Photography Classes / Natural Light Studio Portraits

Intermediate Group · 4–6

Natural Light Studio Portraits

An afternoon class shooting portraits entirely in natural light - using the studio's windows and east-facing French doors. A different discipline from flash, and one that produces a genuinely distinct kind of image.

Most portrait photography tuition focuses on studio flash. This class takes a different approach, using the natural light available through the studio's windows and French doors to shoot a range of portraits. It is a useful complement to studio lighting skills, and a valuable technique in its own right.

We run this class in the warmer months only — light quality and quantity matter, and this is not a class that works well in a Scottish winter. Dates are seasonal.

What We Will Cover:

  • Using directional window light for portraiture
  • Controlling and shaping available light
  • Exposure in ambient conditions - manual and aperture priority
  • Working with a model in a natural light environment
  • The difference in approach and results compared to flash
Requirements
Experience You should be comfortable operating your camera in manual or aperture priority mode and understand exposure compensation. Some previous experience of portraiture is helpful. This is not an introductory class.
Gear A lens equivalent to 24–70mm on full frame (18–55mm on crop) is the minimum. Because we are shooting in ambient light at ISO 400–1250, a maximum aperture of f/4 or better is strongly recommended. A slow kit zoom at f/5.6 will make things more difficult.
Price £180
Format Group workshop
Duration Afternoon session
Participants 4–6
Location Pavilion Studio, West Lothian
Dates Summer 2026 — enquire
Get in touch to book

Prices include VAT. Full payment required at time of booking.

What Students Say

About This Class

"Thoroughly enjoyed the natural light class at the weekend. Barrie and Fiona were fantastic, helpful and knowledgeable as always and Emma was great to work with. Walked away with loads of images I was pleased with."

- Stu Davidson · Natural Light Portraits

"Had a great afternoon at Pavilion doing the natural light workshop. Barrie and Fiona ran the course with considerable aplomb and the model was phenomenal. A great time had by all - I recommend the course and studio very highly."

- Iain Macdonald · Natural Light Portraits

"Learned loads from Barrie and Fiona on their natural light photography course. A lot of things clicked into place for me."

- Chris Scyner · Natural Light Portraits