Mastering Light on Location – Light Anywhere With Ian Van Der Wolde

Lighting can make or break a portrait—and when you’re working on location, the challenges (and opportunities) are endless. Whether you’re outdoors under harsh sunlight, in a dimly lit room, or in a space that needs a little creative help, knowing how to control and shape your light is essential.

Join us for a dynamic and practical morning workshop with Ian van der Wolde, one of Australia’s most accomplished photographers and lighting educators. Together with Profoto, we’ll explore how to take control of your lighting and create professional results no matter the conditions. This workshop is ideal for photographers who want to build confidence lighting on location, learn how to mix strobe with natural or ambient light, and create flattering, consistent results—anywhere.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to create soft, flattering light outdoors—even in direct sun.
• How to take control in low-light or tricky indoor environments.
• How to mix flash with available light sources and make it look natural.
• How to manage exposure, white balance, and light direction for a cohesive final image.
• What gear to bring on location, and how to set up quickly and efficiently.

Ian will walk you through different lighting setups using Profoto’s portable lighting kits and modifiers, showing how to adapt and problem-solve with ease. A professional model will be on set so you can practice what you learn in real-time, capturing portraits that reflect your growing technical and creative skillset.

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to light any location, indoors or out. Whether you’re shooting lifestyle, editorial, commercial, or creative work, this workshop will help elevate the way you see and use light.

This workshop is perfect for:

• Portrait and lifestyle photographers wanting to master light on the go.
• Wedding, fashion, and commercial shooters working in mixed-light environments.
• Anyone who wants to improve their understanding of lighting, fast.

You’ll leave with:

A better understanding of light placement and modifier choices

Real-world experience blending natural and artificial light

The confidence to walk into any location and know how to light it

Where to park?
There’s plenty of street parking around the studio, and if that’s full, you’ll usually find space at Bunnings or Woolworths just across the road (also a good excuse to grab a snack or last-minute plant).

Important note: Google Maps likes to play games—it often drops people at the back of the complex. We are Unit 27, but don’t let that fool you: we’re actually the second unit in the main front section of the complex, not hiding out in the far corners.

Please don’t park in the warehouse bays inside the complex (we know they look tempting), as they’re reserved for loading and you might end up making friends with a forklift. Parking is at your own discretion—we can’t be held responsible for any parking fines, tow trucks, or passive-aggressive notes left on windscreens.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business, work with Profoto’s top-of-the-line equipment, and transform the way you shoot on location!