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Studio Lighting for Beginners

Studio Lighting for Beginners

Sunday 04 May
14th Street, Modesto CA 95354 - 10am - 2 Hours
Sarina Schieferstein
In this studio class, you will gain a deeper understanding of studio flash and learn how to control light effectively. You'll explore the differences between hard light and soft light and discover how each can impact your photography.

We will use a range of light modifiers and experiment with different lighting techniques, focusing on setups that use only a single light source. Through hands-on practice, you'll learn to create various lighting effects and develop your skills in manipulating light to achieve your desired outcomes.
book now
$47       1 places left
Natural Light Portraits

Natural Light Portraits

Sunday 25 May
Edgebrook Drive, Modesto - 10am - 2 Hours
Sarina Schieferstein
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. We will explore how to recognise flattering light and how to manipulate it whilst shooting in a less controlled environment than a studio. We will explore how we can work collaboratively with our subject to achieve a portrait that captures their personality and style. We will also look at posing and setting your subject at ease. Technical learning points will include accurate focusing and metering for skin tones. A model is present during the session.
book now
$47      
The City at Night

The City at Night

Friday 20 June
Downtown Modesto - 9pm - 2 Hours
Sarina Schieferstein
Many people don't think about nighttime being a good time to do photography since there's a lack of light. However, armed with knowledge about your camera's settings and the properties of light, nighttime photography can be a lot of fun.

In this meetup, you'll learn about the best camera settings for nighttime photography. We'll also explore the kinds of light available to us and how to use that light to make some awesome photos. As always, there are exercises that will help you put your new knowledge to work.
book now
$47      

Nearby Photography Groups

Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 03 May
Monroe St, Santa Clara - 3pm - 3 Hours
Fremont Photography Group
Uyen Ta
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$92       4 places left
Portrait Photography Meetup

Portrait Photography Meetup

Saturday 07 June
Stanford University - 5pm - 2 Hours
Fremont Photography Group
Uyen Ta
Whether you wish to up your selfie game or begin developing a portfolio, this workshop will help you learn the basics of portrait photography and push your creativity and technical understanding.

Learn which settings are best to use, how to select the best locations, and what lighting and poses highlight a model's best features. We will also learn how to build rapport to get the best reactions and genuine emotions from a person.
book now
$47      
The City at Night

The City at Night

Saturday 21 June
Downtown San Jose - 8pm - 2 Hours
Fremont Photography Group
Uyen Ta
Many people don't think about nighttime being a good time to do photography since there's a lack of light. However, armed with knowledge about your camera's settings and the properties of light, nighttime photography can be a lot of fun.

In this meetup, you'll learn about the best camera settings for nighttime photography. We'll also explore the kinds of light available to us and how to use that light to make some awesome photos. As always, there are exercises that will help you put your new knowledge to work.
book now
$47      

ABOUT MODESTO
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP
Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Modesto.

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Modesto Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
    • REVIEWS
    Very informative
    5/5
    Jesus
    2025-03-31
    Very Insightful. Teacher approach is very honest and speaks as us first timers as she remembers how she learned. Really enjoyed this class.
    5/5
    Christopher
    2025-03-24
    It was my first class, Sarina did great job! I never thought I?d wrap my mind around my camera functions. She kept instructions easy for a beginner. I look forward to taking another class!
    5/5
    Tiffany
    2025-01-28

    Had an excellent evening. We could have gone on for hours. Really enjoyed the question and answer session and to hear how the others in attendance do their thing. I would do it again just for the experience and guidance.
    5/5
    Rob
    2024-09-02
    The class was very useful (even for myself as a complete beginner) since we got to see different examples of actual equipment and also try taking pictures with different lighting so that we could see the immediate impact of various lights and angles.
    5/5
    Dina
    2024-08-14
    Sarina offered an excellent class that demonstrated many facets of her craftmanship in portrait photography. We had a live model and each of us had opportunities to photograph her in various lighting contexts. Sarina's consideration for us and our individual concerns was evident throughout the presentation . I left with a fresh perspective on use of light and shadow in portrait photography and will look forward to her next class.
    5/5
    Phil Payne
    2024-07-19

    This is JUST what I have been looking for. Sarina did an excellent job to teach the fundamentals of studio flash. The best part was the hands on and getting to use my wife as the model. More, More, More is all I can say and I will be there. VERY much enjoyed this workshop. Thank you
    5/5
    Rob Ryan
    2024-07-15
    Sarina was an absolutely amazing teacher. I had no idea of how many different types of studio lighting there is in photography. Her knowledge of studio lighting answer all and more of my questions being a beginner. I left her class with confidence for my next shoot. I absolutely will keep an eye for more classes she offers. Thank You
    5/5
    Yolanda
    2024-07-15
    This workshop was just what I was looking for. It was a real pleasure with Sarina at the wheel. I have been to a couple workshop and this, by far, was the best. My picture cam out beautiful. Sarina offered sound advice for portrait photography and it show why she is a professional. Very calming and soothing with assurances that we understood what she was explaining. I ask if she would be conducting a studio class that includes one light flash techniques. LOVED IT and looking forward to more of her classes.
    5/5
    Rob Ryan
    2024-06-24

    Sarina is a treasure. i enjoyed the two tour through both contemporaryl murals and classical architecture of Modesto?s history. She was attentive to my safety snd shared a few tips for efficient camera settings.
    5/5
    Phil Payne
    2024-05-21
    I extremely enjoyed the photography class, it was a great outdoor experience. I want to emphasize that Frankie was a great instructor, she answered each of our questions and gave us her full support. In addition to preparing a fairly complete theoretical material. It was a very pleasant experience for me and I would do it again with Frankie. I 100% recommend this photography class.
    5/5
    Karla
    2023-07-20
    Frankie was very detailed in her presentation and packet provided for us to keep and refer back to at a later date when needed. What I appreciate the most is that she's kept in contact with me to follow up and also provide feedback on a couple different photo shoots completed and made great recommendations. Thank you Frankie. I'll be back soon!!
    5/5
    Marissa
    2023-05-23

    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    Sarina Schieferstein
    My name is Sarina and I have been a proud local here in the Modesto area all my life. I have been a photographer for over 20 years working in studios, doing events and just about every type of photography. I currently own a portrait studio in downtown Modesto and offer my services to all of the Central Valley. I love to photograph people and get to know each one of my clients. As well as running my studio I also enjoy sharing my love of photography with others and seeing others create beautiful images.

    Sarina Schieferstein is available for private bookings

    Available for private tutoring as well as portraits and special occasions. By appointment only, please reach out to schedule.

    create a private booking
    PHOTOS
    Modesto Photography Group
    2024-07-19
    Modesto Photography Group
    2025-04-15
    Title or Location: It was taken behind my house by fahrens creek in Merced

    Credit: Nanette graham
    Wilmington Photography Group
    2025-04-16

    Modesto Photography Group
    2025-04-11
    Title or Location: Fahrens creek Merced Ca
    Just a normal sunset with some wild oats
    Credit: Nanette graham
    Scranton Photography Group
    2025-04-14
    Modesto Photography Group
    2024-08-19
    Title or Location: Pajaro Dunes, Watsonville, CA
    Long exposure with 2 empty Adirondack Chairs, in the surf, facing the sunset with no owners in sight.
    Credit: Rob Ryan
    Facebook: Rob Ryan
    Instagram: Rob59frames

    Scranton Photography Group
    2025-04-14
    Modesto Photography Group
    2024-05-10
    Title or Location: Modesto CA
    This is the view that greets you as you enter downtown Modesto, California. I've always loved this sign, and was thrilled to capture it in this shot. The day I took this was May the 4th, during a celebration of all things Star Wars. I'm proud to be from Modesto, and I hope George Lucas is too!
    Credit: Mello Video & Photo
    Facebook: @mell.video.photo
    Instagram: @mello_video_photo
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-04-14

    Modesto Photography Group
    2024-05-10
    Title or Location: Morgan territory, Livermore
    First time hiking this area and wanting to connect to a trail I had recently taken. On my decent to the valley I came around a corner to vaqueros reservoir and was in shock and awe when I saw the view.
    Credit: Jimmy McTiernan
    Facebook: Jimmy McTiernan
    Instagram: Jimmyhatesoutdoors
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-04-14
    Modesto Photography Group
    2024-05-03
    Title or Location: Yosemite National Park
    I try to visit Yosemite once a month to take photos as the views are always spectacular and ever changing. This shot was taken in April from the Cook's Meadow Loop Trail not far from the Northside Road. The photo was taken on my tripod and is a bracketed shot of three photos, merged together in Lightroom creating this HDR image.
    Credit: Doug Smith
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Douglas.K.Smith47?mibextid=LQQJ4d
    Instagram: @dksmithphotography1

    Ottawa Photography Group
    2025-04-07
    Ottawa Photography Group
    2025-04-16
    Title or Location: Lanark County, Ontario
    This October image of a chipmunk was taken on my Lanark County property, I prefer to photograph small wildlife such as this fellow in a natural rustic setting. I always take my images of wildlife big or small early morning or late afternoon?not only are creatures more active but the low angle of light provides better modeling of the subject. When I frame my subjects, I look for angles that provide uncluttered backgrounds, I leave negative space in the framing to allow for text to be added if nee
    Credit: Kevin Tulett
    Fort Worth Photography Group
    2025-04-02

    Oshawa Photography Group
    2025-04-16
    Title or Location: Oshawa Lakeview Park
    Mother Nature's masterpiece &127774
    Credit: Lakeview
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/leahjonesmyphotography/
    Instagram: @Leah.Jones.ca
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-03-31
    Tucson Photography Group
    2025-04-16
    Title or Location: Tanque Verde Valley
    I recently acquired an older exotic lens, probably circa 1980s. It is a Nikon 400mm f2.8 AI-S which is a completely manual lens with no VR. I paired it with my Nikon D850 to see if I could learn to tackle manual focus. The hummingbirds are congregating on the front of my property where agave plants are flowering at this time of year. This makes it easier for me to practice. This Broad-Billed Hummingbird landed on a stick. The camera settings were 1/3200s at f2.8, auto ISO-320. This lens is old,
    Credit: Kristina Brooks
    Facebook: kristina.brooks96

    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-03-31
    Hobart Photography Group
    2025-04-16
    Title or Location: This photo was taken at Couta Rocks on the north west coast of Tasmania
    This is one of my favourite places in Tassie, the north west coast. Couta Rocks are in the distance, as is a blanket of stars and a full Moon. It is such a beautiful and powerful place up there, a different world, one filled with spectacular scenery and the power of nature, not to mention the cleanest air on Earth. I long to go back to this amazing place, to share more of it's splendour though my photographic eye.
    Credit: Keith Pemberton
    Instagram: keithpemberton777
    Parramatta Photography Group
    2025-03-31

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