Introduction to Flash Photography

Class begins Monday January 5th

Class Details
  • Registration
  • Student Level
    Intermediate
  • Course Length
    6 weeks
  • Start Date
    Monday January 5th
  • Time
    7pm to 9pm.
  • Instructor
  • Cost
    $350 - Due at the start of the first class
  • Prerequisite
  • Curriculum
  • Location
    3301 N Lincoln - map
  • By Car
    Main Junction Belmont and Lincoln
  • Public Transport
    Brown Line or #11 Bus - CTA System Map

This six week, hands-on course give you an understanding the basics of flash photography. You will learn about the history of flash, flash brands and generations, proper exposure, the use of pop-up flash and the use of flash with natural and artificial light.

You should plan to bring your camera and flash each week to class. Each class includes a lecture, an assignment and a group critique of the previous week’s assignment. Much of the in-class work is hands-on. Class size is limited due to the complexity of the material (see below).

If you have any questions about your current flash equipment, purchasing new equipment or about this class, please contact Frank Failing, the class instructor, at frank.failing@chicagophoto.org.

Course materials:

  • Your 35mm SLR or digital SLR camera
  • A fixed focal point 50mm lens
  • A dedicated add-on flash, preferably Nikon SB800-DX or Canon 580EX
  • A tripod (highly recommended, highly recommended but not required)
  • An accessory flash diffusion attachment such as Lumiquest Promax System, Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce or Gary Fong System (Do not buy a diffusion attachment prior to the first class. If you don't have one, the instructor will advise you.)
  • A small flashlight
  • A notebook, pen and pencil
  • For film cameras only
    • 14 rolls of Fuji Provia ASA/ISO100, RDP III 135-36, daylight color slide film
    • 25 archival quality slide storage pages

Please note: You should register for Introduction to Flash Photography online, as class size is critical to course success. This course is limited to no fewer than four students each session and no more than eight.