Understanding Light: Revealing the Secrets for Creative Mastery (in person) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Understanding Light: Revealing the Secrets for Creative Mastery (in person)

Lighting is a key part of any creative endeavor, from image-making to art direction. Many are confused or intimidated by lighting and may become overly reliant on a handful of lighting setups. A thorough understanding of lighting principles and how images are lit is essential to creating effective imagery.

Course description

Explore the predictable and controllable nature of light, breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand pieces. Through hands-on exercises and demonstrations, gain a deep understanding of how light behaves and how to work with it deliberately.

This class is not about where to specifically place lights but rather goes deeper into the core principles of light and how to work with light intentionally as any fully understood tool in a toolkit. Learn how commonly found lights in a home or workplace can mimic expensive studio lighting. Gain a new perspective on lighting so that every lighting decision made going forward is informed by a deeper understanding. While mastering the creative use of light is a lifelong journey, this class lays a strong foundation. Expect to have some "aha" moments along the way!

This class is open to photographers, cinematographers, directors, illustrators, painters, CGI artists, graphic designers, art directors, or any other type of image-maker, and suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to working professionals.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This course meets in person on MCAD's campus.

Prerequisites

None

Required materials

Supplies
Pen or pencil, notebook or sketchbook.

Class resources

This class uses Canvas, MCAD’s learning management platform. Please see the link for more information.

Class savings

Register on or before May 12 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$139.50
Student Birthdate
  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    6:30–9:30 p.m. CST
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Monday
    Thursday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 18 and above
  • Term:
    Summer 2025
  • Instructor: Kevin Kamin
  • Location:
    In Person
  • SKU:
    CSFA 9125 01 SU25

Prerequisites:

None

Address

2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact Us

612.874.3700
800.874.MCAD (6223)
Fax: 612.874.3701

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Land Acknowledgement

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) acknowledges it is located on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. This is the ancestral homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who were forcibly exiled from the land because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. We recognize that this place has a complex and layered history. As a community dedicated to creativity, MCAD is committed to ongoing efforts to support and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.


Nondiscrimination Policy

MCAD admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.