One light, one reflector and nothing more. You'll learn to create portraits that rise above the average with a single source – and understand light so well that you'll never light blindly again.
What awaits you
We focus on a stage in a photographer's development that is often skipped. Even after years of practice, photos can stay merely average – until you fully master one light. We'll bust the myths pushed on us by sellers' marketing: you don't need a pile of gear for beautiful photos. All it takes is masterful control of one light and reflective surfaces.
The course is built so that you take away as many photos and as much experience straight from the shoot as possible. Two models will pose, we'll shoot at two stations in two stylings, and Tonda will stand behind you giving immediate feedback.
Course topics
- Quality of lightsoft, hard and in between – how to achieve it and what it's good for in practice.
- Reflective surfacehow to work with it and how not to use it – the most common mistakes.
- Shadows under controlshallow and deep shadows, controlling them precisely and contouring with light.
- GOBO and lighting set-upsthe most widely used lighting methods in commercial work.
- Inspiration from the old mastersthe painted portrait and the light you can borrow from it.
Course flow
Theory without formulasThe physics of light briefly and clearly, with photos and real-world examples.
DemonstrationTonda demonstrates lighting step by step, including the mistakes photographers make.
Shooting with the modelsSmall groups, two stations: you'll decode a sample photo and recreate it.
What to bring
- Your own camera with manual mode
- A memory card
- A charged battery
Can I handle it?
Yes. The course is for beginners and for those who already shoot but control light more by chance. The explanation is simple and practical, and Tonda watches over your shoulder the whole time. The course continues with the advanced Lighting the Figure, Space and Motion.
Lecturer
Tonda Lavrenčík
Portrait · studio light
A professional portrait photographer and lecturer based in Prague, specialising in portraits. He has been teaching photography since 2014 and emphasises the practical, hands-on side of teaching. He works with young people, runs summer camps for kids and has many years of teaching experience. He works in his own studio, Ateliér v továrně, in Prague's Modřany district.
Participant reviews
As a long-time self-taught photographer, I chose Antonín Lavrenčík's course to learn the basics of capturing a great portrait from a real professional. And I did very well. He can convey the essence of using the most suitable light combined with anticipated shadows very empathetically. There's beauty in simplicity, and that's what I learned here. A clear five stars!
Translated from Czech
I was really looking forward to this course! Tonda introduced us very clearly to working with light in the studio, and we tried everything ourselves under his supervision. I really enjoyed the course, communication was excellent throughout! We created beautiful scenes! Definitely recommended, and I'm already looking forward to further collaboration and the follow-up.
Translated from Czech
For photographers who are starting to learn to work with lights, the course is fantastically designed and the lecturer explains everything completely clearly, in a structured and illustrative way, so you understand everything right away. The theoretical part is followed by practical exercises where you immediately practise what you've learned. It was great!
Translated from Czech
Magic in the truest sense of the word – a great, clear explanation, beautiful models, and light and shadow. It seems simple, even simpler right after the course, but suddenly your horizons widen, the picture clears up and you fall for it and find you need it again and again. Thanks, Tonda!
Translated from Czech
The best course I've had, and I can only recommend it. It changed my view of studio photography and my perception of light and shadow – and that's the foundation of photography. Tonda explained everything so I never had to fumble. This course takes you to a whole new level.
Translated from Czech
From the varied range of workshops I chose the course How to Work Magic with One Light and a Reflector. The course was a great guide to handling light in the studio and its various ways of modulation. I can only recommend the workshop with Tonda to anyone interested in portrait photography!
Translated from Czech
Simple, practical, spelled out. Great models, a creative atmosphere, and the number of participants let you get hands-on with everything. Good coffee, and Tonda is a real pro and a great guy too. I'm only just starting to shoot in the studio. I recommend it to everyone starting out and to the advanced who are still floundering. It'll make everything clear.
Translated from Czech
This course was a real purge of my thinking about working with light in photography. Tonda was a great guide – he explained how to perceive and use light so that even a complete amateur like me understood. One light and a reflector, that's all we needed to achieve stunning results. Creativity with light isn't about expensive gear but about understanding the principles. I definitely recommend the course!
Translated from Czech
More information
You'll find the cancellation terms in our terms and conditions. A gift voucher can be redeemed for any course and is valid for one year. Have a question? Call +420 734 328 742.
