From Flat to Fantastic:
Unlocking the Power of Studio Lighting
with John Gress
Go beyond the basics to create depth, drama, and polish in every shot
Workshop Description
Join portrait and commercial photographer John Gress for a dynamic, hands-on lighting workshop designed to build confidence and control in the studio. Throughout the day, John demonstrates how he creates his signature looks—starting with clean, precise one- and two-light setups and gradually sculpting light into more dramatic, dimensional, and moody results—while guiding you through a series of thoughtfully designed setups with a professional model.
This workshop is open to photographers of all experience levels. John’s teaching style meets you where you are, beginning with strong foundations and layering complexity step by step so everyone learns together. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how intentional lighting choices shape mood, depth, and story.
Attendees will have opportunities to photograph throughout the workshop—typically around one-third of the day—while John works with participants individually, answering questions, offering feedback, and helping refine both technique and creative decision-making.
If you’re ready to elevate your studio lighting in a collaborative, supportive environment, this workshop delivers practical tools you can use immediately—whether your goal is clean, polished imagery or bold, dramatic portraits that command attention.
What You’ll Learn
- How to build clean, precise lighting using simple one- and two-light setups
- When and how to layer light to add depth, contrast, and drama
- How small lighting adjustments dramatically change mood and impact
- Strategies for maintaining control and consistency in the studio
- How to confidently move between light & airy and dark & moody looks
- A repeatable lighting process you can adapt to portrait or commercial work
BIO
For more than 25 years, Chicago photographer John Gress has created striking photography and video content for some of America’s largest companies and leading international publications. His work spans lifestyle, advertising, portraiture, and video for the beauty industry, professional sports leagues, and high-profile campaigns. Named by Professional Photographer Magazine as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting,” Gress is known for his bold, dynamic style both on location and in studio. His clients include Nike, Coors Light, Windex, Glade, the NBA, Hyatt Hotels, Lufthansa, WAHL Clipper Corporation, and Panini trading cards, and his work has appeared in publications such as Time, People, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and The New York Times. In 2025, Gress helped lead Team USA to victory in the World Photographic Cup, earning Best in the Nation for the highest-scoring U.S. image, and was also honored at the United Nations with a Professional Photographer Achievement Award from the International Photographic Council.
Gress discovered photography as a teenager in Oregon when he brought his mother’s Vivitar camera to summer camp. By his senior year of high school he was already covering major events for the Associated Press. Today he combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of branding and storytelling to create powerful visual content for clients around the world. A passionate educator and mentor, Gress shares his expertise through Instagram, YouTube, industry publications, conferences, and hands-on workshops across the United States, helping photographers strengthen both their technical skills and creative vision while advancing the craft of photography.
LIMITED CLASS SIZE
