auto
NOT FOR
- Absolute beginners who haven’t learned exposure yet (Please take Intro to photography 101 first)
WHAT YOU’LL BE ABLE TO DO
By the end of class, you will confidently:- Balance ambient light and flash
- Control flash power intentionally
- Bounce flash for soft, natural indoor light
- Eliminate harsh, direct flash look
- Match flash color using gels
- Create a properly exposed, professional portrait using your own gear
You won’t just hear it. You will do it.
HOW IT WORKS
- Limited to 7 photographers
- Live model on set
- Step-by-step instruction
- You shoot, you adjust, you repeat
- Real-time corrections and personal feedback
You will leave with a properly balanced flash portrait you created yourself.
WHY IT MATTERS
If you can balance flash and ambient light, you can walk into events, indoor sessions, and low-light environments with confidence.DETAILS
Cost: $65
Tickets: matteblackcamerarentals.com/phoenix-photography-classes-and-events/WHAT TO BRING
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Charged battery and memory card
- On-camera flash
Note: Classes will be canceled if there are no paid signups by the Friday before class.
1 attendee - $65.00
Creative Lighting Lab: TBD
Matte Black Camera Rentals & Studios, 1930 E 3rd St #15, Tempe, AZ, USCREATIVE LIGHTING LAB – RGB & CONTINUOUS LIGHT PORTRAITS
This Creative Lighting Lab is a live studio build and guided shooting experience focused on using continuous light and RGB LED lighting.
Theme is still to be determined...WHAT WE’LL COVER
- Building a portrait lighting setup using continuous and RGB LED lights
- How color choices affect mood and skin tone
- Light placement, contrast, and background separation
- Camera settings and exposure considerations for RGB lighting
- Directing a model and composing intentional portraits
WHAT TO BRING
- Your own camera and lens
- A basic understanding of how to operate your camera
- Curiosity and a willingness to experiment
EVENT DETAILS
Duration: 2.5 hours
Date: Saturday, March 30th at 10:00 AM
Group size: Limited to 15 participants
Location: Matte Black Camera Rentals
Cost: $65
Sign up:
https://matteblackcamerarentals.com/phoenix-photography-classes-and-events/This is not a traditional photography class. It is a creative lab designed to give you insight into the decision-making behind a finished lighting setup, along with the chance to shoot and direct in a professional studio environment.
Note: Classes will be canceled if there are no signups by Friday.
1 attendee
Past events
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