Do You Really Need More Than One Light? with Rory Lewis – Pasadena
Great portraits aren’t about complicated lighting diagrams — they’re about seeing light, shaping mood, and connecting with your subject.
In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, Rory Lewis explores how much you can truly achieve with one light — and when adding more actually helps (and when it doesn’t). Drawing on over two decades of experience photographing actors, artists, executives, and public figures, Rory demonstrates a simplified, intentional approach to portrait lighting that prioritises clarity over complexity.
This workshop is practical, accessible, and designed to give you tools you’ll actually use.
What You’ll Learn:
How to create powerful portraits using a single light
Light placement for shape, depth, and emotion
Simple modifier choices that make a big difference
When one light is enough — and when to add a second
How to work efficiently in small studios or home setups
Direction techniques for natural, compelling expressions
How to simplify your workflow without sacrificing quality
Workshop Style:
Live demonstrations with professional models
Clear, practical explanations (no technical overload)
Real-world lighting setups you can recreate easily
Emphasis on training your eye, not memorising gear lists
This is about confidence and clarity — not gear obsession.
Who This Is For:
Beginners wanting to understand lighting without intimidation
Intermediate photographers looking to simplify their process
Portrait and headshot photographers refining their style
Anyone who feels they may be over-complicating their lighting