WORKSHOP

I’m organizing an instructional lighting portrait photo session meetup in August. It’s not a workshop but more of an informal meetup to explore how I use lighting to enhance the beauty of a portrait. I’m looking at a 2-hour photo session with one model, one light. The date and time have been set. It will take place on a Saturday at mid-morning 10 am. I’ll be using a mix of natural light and flash with my new setup kit, with one light, and the sun will be my second source of lighting. Minimalism will be the underlying theme for my gear. You are welcome to bring your camera, Godox trigger to shoot. I’ll share all of my thought process as I compose my shots, and I’ll be open to questions as well as your thoughts.

You must have a basic understanding of how to use a flash, speedlight or strobe. I’ll be teaching you how to use artificial lighting to make a creative portrait and using your environment to compliment your subject. I personally use Godox and FJ Westcott lighting but for this meetup I’ll be using Godox lighting system. You are free to shoot, using my lights and your own controller, after I explain why I chose the spot and how I’m setting up my shot.

Gear I’ll be using: 
-My lighting setup will consist of a single Godox AD200,  as an off-camera flash. 
-Carbon fiber light stand. 
-A 2-5 stop variable ND filter.
-MagGels, MagSphere (Standard & XL size), MagGrid, MagSnoot, MagMod XL
-Fuji XT-5
-13mm f/1.4 (full frame equivalent 20mm)
-33mm f/1.1.4 (full frame equivalent 50mm)
-56mm f/1.2 (full frame equivalent 85mm)
*Model?  TBA (Model(s) will be compensated for their time.)

Date: August 23,2025
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: TBA (Location will be disclosed to anyone who signs up)

I’m going to cap this portrait walk at 15 participants. I’ll share my thoughts on why I chose a specific location, how I plan to light it, and my final vision for that shot. Please be aware that this is not a workshop, but rather a group of like-minded friends participating in a styled photo session with an open dialogue component. I’m sure I’ll learn some things from you and hopefully you’ll pick up a thing or two from me.

Cost: $35 + tax per head

Payment can be made through Venmo. Majority of the monies collected will cover payment to the model for her time, 2 hours, and to cover some of my setup cost. After the initial contact email I’ll give you my Venmo ID to send payment.

Seats are limited, first-come, first-serve. To secure your spot, I’m requesting your donation for the model upfront when you sign up. You can request a refund no later than 72 hours prior to the meetup. No refunds 24 hours prior to the meetup. No shows no refund.

Signups are by email only, no text, DM’s or messages. Send an email to rsakamoto808@gmail.com. To be fair to everyone I cannot hold your spot just because I know you or are friends. To hold your spot I must receive your payment.

If this goes well I’d like the next meetup to be a creative couples portrait session with 2 lights. Followed by a Flying dress portrait session with 2 lights.

Aloha, and hope to see you soon!