Light & Lens Photography Workshop

Light and Lens is a hands on creative portrait workshop focused on the two things I constantly preach because they matter more than anything else behind the camera
your lighting and your glass.

Cameras change. Trends change. Lighting and lenses are what truly shape your images.

This workshop is led by Ray Alvarez, Westcott Top Pro, creative portrait photographer, and mentor behind Shoot With Ray. If you have been following my work online, this workshop is built around that same signature style. Bold lighting, clean compositions, and intentional creative choices.

This is not a casual shoot around. This is a structured educational workshop where I will be teaching, demonstrating, and guiding you through real world creative decisions.

Most photographers focus heavily on camera bodies and settings but feel unsure when it comes to confidently choosing the right lens or fully understanding how aperture and lighting interact. In this workshop we simplify that process.

You will learn how to
Build strong portraits by prioritizing lighting first
Choose the right lens based on intent not guesswork
Understand how focal length affects compression perspective and storytelling
Use fast lenses with confidence instead of fear
Decide when shooting wide open enhances the image and when stopping down makes more sense

We will break down how aperture impacts depth of field subject separation light control and overall mood so you are no longer second guessing your choices during a shoot.

The workshop will feature two fully built creative portrait sets inside the studio.

Attendees will rotate between both sets throughout the workshop
Each setup will showcase different lighting approaches and lens decisions
Live instruction and demonstrations at each set
Hands on shooting time with guidance direction and real feedback

This rotating format allows you to see how lighting and lens choice affect the final image in multiple scenarios instead of just one look.

We will cover how to
Shape and control light for creative portraits
Understand light placement and why it changes everything
Modify light to match the mood you are trying to create
Use lighting tools with intention instead of guessing

All lighting will be provided. You will see exactly how the sets are built, how the light is shaped, and how to recreate the look in your own sessions.

Lens choice is not about owning everything. It is about understanding what each lens gives you creatively.

Throughout the workshop we will talk through real world lens selection using fast primes and practical focal lengths often used in portrait and branding work. Sigma lenses will be referenced as part of the discussion around fast glass sharpness and creative flexibility, plus how different focal lengths can completely change the final feel of the portrait.

We will also talk about what happens when you shoot wide open versus stopping down and when each choice makes sense depending on the look you want.

The goal is for you to leave knowing how to confidently pick the right lens for the job instead of defaulting to the same option every time.

A clear understanding of how to combine lighting and lens choice
More confidence shooting wide open when it serves the image
A repeatable process for deciding which lens to use and why
Practical lighting knowledge you can apply immediately
Strong images for your portfolio from two unique creative sets

This workshop is ideal for
Portrait and branding photographers
Photographers transitioning into studio work
Shooters who feel unsure about lens selection
Creatives who want more intention behind their lighting and aperture choices

All experience levels are welcome. You do not need to be advanced to attend. You just need to be ready to learn and experiment.

Your camera
One or two lenses you enjoy shooting with or want to understand better
Curiosity and a willingness to try new approaches

All lighting sets and studio resources will be provided.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Ray Alvarez