The Academy with John Gress

Photography Workshops

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Elevate Your Lighting Skills

Learning studio lighting can feel overwhelming when you’re piecing information together from YouTube videos, social media, and trial and error. My workshops are designed to provide photographers with a structured, hands-on learning experience focused on understanding how and why light works so you can create more consistent and intentional images with confidence.

Over the past 25 years working as a commercial photographer I’ve learned that lighting is not about memorizing formulas or copying diagrams. It’s about understanding how small changes in light placement, modifiers, ratios, and direction affect the final image. Throughout these workshops, we work together to solve lighting problems in real time while building practical skills you can immediately apply to your own photography.

Whether you are learning flash for the first time, refreshing stale work, or refining advanced lighting techniques, the goal is the same: helping you gain confidence, technical understanding, and the ability to create stronger images intentionally rather than through guesswork.

Foundations Four Day Workshop

The four-day Foundations workshop is designed for photographers who want to build a strong understanding of off-camera flash and studio lighting from the ground up. Through hands-on shooting exercises, students learn how light behaves, how to shape it intentionally, and how to create consistent results with confidence.

Over four days, we will build from one-light setups while taking your first steps into three-point lighting, modifiers, lighting patterns, ratios, balancing flash with ambient light, feathering, negative fill, and visual problem solving. Rather than memorizing diagrams or settings, the goal is to help photographers understand why lighting works so they can confidently create and adapt setups on their own long after the workshop ends.

Intermediate Single Day Workshops

The one-day workshops are designed to strengthen your understanding of studio lighting through hands-on shooting experience. We begin with simple setups and progressively build toward multi-light techniques throughout the day while photographing professional models.

Along the way, we discuss modifiers, exposure, ratios, light placement, post-production, and problem solving while recreating some of my most recognizable images and experimenting with new approaches together. More importantly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how and why each light affects the final image so you can adapt the concepts to your own work confidently.

Advanced Two Day Workshops

The two-day advanced workshops take place in my Chicago studio and are intentionally limited to only five photographers. This smaller group environment allows for a far more immersive and collaborative learning experience focused on advanced lighting techniques, experimentation, and personalized instruction.

Throughout the workshop, attendees actively participate in shaping the learning process. We recreate inspiration images together, explore lighting challenges chosen by the group, and work through advanced setups involving multiple lights, modifiers, colored light, and creative problem solving while photographing professional models.

Rather than simply following diagrams, the goal is to understand how to approach lighting intentionally, adapt to new creative situations, and build confidence through direct hands-on experience and feedback.

Workshop Giveaway

Each workshop offers the chance to win a Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter—a tool I relied on for over two decades!

What to Bring

Come ready to shoot with your camera! We’ll provide the lights, modifiers, and triggers compatible with all major camera brands. After a productive day, we’ll relax over dinner, discuss what we’ve learned, and explore ways to put these new skills to work!

Workshops


Custom Full day 1-on-1 In Person Workshops

Level up your lighting and photography skills with a fully personalized, one-on-one workshop. Whether we meet in my Chicago studio or at your own space, the day is built entirely around your goals.

We’ll kick things off with a Zoom call to tailor the experience — from lighting techniques and creative direction to gear choices and post-processing. During the workshop, you’ll work hands-on with a professional model while I guide you through customized setups and provide direct feedback to help you grow.

My Studio or Yours in Chicago
$1,999
Your Studio Anywhere in the U.S.
$3,499

Single day workshop schedule

  • 9:00am – 9:30am Meet & Greet
  • 9:30am – 10:00am A presentation about my process and philosophy
  • 10:00 – 11:00am One & Two Lights Demonstration and Practice
  • 11:00 – 12:00pm Lunch (provided)
  • 12:00pm – 4:00pm Hands-on Lighting Setups with model
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm Retouching / Post Processing Demonstration
  • 5:00pm – 6:00pm Hands on Retouching
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner, an optional activity that isn’t included in the cost of tuition.

Details subject to change.

Workshop Mailing List

Travis Patenaude
Travis Patenaude
I have been looking for a more advance lighting workshop for a while which allowed a more hands on approach,  Johns workshop was exactly what I was looking for!  John makes sure everyone is up to speed about basic lighting, modifiers and camera setting, then the fun begins.  The first couple of setups John shows us the lighting diagram and we help set up the lights, he kept us engaged by requesting suggested improvements to lighting set-ups. Most importantly he listens to our suggestions/questions about making changes to the lighting and compare the results (good, bad, or great) it becomes an experiment for everyone. The second day John asks us to bring our own ideas and each of us get to setup up two to three different lighting setups ourselves. John helps answer questions and works with us to get the best lighting.  Day two is very hands on, choosing wardrobe for the model and figuring out which lights to use and the settings.  The interaction with John, the other photographers, and being part of setting up the lights lets us, the Students, lead our own learning for a much deeper learning experience.  We finished up with helping to cull Johns photos for the two days. Picking out his best photos for each setup.  Learning what makes a picture better than the others, and discussing this with everyone is another great lesson and will make you a much stronger photographer.  John then teaches his editing technics and then we edited several of our own photos and voted on the best photo of the workshop.  The workshop improved my confidence in my skills with lighting and being able to put the new skills I learned into use easily. I highly recommend his workshops! unfortunately, this also means it will be harder for me to attend his workshops in the future as they will most likely sell out faster.
Kevin Light
Kevin Light
In June I attended a John Gress photography workshop in Seattle. Throughout the day John explained the delicate balance of how to place multiple light sources and the massive effect moving those light sources forward, back up or down had on how the light fell on the subject. Seeing this is real time and the ability to ask questions directly to him was fantastic and far superior for me than watching a video online. Throughout the day I watched as John created six different lighting setups and fail to achieve the look he wanted on his first attempt. I took notes as he methodically solved the problem moving all the flashes in the correct spots achieving his original vision. In the past I would test my lighting setup on myself before the client arrived and once they did I would be afraid to make any minor adjustments to my lights or where they were standing for fear they would think I didn’t know what I was doing. But I realized minor adjustments can make a huge difference. Watching John not get it perfect the first time and have the confidence to stop, put down the camera and make the necessary adjustments increased the confidence I had in myself and to look for opportunities like this where I could practice those skills.
Travis Patenaude
Travis Patenaude
I have been looking for a more advance lighting workshop for a while which allowed a more hands on approach,  Johns workshop was exactly what I was looking for!  John makes sure everyone is up to speed about basic lighting, modifiers and camera setting, then the fun begins.  The first couple of setups John shows us the lighting diagram and we help set up the lights, he kept us engaged by requesting suggested improvements to lighting set-ups. Most importantly he listens to our suggestions/questions about making changes to the lighting and compare the results (good, bad, or great) it becomes an experiment for everyone. The second day John asks us to bring our own ideas and each of us get to setup up two to three different lighting setups ourselves. John helps answer questions and works with us to get the best lighting.  Day two is very hands on, choosing wardrobe for the model and figuring out which lights to use and the settings.  The interaction with John, the other photographers, and being part of setting up the lights lets us, the Students, lead our own learning for a much deeper learning experience.  We finished up with helping to cull Johns photos for the two days. Picking out his best photos for each setup.  Learning what makes a picture better than the others, and discussing this with everyone is another great lesson and will make you a much stronger photographer.  John then teaches his editing technics and then we edited several of our own photos and voted on the best photo of the workshop.  The workshop improved my confidence in my skills with lighting and being able to put the new skills I learned into use easily. I highly recommend his workshops! unfortunately, this also means it will be harder for me to attend his workshops in the future as they will most likely sell out faster.
Kevin Caceres
Kevin Caceres
Attending John Gress’s portrait photography workshop was an experience that exceeded all my expectations. John created a welcoming environment that blended theoretical knowledge and practical application to ensure that each participant could grow, regardless of their skill level. His expertise and invaluable insights in portrait photography were evident through his teaching. The hands-on experience with a model in different settings, personalized advice, and live feedback during the session were incredibly beneficial. The workshop also dedicated time to post-processing, and networking with fellow participants added another layer of value. Leaving John’s workshop, I felt empowered with new knowledge, techniques, and a heightened sense of confidence in my photography skills. The experience has improved my technical skills and deepened my appreciation for the art and craft of capturing the human essence through photography.
Jack Howdeshell
Jack Howdeshell
I just attended the workshop in Miami. The information, instruction and the ability to watch the thought process involved in setting up and problem solving lighting scenarios (and participate directly in it too) is highly valued. It will certainly be a game changer for my studio. While the videos, tutorials and guides he shares are highly valuable, the hands on opportunities to work directly in the studio is priceless!
Kathleen Ballard
Kathleen Ballard
I have taken several of John Gress’s workshops, each time with a new group of photographers and personality of its own.  I love John’s rich use of lighting, simple, yet effective studio set ups, and watching his brainstorming with how to create something new. Working with professional models, John asked us if we had anything in particular we wanted to learn and then we helped in the set up, choosing wardrobe for the model and figuring out which lights to use and the settings.   I was curious about using colored gels, and we played around with them until we came up with incredible new pictures. Rather than listening and watching, the interaction with John and the other photographers brings a deeper learning experience. Finishing up with honing in on Lightroom skills and tricks, we edited and voted on the best pictures.  The entire experience was enriching, and at the same time fun. John’s friendly and easy-going personality is such a plus, there was never a moment when any of us felt awkward or out of place. Overall, the workshops have been a wonderful and exciting adventure!
Wanda R – Alluz Photography
Wanda R – Alluz Photography
As a photographer I’m always trying to improve my lighting techniques. I’ve watched countless YouTube videos and I have tried many photography educational platforms, but none has been as comprehensive as John Gress’s Lighting Workshop.   His workshops provides photographers with hands on and ongoing access to him as a mentor,  while he instructs and guides you with lighting techniques to take your lighting skills to the next level.  He uses an instructional approach where he has the attendees deconstruct and recreate the scene using the techniques learned in the workshop. I learned various different lighting techniques, that I have been putting into practice in my photography. I would encourage every photographer who is interested in a game changer with their photography skills to attend a John Gress Lighting Workshop. Simply put, this was one of the best investments I’ve made in my photography work, after John Gress Lighting Workshop, lighting can never be viewed the same again.
James Diedrich
James Diedrich
The Chicago Workshop is a great learning experience. We did not follow simple formulas for studio lighting but learned how to create lighting set-ups for desired outcomes. I came away with the tools needed to create my own lighting solutions for my work. I no longer worry about the technical aspects of making portraits but can now focus on the subject. Thanks for the great event John.
Tom Ferguson
Tom Ferguson
A quick note to tell you that I truly enjoyed this past weekend's lighting workshop. I found your style to be relaxed, informative and quite enjoyable. Your knowledge is outstanding and your studio is great. I learned a lot and on top of that I had positive reinforcement about things that I already knew via trial and error. I very much enjoyed that free flowing style of the workshop and the fact that you asked for our creative ideas. I'd recommend this workshop to anyone interested in expanding their photographic lighting knowledge base. Thanks for the enjoyable, knowledge filled workshop.
John Kelly
John Kelly
As a photographer, I’ve paid attention to light for years and learned, little by little, how to use it to take better pictures. But being able to recognize good light is a far cry from being able to create it, which is something I struggle with. Last weekend I got to spend a couple days learning from a photographer who has a true talent for making light do what he wants. The experience was—sorry, I can’t help it—illuminating. Instead of the sun, we worked with beauty dishes and octaboxes, hair lights and strip lights, v-flats and flags. It was a two-day workshop and we ran through at least a dozen lighting setups, working with different models on each day. On the second day the photographer, John Gress, asked each of us three students to envision and then execute a portrait of our own. This was mine. My goal was to make a headshot of our model, using the light to accentuate his strong, angular jawline. With a little guidance, I created a four-light setup that produced—to my surprise—almost exactly the image I had in mind. For any lighting enthusiasts, we used three-foot strip lights behind the model on either side to create the edge light along his jaw and a third strip light directly above the camera as the main portrait light, which created a thin vertical band of light down the center of his face. We used a white card to lighten the shadows beneath his chin and a hairlight to create some separation from the dark background. For anyone looking to improve their portrait lighting skills, I give a thumbs up to John Gress’ workshop. Thanks!
Scott David
Scott David
Attending John’s workshop in Chicago was simply perfect.  Not only did John discuss different lighting and modifiers, he tested them on us to show us the difference in the light produced by each one, and discussed why they produced the different types of light.  John made sure we had the opportunity to watch him set up the different lighting diagrams with a live model, then had us help him, and afterward were asked to create several for ourselves we’d like to try.  The ‘watch, help, you do it hands on approach’ was not only effective and extremely beneficial in the learning process, but helpful in understanding why to set things up in a certain way.  While lighting can be intimidating for some photographers, John helped us feel comfortable if we made mistakes, correct them while showing why and how, and done in a positive fun environment.  This was all done while allowing room for creativity with the model and individual expression as a photographer.  The two day workshop was full of information but not so overwhelming as to not be able to decipher through it.  To top it all off at the end of day two, John showed us some valuable editing techniques that are easy and save lots of time.  Whether choosing the one day workshop or the two day event you will walk away with information and experience to raise your level of knowledge and creativity in portrait lighting.  Thank you John for investing time and energy in all of us to help us grow as photographers.
Joy Brathwaite
Joy Brathwaite
If you have not taken a John Gress workshop, you should. The workshop surpassed my expectations. John was very open, and readily answered questions about equipment, lights, lens selection, make-up, you name it. Every component of the session was hands on with the model, from styling to lighting to posing. On the first day, John went over various lighting set-ups. The set-ups were varied, and had something for each type of photographer. What a pleasant surprise when he did lighting typically used in maternity images. Also, he engaged participants by requesting suggested improvements to lighting set-ups. Like I mentioned, it was impossible not to be involved in the workshop. On the second day, participants provided images to replicate. This exercise turned out to be a fantastic learning experience as we got to watch how John ‘problem solved’ the image.  I cannot say enough good things about John’s workshop. Well worth the experience.
H. Myles Kimmel
H. Myles Kimmel
As a portrait photographer, attending the John Gress Lighting Workshop was a game-changer for me! John’s expertise and approachable teaching style made complex lighting techniques easy to understand and apply. The hands-on experience was invaluable—I walked away with new skills and confidence in my lighting setups John’s dedication to each attendee’s learning was evident. He took the time to provide personalized feedback and ensure we mastered the concepts. The workshop environment was friendly and collaborative, making the entire experience enjoyable. If you’re serious about elevating your photography game, I highly recommend John Gress's Lighting Workshop. It’s a must for any photographer looking to enhance their craft!

TERMS

IMAGE USAGE: All images taken during the workshop can be used in your portfolio (online and social platforms), but please use the hashtag #johngressworkshops where applicable. The models have rights too, so you cannot use the images commercially, to advertise photo shoots, or to promote any professional service or product. Essentially, a model release would be required for such uses, which you will not have.

CANCELLATION: Free cancellation is available if made more than 7 days before the workshop. Otherwise, all sales are final.

DEPOSITS: A 50% deposit or full payment is required to secure a spot. The balance is due two weeks before the workshop date.

RETOUCHING: The retouching section of the workshop occurs at the end of the workshop and will primarily feature Capture One, as I have switched programs.

REQUIRED: You are required to have fun, ask questions, learn, and make new friends!

*All sales are final and non-refundable. Dinner is an optional activity and is not included in the price of the workshop.