Summit Lighting Info

about this workshop

Take your photography to new heights with the nation’s top photo lighting experts. Learn how you can vastly improve your photography and make more money by incorporating lighting equipment into your shoots. Don’t just learn about the lighting equipment itself, learn how it can be used in several different settings and scenarios to create unique and desirable photos.

In this class, you will learn both simple/complex lighting setups for studio portraits and creative lighting combined with action. The Lighting Workshop is for photographers of all skill levels, and lighting equipment will be provided.

Workshop Schedule

Saturday, June 3rd
  • 1pm: check in/introductions overview
  • 1:30-2:30:  Introductions and Overviews
  • 2:30-4pm:  The Process with JC Carey
  • 4pm: Lighting Gear Overview
  • 7:00-9:30pm: Networking & Portfolio Reviews
Sunday, June 4th
  • 8:30am: Classroom opens
  • 9-10am: Instructor Roundtable
  • 10am: Creating Your own Path with Jen Pottheiser
  • 11:30-2pm: Lunch break
  • 2:00pm:  Lighting gear/setups with JC Carey
  • 3:00pm  On-location shoot with faculty
Monday, June 5th
  • 9am: Classroom opens
  • 9:30am-11:00: Image critique
  • 1pm-3:00pm: Image critique
  • 3:30pm: On-location shoot with faculty
Tuesday, June 6th
  • 8:30am: Classroom opens
  • 9am: Compositing with Matt Hernandez
  • 10:30-noon: Image critique
  • Noon-1:30pm: Lunch break
  • 1:30-5pm: On-location with faculty 
  • 5-7pm: Download/Edit/Image critique
  • 7-9pm: Faculty Roundtable & Closing Reception

Packing details & Considerations

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Minimum 1 camera body

  • Your favorite portrait lens(50mm, 24mm, 105mm etc.)

  • Medium zoom lens

  • Camera bag

  • Camera lenses

  • Camera batteries / charger

  • Laptop

  • Memory cards

  • Card reader

  • Tripod

Weather to Consider While Packing

It can be cooler in the mornings and evenings (50s- 70s). June in Colorado can get quite hot (high 80s low 90s). You be spending hours in the sun. Bring sunscreen, hats, light layers, etc. We will be giving every participant a Summit water bottle to stay hydrated!

Meet your Instructors

Lead Instructor

Matt Hernandez

Workshop Faculty

JC Carey

Instructor

Jake Carr

Amanda Cain

Lead Instructor

Matt Hernandez

Matt is a portrait photographer based out of Kentucky who specializes in on location creative lighting focusing on seniors and athletes. He began his career as an award-winning graphic artist, and has since used those skills to help launch a very successful photography career. He has won multiple awards including the “People’s Choice Award” at the 2012 Google+ Photographer’s Conference, and The “Most Creative Award” at the 2013 Las Vegas Photoshop World Westcott Shootout. In 2013 he was chosen to represent F.J. Westcott as one of their “Top Endorsed Pros.”
Workshop Faculty

JC Carey

Joseph “JC” Carey is a lifetime image maker that like many photographers was terrified of lighting until he was gifted with a class in 2007. The class wasn’t very informative with too many of the “recipes” that people love to share rather than teach how to light, but it lit a fire that has never stopped burning. That gift changed everything. It transformed him from someone that barely took pictures of people and knew nothing about lighting into someone still trying to figure out how to light everything. 

The last 14 years have passed with him being blessed with a daughter, a career doing what he loves, multiple magazine covers, and with meeting amazing people and trying to create great images of them. The art of photography and taking pictures is his passion but the ability to make his vision a reality in a photograph is what truly drives him. 

JC has taught all over the US including being part of the Faculty at Summit Workshops. 

JC joined the FJ Westcott Company in 2020 as their Eastern Accounts Manager and also works as a professional photographer.  

Follow his Instagram at JCPhotoMedia

Instructor

Jake Carr

Jake is a sports action and portrait photographer based near Chicago.  Since 2010 Jake has created images for athletes at all levels. His superpower is his ability to quickly connect and direct athletes in a way that allows him to create images with powerful authenticity.  He is an industry leader in mindset and motivation and is driven by empowering photographers to reach and exceed their potential.

Amanda Cain

Amanda J. Cain, currently the Team Photographer for the Detroit Pistons, is a distinguished professional photographer and curator based in Detroit, MI. With a rich background in music, higher education, sports, and photojournalism, Amanda brings a unique perspective to her craft. She made history as the NHL’s first Black Female Team Photographer and worked extensively with the NBA. Her diverse portfolio reflects her passion for cultural awareness and representation, capturing impactful moments with precision and creativity.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amanda is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of creatives, fostering an environment of growth and empowerment. She strives to inspire others and break new ground in the industry through her work. With a dedication to excellence and a focus on cultural awareness, Amanda continues to profoundly impact the creative landscape, advocating for greater diversity and representation.

Check out our blog post for more tips!

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