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Studio Lighting for Photography Courses

Studio Lighting for Photography Courses

Lighting can make or break an image and understanding how to use studio lighting in your photography can be confusing, our Studio Lighting for Photography courses are designed to guide you through the science, variety and best practice of studio lighting. Throughout this practical photography course, you will dissect studio lighting looks created by well-known photographers and use a model to demonstrate and understand the behaviour of light and how to manipulate it. Working in a studio environment you will be hands on with flash lighting equipment, backgrounds and props and learn the do’s and don'ts of positioning your subject.

The course’s aim is to equip you with the technical tools to add another layer of creativity to your portraits. Each participant will have the chance to trial different lighting techniques, using a selection of light modifiers and will leave with a selection of work to add to their portfolios.

New to photography?

Before attending this course you will need a basic knowledge of aperture, camera lenses, shutter speed and ISO including exposure modes. If you’re new to photography, then you may find it helpful to sign up to one of our Beginner Courses first.

Studio Lighting Essentials

Build confidence with the theory and practical techniques behind studio flash lighting.

Best Studio Practice

Learn how to work safely and effectively in a studio environment, from setup to shooting.

Soft & Hard Light

Understand the difference between soft and hard lighting, and how each can shape the mood of your images.

Light Modifiers

Explore how to use soft boxes, beauty dishes, umbrellas, snoots and reflectors to control your lighting.

Lighting Setups

Practise one, two and three-light setups to create a range of professional studio effects.

Classic Lighting Techniques

Learn key lighting styles including Rembrandt, clamshell, butterfly, high key and low key.

Backgrounds & Props

Discover how backgrounds and props can support your creative vision and strengthen your final images.

Coloured Gels

Experiment with coloured gels to add atmosphere, contrast and creative impact to your photography.

Working with Models

Develop confidence directing and photographing a model in a studio setting.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
10 Jul 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£156.00
20% OFF
29 Aug 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
03 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
30 Oct 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
19 Nov 2026
Thu
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
10
Jul
10 Jul 2026
£156.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Offer:20% OFF
29
Aug
29 Aug 2026
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
03
Oct
03 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
30
Oct
30 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
19
Nov
19 Nov 2026
£195.00
Day:Thu
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Located in the heart of Waterloo, our fully equipped Photography Studio has everything you need to develop your skills, including studio lighting, backgrounds, cameras, tripods, props and more.

Step outside and you are surrounded by brilliant shoot locations, from the Southbank, Leake Street Arches and Lower Marsh Market to Waterloo Bridge, the Thames riverside and the bold architecture of the National Theatre. It is an ideal setting for exploring studio lighting, portraiture, street photography, architecture, composition and natural light, with the city providing a constantly changing backdrop for your work.

Photography Studio in the Heart of Waterloo

Do I need my own camera?

Please bring a mirrorless camera, a DSLR camera or a compact camera with full manual controls, your camera’s manual, a fully charged battery, an empty memory card, comfortable shoes and an external flash (if owned, we can supply them if not).  If you don’t have all of this please don't worry, we can provide all equipment as needed.

Get involved

If you want to get to know other students, read tips and tricks from industry professionals, and get your own work reposted, follow the City Academy Photography Instagram.

Want to learn more?

Many of our student go on to explore other creative areas to broaden their skills and keep their inspiration flowing. Whether it’s diving into a new art form, building on your current abilities, or simply trying something different for fun, these courses are a great way to continue your journey with us

Photography Summer School

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
Photography Summer School

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
10 Jul 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£156.00
20% OFF
29 Aug 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
03 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
30 Oct 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
19 Nov 2026
Thu
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
18 Dec 2026
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
James Ross
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
£195.00
10
Jul
10 Jul 2026
£156.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Offer:20% OFF
29
Aug
29 Aug 2026
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
03
Oct
03 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
30
Oct
30 Oct 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
19
Nov
19 Nov 2026
£195.00
Day:Thu
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo
18
Dec
18 Dec 2026
£195.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: James Ross
Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833.

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

Photography Summer School

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
Photography Summer School

Filmmaking Summer School

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
Filmmaking Summer School
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Closest Station: Waterloo
Closest Bus Stop: Imperial War Museum / Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway

Photography Summer School

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
Photography Summer School

Filmmaking Summer School

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
Filmmaking Summer School

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

James Ross
James Ross

Photography Summer School

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
Photography Summer School

Filmmaking Summer School

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
Filmmaking Summer School