Flash Photography 101: Off-Camera Strobe Basics

This workshop is about replacing hesitation with certainty when you step into a scene with strobes.

Instead of guessing at settings or hoping the light “works out,” you’ll learn how to see what the light is doing and know how to shape it on purpose. The goal is simple: walk away able to look at any space, any subject, and any condition and confidently decide how to light it.

In this hands-on session, you’ll build a practical, repeatable approach to off-camera strobe lighting. You’ll practice setting up, placing, and adjusting your lights in ways that make sense visually, not just technically. We’ll work both indoors and outdoors so you can experience how to take control of challenging light, add depth, and create images that feel deliberate rather than accidental. You’ll leave this class knowing how to make lighting decisions and trust them in real-world shoots.

You’ll learn:

• Strobe Basics – Understanding power, placement, and how off-camera flash works
• Triggering & Setup – How to connect and fire strobes reliably
• Light Modification – Using softboxes, umbrellas, and diffusion to control quality of light
• Distance & Control – How light placement affects exposure and mood
• Simple Lighting Setups – One-light and basic two-light concepts
• Problem Solving – Fixing harsh shadows, flat light, and inconsistent exposure
• Indoor & Outdoor Use – Applying strobe lighting in different environments

This workshop is fully hands-on and intentionally kept small so everyone has time working directly with the lights. You will set up, adjust, and shoot with the strobes yourself. Because of this, class size is limited to allow for individual guidance and real practice.

By the end of this class, you’ll understand how to use off-camera strobes with confidence and purpose, instead of guessing or avoiding flash altogether.

Cost: $65 before class begins
Official Sign Up: https://matteblackcamerarentals.com/phoenix-photography-classes-and-events/
What to Bring:

• Digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless)
• Charged battery and memory card
• A flash trigger or strobe if you own one (optional)
• Comfortable shoes for moving between setups
• Curiosity and willingness to experiment

Class begins promptly at 10:00 AM. We recommend arriving around 9:30 AM to check in, get settled, and be ready to start on time.