Speedlite Flash: Learn in One-Day
Workshop - Photography | Registration opens 5/12/2026 9:00 AM EDT
Take the mystery out of flash and learn how to use it with confidence in Flash Photography in a Day, an intensive 5-hour workshop designed to transform the way you light your subjects. Whether you’ve avoided flash altogether or struggled to get consistent results, this class breaks down the “when” and “why” of flash photography into clear, approachable concepts you can immediately apply. Photo credit: C. Stephen Hurst 'Winston Salem Pride Parade' 2025
Through a practical, hands-on teaching approach, students will learn how flash works and how to use it intentionally to enhance—not overpower—their images. We’ll demystify common challenges such as harsh light, unnatural shadows, and inconsistent exposures, showing you how to shape light so your subject is always seen at their best.
Key topics include understanding ambient vs. flash exposure, balancing light for natural-looking results, choosing the right time to introduce flash, and controlling direction, quality, and intensity. Students will work with on-camera and off-camera flash setups, learning how small adjustments can dramatically improve the final image.
Live demonstrations and guided shooting exercises will give you real-world experience using flash in a variety of scenarios, from subtle fill light in daylight to more dramatic, controlled lighting setups.
What You’ll Learn:
- When to use flash (and when not to)
- How to balance ambient and artificial light
- Techniques for soft, flattering light
- On-camera vs. off-camera flash basics
- Simple methods to control and shape light
What to Bring:
A camera (DSLR or mirrorless), a compatible flash unit if you have one, and a willingness to experiment.
Who This Workshop Is For:
Photographers of all levels who want to gain confidence using flash and elevate their lighting skills.
Leave with a clear understanding of how flash works, when to use it, and how to create beautifully lit images that feel natural, intentional, and professionally crafted.
C. Stephen Hurst
C. Stephen Hurst recently moved to Winston-Salem from New York City where he spent many years as a professional photographer and instructor at the International School of Photography. Hurst is a self-taught photographer who emphasizes connection, anticipation, and communication through his process; some of Hurst’s photography clients have included the Disney Family Foundation, Nike, and Columbia Business School. Hurst holds a B.F.A. in Cinema Studies from New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Learn more about his work at amancalledhurst.com.