Introduction to Studio Photography - A Beginner-Friendly Two-Day Workshop

Location: Leica Akademie UK, Soho, 15 Greek Street, London
Time: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29^th November 2026 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
 

Workshop Overview

Designed specifically for those who are new to studio photography, this immersive two-day workshop provides a practical introduction to professional studio techniques using Leica cameras.

Participants will learn how to confidently work in a studio environment, understand the fundamentals of lighting, photograph both fashion and portrait subjects, and develop a simple but effective post-production workflow using Capture One and Adobe Lightroom.

No previous studio experience is required. The workshop is structured to build confidence step-by-step, combining demonstrations, guided practical exercises, and hands-on shooting sessions with professional talent.

DAY ONE

Studio Photography Fundamentals & Fashion Shoot

11:00 – 11:30

Welcome & Introduction

• Welcome and refreshments
• Meet your instructors and fellow participants
• Overview of the weekend
• Understanding what makes studio photography different from natural light photography

11:30 – 12:15

Getting Started with Leica Cameras

• Introduction to choosing the right camera (all camera brands are welcome. You don’t need a Leica camera to attend)
• Understanding camera settings for studio photography
• Aperture, shutter speed and ISO explained
• Choosing the right lens for different subjects
• Setting up your camera for studio shooting

12:15 – 13:00

Studio Basics

• Introduction to studio equipment
• Understanding backgrounds and backdrops
• Understanding the use of light stands, modifiers and reflectors
• Studio safety and workflow
• Building a simple studio setup

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 – 14:30

Understanding Light

• What is good light?
• Hard light versus soft light
• How light direction affects a photograph
• Demonstration of one-light setups
• Creating flattering light for people

14:30 – 15:00

Working with Models

• Choosing talent for a shoot
• Building confidence when directing people
• Simple posing techniques
• Communication and creating a relaxed atmosphere
• Understanding styling and wardrobe considerations

15:00 – 16:15

Practical Shoot 01 – Fashion Photography

Participants work with a professional model alongside the instructor in a guided fashion shoot. Each participant will get the chance to work 1-2-1 with the model.

Topics covered:

• Camera settings in practice
• Basic model direction
• Composition and framing
• Using a simple lighting setup
• Building confidence behind the camera

16:15 – 17:00

Introduction to Tethered Shooting

• What is tethering and why professionals use it
• Connecting Leica cameras to Capture One & Lightroom
• Live image review and selection
• Introduction to Capture One/ Lightroom workflow
• Organising files efficiently

End of Day One

DAY TWO

Portrait Photography & Editing Workflow

11:00 – 11:30

Day One Review

• Discussion and questions
• Review of selected participant images
• Recap of key concepts
• Preparing for the portrait session

11:30 – 12:15

Portrait Lighting Made Simple

• Understanding flattering portrait lighting
• Working with one and two lights
• Demonstration of classic portrait setups
• Controlling mood and atmosphere
• Light placement exercises

12:15 – 12:45

Planning a Portrait Session

• Preparing a simple shoot concept
• Choosing backgrounds
• Lens selection for portraits
• Creating natural expressions
• Building confidence with subjects

12:45 – 13:45

Lunch Break

13:45 – 15:00

Practical Shoot 02 – Portrait Photography

A fully guided portrait session with a professional subject.

Participants will learn:

• Portrait composition
• Subject direction
• Working with facial expressions
• Refining lighting setups
• Creating a series of finished images

15:00 – 15:30

Selecting Your Best Images

• Importing photographs
• Understanding image ratings
• Choosing strong photographs
• Developing an editing workflow

15:30 – 16:30

Editing in Capture One & Lightroom

A beginner-friendly introduction to post-production:

• Exposure adjustments
• White balance correction
• Colour enhancement
• Basic retouching techniques
• Cropping and composition refinement
• Preparing images for print and social media

16:30 – 17:00

Group Review & Workshop Close

• Participant image presentation
• Constructive feedback and discussion
• Key lessons and next steps
• Certificate presentation
• Questions and further learning recommendations

Included in the Workshop Fee

• Two days of expert Leica Akademie tuition
• Hands-on access to Leica cameras and lenses (subject to availability)
• Professional fashion model and portrait subject
• Fully equipped studio environment
• Capture One and Lightroom workflow demonstrations
• Refreshments throughout the weekend
• Leica Akademie Certificate of Completion
• Strictly limited to 8 participants

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is ideal for:

• Enthusiastic photographers looking to try studio photography for the first time
• Leica users wanting to expand their skills
• Photographers moving from natural light to studio lighting
• Content creators seeking a more professional workflow
• Anyone wanting a structured introduction to portrait and fashion photography

No prior studio photography experience is required. You do not need a Leica Camera to attend.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of studio photography
• Set up and use basic studio lighting confidently
• Operate Leica cameras effectively in a studio environment
• Direct and photograph portrait and fashion subjects
• Shoot tethered using Capture One & Adobe Lightroom Classic
• Organise and edit images in Capture One and Lightroom Classic
• Create a portfolio of professionally lit studio photographs