The Portrait Lighting Universe: How to light anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Photos clockwise from upper left: Stacy Keck, Rich Soublet, Andrew Burns, Rich Soublet, Rich Soublet, Stacy Keck

APA San Diego proudly presents three of its own to demystify the process of creating exceptional portraits. Andrew Burns, Stacy Keck, and Rich Soublet, are coming together to design a workshop on portrait lighting you will not want to miss. Andrew, an established gaffer/photographer will walk us through a wide range of lighting setups in the studio. In addition, we cover how to light an individual within a scene on location. Using strobe, RGB, and constant light, we will take attendees through the process of using these tools to create dynamic portrait lighting, not your typical headshot. We will walk the line between light and shadow and show you what it takes to have control over both.

In addition, as a fun way to show the process of creating trust with the people we photograph, Stacy and Rich will each be tasked with creating a series of portraits of someone preselected whom they have never met. These interactions of meeting someone new, quickly creating rapport, and directing their subject on camera will take place live in front of workshop attendees. This will be a great opportunity for participants to pick up practical tips on how to quickly get people comfortable in front of the camera.

This event will be interactive, providing participants the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical knowledge and confidence with their own creative works. Come join us and see the magic that happens when experienced photographers unite to create together!

What: An in-person lighting and portrait workshop for all levels of photographers

When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, 9:30AM – 12:00PM

Where: Skylight Studios, 4562 Alvarado Canyon Road, San Diego, CA, 92120

Cost:
$25 APA Members
$50 Non Members
Students FREE with proof of enrollment/Student ID (Tickets must be reserved in advance, space is limited)

Register Now


A special thanks to our event partners!

Sony will be joining us to share details about their UX Research Program. Sony’s UX research team is looking for more creators to provide feedback for Sony imaging products and concepts. Photographers, videographers, and cinematographers of all backgrounds are welcome to join the Creators’ volunteer list to hear about upcoming opportunities to share your experience and opinions. Gift card incentives are provided as a thank you for your feedback, which is used to improve current and future Sony products.

Thank you to George’s Camera for your ongoing support and helping make our annual programming possible. Visit their North Park or Clairemont locations and see why they are San Diego’s largest full-service camera store.


Skylight Studios for their generosity and hosting the event at their beautiful studio. Skylight Studios is equipped with the most thoughtful amenities of any studio of its kind in San Diego, paired with incredible hospitality and support. For a successful, headache-free production, look no further!


Voice & Video for their gracious donation of lighting and grip for this event. Visit them for your audio, video and production needs!