John
Woodward, API, Cr.Photog.
Mastering the Light
Course Level: Intermediate
As we enter a new age in photography, we are
being confronted with new ideas, new business plans and massive amounts of
new technology.
We sometimes forget that no matter what the
media, understanding light and exposure will always be the one essential
component to success in photography.
In Mastering the Light, we’ll explore
lighting in the studio and in the field.
We will build a working studio and through live
demonstration illustrates the strengths of portrait, glamour and modified
glamour lighting forms. We will discuss facial analysis and how each lighting
form affects your subject. One of the class assignments is to photograph a head
shot of each of the students. This exercise helps in determining which lighting
would be best for many subjects.
The program will then discuss environmental
lighting and how you can streamline your operation by eliminating variables.
Subjects such as the characteristic curve,
histograms, achieving proper exposure and location mapping will be illustrated
and explained.
Time permitting, we will do some food or
product photography. In some cases we will make arrangements with the hotel or
a restaurant to photograph their menu items.
As we turn our attention to digital imaging, we
will discuss the “great myths,” of exposure and digital technology. In all cases, these programs are hands-on. The
attendee will be expected to bring a camera, meter and if possible a portable
flash.
All I know
Time permitting, we will add other components
to the course and the course becomes, "All I Know."
Compositional Study Guide
demonstrates and discusses the frame and form of composition. This portion of
the course will explain to you why a photograph works.
Digital and the Power of Raw
is the discussion of what is real and what is nonsense in digital imaging. It
explains concepts such as bit depth, demonstrates various benefits of Photoshop
including the technique "Three Bears."
In most cases, we will ask students to bring
four of their images. John will sit down as a judge and explain why a
photograph and does or does not work. He will then make suggestions for
improving the photograph in an attempt to help the students better understand
and prepare for competition.
About John Woodward
John received The Photographer of the Year
award from the Professional Photographers of America at the national convention
this year. As a double honor, he was the recipient of the ASP’s Educational
Associate as well. The Educational Associate Award has only been received
by 37 individuals in the 70 year history of the association. Additionally, John
received The Regional Gold Medallion from the American Society of Photographers
for his photograph entitled "Contemplating the Temple."
John has been a working professional for 38
years. His clients have included Chase, Citibank, Paramount, Cunnard, RJR
Nabisco, Viacom, Hyatt and Marriott. In the world of music, he is photographed
Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson Billy Idol, Aretha
Franklin and the Rolling Stones. As an event photographer he has worked with
Five Presidents, the Pope, the Dalai Lama and several First Ladies.
John was also the Official Photographer for the
New York Yankees for six seasons. As an event specialist he covers the U.S.
tennis open, the U.S. golf open and is currently photographer for the League of
American Theater Owners and Producers.
He feels passionate as he “gives back,” to the
industry and does so with his commitment to the Professional Photographers of
America. He has been a speaker for more that 20 years. He teaches several
Affiliate Schools for PP of A, and also judges and speaks at 4 to 5 state or
regional conventions each year.
John's
studio is on Long Island in New York.
You can view his schedule, credentials, letters and additional images on his web
site,
http://johnwoodwardphotography.com.
He can be reached by e-mail at
woodward2@aol.com.
