Level 1 OCF Seminars
2024 Seminar locations and dates are being planned now…. updates coming soon!!
The Speedlight Fundamentals Seminar is an opportunity to take your images to the next level by learning to create with off-camera flash (OCF).
Over the last several years, we have helped hundreds of both hobbyist and professional photographers grow their mastery of light…and we want to help you next!
Unlike investing in photoshop actions which may apply to only a few images per session, trying to find the most helpful videos online out of a sea of conflicting opinions, or merely watching online seminars…the money you spend on getting hands on, practical knowledge is priceless.
Don’t take our word for it. Pictures speak a thousand words. Here are what previous attendees have been creating since they attended seminar…
We have had students attend that are brand new to photography (gear fresh out of the box!) as well as more experienced professionals looking to build their skills through fundamentals.
Our team of instructors apply their experience to put you in control of the images you want to create.
Our teaching team includes technical expert and founder of the Grayfather Method Mark Jesse, gear inventor and owner of flashgear.net Tim Payne, and award winning photographer Westcott Top Pro Julie Gayler.
Their collective experience spans over 40 years creating stunning imagery with off camera flash and includes portraits, headshots, commercial and event photography. If you can think it, they can light it!
Do you ever wish you had someone at your side to walk you through setting up your flash gear step by step?
Our instructors simply won’t hand you a controller and ask you to memorize a formula. We will walk you through each step of using flash, and provide time for you to follow along with your own gear.
We provide the fundamentals, but also the opportunity to see them in action…and most importantly use your OWN gear to put the methods into practice. Take a sneak peek of what to expect at seminar…
Are you ready to stop guessing camera settings, and know exactly how to create amazing images?
If you have been wheeling dials hoping it works, or getting stuck on what to do next, or spending hours in photoshop to correct what went wrong…you will feel ready to create images to match your own unique vision and style…right out of the camera!
This gallery features images from students created at our seminars with their own gear.
You can create the lighting you want any time, anywhere.
At our two-day seminar, you will learn:
- Basics of exposure
- How to connect and use your own lighting equipment
- Settings for your camera and flash
- Step by step process to setting up your lighting and settings
- Making the most of ANY location with creative lighting
- Creating dramatic portraits
- Balancing flash with natural light for soft, airy images
- Using HSS in bright sun
- How to correct common issues with flash lighting
OCF doesn’t have to be intimidating. We’re here to make it FUN!
If you’re looking for a learning opportunity where there’s no stupid questions, you’re not insulted for not knowing something, and you’re in good company with friends who will actually admit they start off sessions with the lens cap on…we are your people!
The learning and support doesn’t end with the seminar.
You’ll leave with good memories and laughs that have strangers leaving as friends. Once you have signed up and paid your registration, you will be sent a link to our private Facebook group called the #GrayCardMafia that is only for attendees.
You will have:
- Lifetime access to all of the seminar information.
- Additional challenges and exercises to build your knowledge.
- A networking connection with the other seminar photographers
- The opportunity to follow up with us any you need more guidance.
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EVENT DETAILS: 2024 Seminars are in the works!! We hope to have registration available soon!
Investment: Seminar cost is $1250.00 per person.
*Schedule may be updated or changed.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to bring?
You will need a camera, lens (50mm, 85mm or 24-70mm lenses are ideal choices), and accessories. Basic lighting equipment you will be using includes a light stand, flash/trigger, and modifier. There is lighting equipment and gear available to try or to purchase. However, we recommend that you bring (or purchase) the gear you intend to use at sessions, so that you can get the most out of the experience.
How much hands-on instruction is there?
All segments in the schedule posted above with a camera include time you will be using your own gear. There is a total of nearly 5 hours shooting time in real world lighting situations.
Will I be able to use the images in my portfolio?
Short answer, yes! The models have all signed a release for images to use in your portfolio. Long answer is the goals of the seminar are not focused on portfolio building. We have models present for you to practice the methods right away (we know the best way to learn is to do!). You won’t even want to use seminar images, because you are about to unleash your creativity with light in a brand new way!
Will food be provided?
Dinner on Saturday night is a pizza party, included in the price of your ticket. We are all about snacks, and recommend bringing a few things to munch on during the seminar. We take a two hour lunch break on Saturday for you to explore the area and grab a bite to eat, as well as some down time on Sunday.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel 30 days prior to the event, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel 15-29 days prior to the event you will receive a 75% refund. Cancelling within 14 days of the event will result in no refund. However, you will be able to attend another seminar at a later date with no additional charges.