One of the most important aspects of photography is lighting your subjects and using flash photography properly. Every person I’ve asked would directly me to Planet Neil over the last two years. The information he provides on his blog has been the foundation for my early education and I’m sure many other photographers world wide.
I spent the day with Neil van Niekerk at his studio in NJ learning flash techniques and we applied them nearby at Lamberts Castle. I gained practical experience of blending flash and ambient light in and outdoors. His flash workshop should be a MANDATORY workshop for everyone. He truly loves what he does and went above and beyond to ensure that I understood everything he taught me.
When I arrived, he reviewed several flash principles in detail and later we applied the techniques using a model. Throughout the day he guided me and took great care to ensure that I achieved the desired result. Neil would look in my viewfinder and confirm my results, make suggestions and I’d apply the changes. I photographed a model in his studio under different lighting conditions. I used a video light, softbox, on and off camera flash. I learned the use of gels to balance flash with the ambient light. We controlled flash manually and automatically… had exercises using the histogram to meter. There were no questions left unanswered.
I drove home yesterday filled with inspiration… recounting my experiences. There were so many glowing reviews online for Neil’s workshop and they were indeed correct.
I wanted to post this review, because everyone should have the benefit of meeting Neil. Whether you live on the East or West Coast, hop in a car, take a train or get on a plane because he is truly the best! Google him and you’ll see this man is truly gifted and giving. I know his workshops fill quickly just like his WPPI master class. Everyone interested should sign up now at: http://neilvn.com/tangents/about/workshops-and-seminars/.
I am certainly one of his biggest fans. You’ll see he has many!
Here are a few images from my shoot. (Thank you Tia – our beautiful model)
Natalie Licini
NY & NJ Wedding Photography by Natalie Licini: Princess Pictures 