Shaping Light with OfOliver + Profoto

Master the skill that separates good photographers from great ones.

If you’ve ever looked at your photos and thought, “Why doesn’t my light look like that?” — this is your answer.

This workshop is for photographers who already know their camera but want to command their lighting like a pro. You’ll learn how to shape, control, and mix light to create images that look intentional, natural, and cinematic — no guesswork, no flat frames. Whether you’re shooting in harsh midday sun or in-studio, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to build lighting that elevates your work.

What You’ll Learn

• How to use strobes for natural, cinematic results

• When and how to use modifiers — umbrellas, softboxes, reflectors, grids

• How to read light in any environment (indoor, outdoor, mixed)

• Techniques for flattering portraits and model work under pressure

• Lighting theory made practical — what matters, and what doesn’t

• The best gear investments (and what to skip)

What to Expect

This is a fully hands-on session, powered by Profoto — the industry’s gold standard in studio and location lighting. You’ll be shooting with Profoto strobes, learning how to blend flash and ambient light to create depth, tone, and texture in every shot.

Bring your camera — we’ll have a live model on set to work with.

Light refreshments will be provided (please note, food will not be substantial, but there are plenty of cafés nearby).

A short lunch break will be included to recharge and review your work.

Why Learn from Me

I started out as a photographic assistant in 2004 at Red Rocket Studios before founding my agency Voena in 2013, working with Spotify, YouTube, Adidas, and Sony — and shooting for major artists like Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Peking Duk, and Mark Ronson. I was also the official ARIA Awards photographer:

Today, I’m the Marketing Manager at Georges Cameras, hosting over 40 workshops a year, and shooting commercial campaigns for NRMA, Tinder, Benefit Cosmetics, Myer, and more. Through my personal platform OfOliver, I’ve built a following known for honest, film-inspired imagery that celebrates light and craft:

Why Attend

Because mastering light changes everything. This workshop will give you the confidence and technique to create images that stop people mid-scroll — and the clarity to understand why they work.

Event Breakdown:

11:15AM – 11:45AM: Lighting Types Explained

An intro to the core types of light, constant, strobe, natural, and how all these technologies effect and create great shots. For practicality sake, we'll use Profoto's lighting tools for demonstration.

11:45AM – 12:15PM: Inverse Square Law & Light Theory (The Nerd Bit)

Why size, distance, and shape matter. We’ll go deep on how light behaves, without losing you in technical jargon.

12:15PM – 1:00PM: Lighting Tools & Setups

A practical demo of modifiers, reflectors, grids, and more. What to invest in. What to skip.

1:00PM – 1:30PM: Additive Lighting

Adding multiple lights or working with ambients for your setup, and how that works.

1:30PM – 2:00PM: Lunch Break + Talk on Working with Talent

We’ll break for lunch (light refreshments provided), and I’ll walk through how to work with models—how to give direction, set expectations, and create an environment that brings out their best.

2:00PM – 4:00PM: Practical Shooting Session with 10 Models (Arriving at 2PM)

We’ll bring in 10 models at 2PM and focus on building real rapport, not just rapid-fire shooting. There’ll be one model per group, and we’ll rotate once midway through so everyone gets a different look and feel to work with.

You’ll be split into teams of 3, rotating roles between shooting, directing/client, and assisting—because being a great assistant teaches you just as much as being behind the camera. In fact, I still learn a lot every time I assist on set.

This format helps you slow down, refine your lighting choices, and learn to communicate clearly—whether it’s with talent or your team.

I'll set up and showcase multi-light setups for those who want to push it further.

Workshop FAQ

Q: Is this workshop beginner friendly?

This workshop is ideal for photographers who are comfortable using their camera in manual, aperture, or shutter priority mode. If you know your camera but want to seriously improve your lighting—this is for you.

Q: Will there be theory, or is it all practical?

We’ll spend the first 2 hours covering lighting theory and tools, followed by 2+ hours of hands-on shooting with real models. You’ll leave with both knowledge and experience.

Q: What should I bring?

• Your camera (any brand is fine)

• Your go-to lens or two

• A pen and notepad (optional but encouraged)

• Any lighting gear you already know how to use (optional)

You’ll also receive:

✔️ A PDF cheat sheet covering key lighting principles

✔️ A small selection of finalised example images from the day

Q: What if I don’t own a camera yet?

Email me ahead of time—we might be able to arrange a loaner.

Please note: this will likely be an entry-level mirrorless or DSLR setup.

Q: Is lighting provided? Can I bring my own?

All lighting will be provided, including Profoto strobes and modifiers (the same gear I use for my own shoots).

You can bring your own lights, but please note:

• I can’t guarantee time to set it up for you

• You need to know how to operate it confidently

If you’re unsure, Profoto gear will be available and ready to go.

Q: Will we be working with real models?

Yes—at least 1 model per 3 photographers. We’ve had over 25 models apply to take part, so you’ll have a great variety of talent to work with in a professional, collaborative environment.

Q: Do I get to direct or just shoot?

You’ll rotate through three roles:

1. Photographer

2. Director/client

3. Assistant

This structure teaches you how to work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and learn from every angle of the set. Directing talent is a key part of the workshop—you’ll get real practice with it.

Q: Do I have to use Profoto gear?

No—but I’ll be using Profoto gear throughout, and it’s available for you to shoot with on the day. It’s intuitive, reliable, and what I use for all my own work.

That said—this workshop is brand-agnostic. The principles you’ll learn apply to any lighting system.

Q: Will there be food or drinks?

Light refreshments will be provided, but food will not be substantial. There are plenty of cafés nearby for lunch during the short break.

Q: What are your most common lighting tools?

I like to keep things natural, so I use tools that help me shape and control light with subtlety.

My go-to modifiers are large umbrellas and Profoto’s Zoom Reflector, which give me a lot of flexibility. I also use plenty of cutting tools like V-flats, flags, and big scrims to either soften or subtract light depending on the environment.

The goal is always to work with the light—not fight it.

Q: Will there be any discounts on gear for attendees?

Yes — at the end of the workshop, attendees will receive 15% off Profoto gear (exclusions may apply). It’s a great chance to pick up lighting tools you’ve worked with during the session at a reduced price.

Supported by Profoto.