Tim Kelly Master Class   www.timkellyportraits.com   

Intermediate/Advanced

Prerequisite required: Full time photographer for 3 years

Tim Kelly is known for many things, but the largest influence he's had on the photographic portrait industry has most certainly been studio lighting. While no single element of his toolbox is new, like any other recipe, it's how you use your select ingredients to create an exciting new flavor, or a fresh take on a classic. That's what Tim's been teaching us to do for over twenty years – refining the classic.

Kelly had long been a student of lighting styles, starting in the early 1960's in a studio with large Smith-Victor parabolic, barn-doors and other "hot" spotlights. Umbrella light modification was new in the early '70's and soft-box lighting came on strong with the 1980's. Simultaneously and for all of photographic time, natural light has always been consistent and potentially the most beautiful. To Kelly, the best of both would be the look and quality of broad natural light, with an adjustable volume control!  Then add to that the sculpting and separating qualities of the smaller studio lights for hair, kickers and background. Studio reflectors are important - and seem simple, but they also need to be mastered. Another "old tool" is the GOBO, or go-between. Kelly has literally reinvented this powerful tool for service in the modern studio and has made it a trademark of his lighting set up. Tim has changed the way photographers use their studio gear and teaches the modern portrait photographer how to master these lighting tools and create their very own signature style.

It is advisable for students to have a good level of competency with basic photo-skills, as this is not a basic class. Camera operation, and digital skills are presumed. We will be focused on lighting and posing, creative and corrective portrait techniques, posing for the light and lighting for the pose. Even if a student doesn't yet possess all the lighting equipment they aspire to, they will learn what they will need and how to use it, potentially saving them from costly mistakes.

Sales, Promotion and Marketing is a favorite subject of this instructor. In the master class of three days or more, Kelly will outline all of his methods. Your business policies and procedures are vital to your success as an artist in business.  

Mastering the light for use in both contemporary and classic styles, and marketing it to an appreciative clientele is the class goal.