Dramatic Outdoor Portraits in Bad Light by Joseph “JC” Carey, Westcott

Most photographers have been told to avoid shooting portraits in the middle of the day. Harsh sun, ugly shadows, blown-out backgrounds, squinting subjects, and “bad” light can make outdoor portraits feel impossible.This class is designed to change that.Location Lighting Lab is a beginner-friendly, hands-on class for photographers who are curious about flash but have not yet taken the leap. Whether you own a light, are thinking about buying your first one, or have tried flash and felt completely overwhelmed, this class will give you a simple, repeatable process for creating dramatic outdoor portraits in challenging light.Using JC Carey’s From Fear to Flash and Process Over Recipe approach, we will break lighting down into easy steps: build the photo first, control the ambient light, then add flash with purpose. Instead of memorizing settings or copying a recipe, you will learn how to see the scene, make creative decisions, and use light to turn difficult conditions into stronger images.We will focus on real-world outdoor scenarios, including bright summer afternoon sun, harsh overhead light, busy backgrounds, and locations that may not look exciting at first. The goal is not just to take photos, but to learn how to make them.You will learn how to:

• Understand every lit image as two exposures: the available light and the flash
• Use your camera settings to control the background before adding light
• Add one light in a simple, intentional way
• Create drama, separation, and shape outdoors
• Stop being afraid of “bad” light and start using it creatively
• Build confidence with flash without getting buried in technical jargon

This class is perfect for natural light photographers, portrait shooters, hobbyists, and anyone who has looked at off-camera flash and thought, “I want to learn that, but I don’t know where to start.”No lighting experience is required. Bring your camera, bring your questions, and come ready to take the first step from fear to flash.

$5 Cardinal Camera Gift Card to all seminar addendees

Bio:

Joseph “JC” Carey is a lifelong image maker and recovered natural-light-only photographer. Like many of us, JC used to think flash was a four-letter word worthy of pulling your his hair out. His journey into lighting started with a hilariously bad lighting class in 2007—a true “gift” in the sense that it lit a fire under him to learn everything the instructor didn't teach. That fire turned into a full-blown passion for figuring out how to control light, shape it, and use it to create images that stand out.

Fast forward 18 years and JC is now a professional photographer and the Northeast Sales & Marketing Rep for FJ Westcott and a proud lighting evangelist. He spends his days teaching people how to go “From Fear to Flash,” showing photographers that the best available light isn’t necessarily natural—it’s the one you can use consistently to stay creative, even when the sun’s being a diva.

When he’s not lighting something (or someone), he’s being a dad, making photos, or finding new ways to make lighting fun, accessible, and a little less terrifying.

Follow his journey (and see some of his lighting antics) at Instagram.com/JCPhotoMedia