Photographic Lighting with Michael Gilbert

Study the fundamentals of studio and outdoor lighting for portraits, still lifes, and all kinds of environmental images. Covers use of studio lights, backdrops, and methods for producing effective photographs in the studio and also addresses the art of using existing light, enhancing light through camera angle, fill cards, and fill flash. Lighting ratios are discussed and demonstrated using models and objects to make images that suit both commercial and fine art applications. Attention is given to the different lighting needs for both film-based and digital equipment. Expand your knowledge of one of the most fundamental elements of photography: light. 

Prerequisite: A basic knowledge of photography. Please bring your camera and a digital capture card or film to class.


Michael Gilbert is the founder and director of The Pacific Center for Photography, a photography gallery and digital printing business in Wailuku, Maui. An active photographer, his clients include Mercedes Benz, Hallmark, Four Seasons, and Disney and his corporate sponsors include Olympus, Canon, Imacon, Gretag, Breathing Color, CompUSA, and Quantum Instruments. Gilbert's work is permanently held in the International Museum of Photography and he has been a featured artist, instructor, and headline speaker at Photokina, PhotoPlus, Imaging USA, WPPI, Triangle Institute and a host of universities and museums worldwide. His studio locations are in Maui, Hawaii and Paris, France.