I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would participate in an online Natural Light workshop taught by Detra of Photography by Detra. Detra invited me to participate in exchange for spreading the word about the class. My first “homework” assignment is above and I’ve learned a good bit already.
Detra has a forum set up with conversation groups for each assignment, which cover the following topics:
- Backlight and dramatic light indoors
- Mid-Day backlight
- Mid-day with reflector
- Early evening/ late afternoon backlight
- Reflective light & back light
- Finding pockets of light
- Sunflare
- Capture the sky with subject
- 4 Bonus assignments
In addition to those topics, Detra has lots of other threads going – marketing and business, photography related chit chat, how to use the forums, Quick Tips (which I really like), and a couple of agreements to sign about not sharing the info that she presents.
There are 90 people registered in the forum, including Detra and at least 1 or 2 mentors. I noticed that there are lots of Clickin’ Moms participating – I’m in good company! And I’ve seen some homework assignments that make me wonder why the photographer thought she needed a class – beautiful work!
Detra teaches using videos, written tutorials, PDFs, diagrams, photos and virtual classes. My first virtual class is tonight. There is apparently a limit on the number of people that can sign up for each class, but this one doesn’t appear to be full yet, so everyone must be getting what they need.
There are also places for students to post their assignments, and Detra gives feedback on each one.
So, back to the first assignment – the point was to use backlighting to capture dramatic light indoors. It took me a while to get it, but between Detra’s explanations and members of the forum helping each other out, it finally clicked. The drama in this type of shot is supposed to come from blowing out the background, and capturing both light and shadow on the subject. While keeping light on both eyes, if possible. Phew!
There were many images that were much more dramatic than mine – some gorgeous ones were so shadowed in places that you could just barely make out details in the dark part of the face. I still have lots left to practice on – just not enough willing and still subjects! Isn’t this subject handsome, by the way?
Not only did Detra present tutorials on how to capture the shot (where to place subject, metering, etc.), she also demonstrated her post-processing methods. Here is my SOOC shot, by the way.
The 2nd homework assignment was posted yesterday. Mid-day backlighting. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard a photography teacher say to take a picture at noon rather than close to sunrise or sunset. I’ve got some work to do to get this one down!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
i am in the class too!!! i love your blog and can’t wait to see more of your homework
Thanks Malika! Were you in the class last night? I think I saw your name on the list. And I think I got a pic for assignment #2 today. Woohoo!
I’m so glad I found your blog today. I’m considering taking this class & wanted an honest opinion of it. I’ve read on clickin moms that a lot of people were getting frustrated. I’m on a very limited budget. Would you recommend this class for the $300 fee? Thanks for any input you can provide!
Hi Melanie,
I’m glad you found my blog too! It’s hard to answer your question without more info. What would you like to get out of the class? Where are you as a photographer? Do you shoot on manual?
Erin
Hi Erin,
I shoot mainly in AP, but can shoot in Manual. I took Karen Russell’s class last year and LOVED every minute of it. I’m thinking of starting a small business by the end of this year doing natural light family portraits & this workshop looked interesting to me. I thought it would be a good fit for my goals, but I took a portrait class last year that really was not money well spent. It was very basic & the critiques were not helpful. I wound up feeling really frustrated by the whole thing. That’s why I’m being so cautious before spending more money on another online workshop. I also edit with PSE and wasn’t sure if you needed the full Photoshop for the photo editing that is mentioned in the class description.
Melanie,
My take on Detra’s class is that, while it has fabulous instruction for taking portraits in natural light, these are not the kind of portraits you will take everyday. Most of them are artistic techniques that you might do once of twice per session. For instance, sunflare is the topic of one assignment. That will produce a couple of stunning photographs, but I doubt that clients would want sunflare or other artistic techniques in every picture – some will need to be well exposed and more traditional.
Also, much of what you read on Clickin’ Moms is true about the number of students and short CC. And, as posted on CM also, Detra is receptive to students ideas and has changed some things over the course of the class. It sounds like, at this point in your career, that you need a class with fewer students and more one-on-one attention. However, if you get to the point where you could take two classes, I would definitely recommend this one.
Erin
Thank you Erin! I really appreciate your honest feedback! I love your site too!