
Lighting Workshops
Where the magic of photography comes to light!
In collaboration with The Flash Centre, we're thrilled to offer a series of dynamic lighting workshops tailored for photographers of every skill level.
Dive into the world of dance lighting, channel the timeless elegance of vintage and creative fashion, and master the art of captivating portraiture—all under the expert guidance of our seasoned instructors.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your photographic journey, our doors are wide open for you to explore, learn, and ignite your creativity.
Join us to illuminate your path to photographic mastery, one flash at a time!
Upcoming Lighting Workshops
Dance with Gels Birmingham
Get ready to throw out the dance photography rulebook and light up the dance floor...
This is the creative lighting workshop that flips the script on traditional dance photography.
Ever seen a dance shot that feels alive? That’s not magic; it’s great lighting.
From electrifying colour washes to sultry, shadow-filled frames, you’ll be capturing fluid motion and split-second freezes that pack a punch, all bathed in fiery reds, cool blues and tutti fruitti hues.
Whilst dance is an art, photography is how you frame it and this workshop is about bringing the two together: lighting that enhances movement, dance direction that creates flow, and image selection that makes the final shots unforgettable.
Gavin Hoey Portfolio Guide: Avant Garden
BRAND NEW! Here to help you master every inch of the location, nail creative lighting on the fly and leave with intentional, portfolio-grade, competition-ready shots.
Say hello to your new creative sidekick: The Portfolio Guide — a brand new guided group experience baked right into our award-winning Creativity Hub Events!
This isn’t a free-for-all. It’s one dedicated group, led by your very own Portfolio Guide (who also just happens to be a headline fashion photographer), here to help you master every inch of the location, nail creative lighting on the fly and leave with intentional, portfolio-grade, competition-ready shots.
This is a step into summer’s most stunning fashion playground, in an exclusive botanical and topiary garden, bursting with acres of vibrant blooms, secret terracotta terraces, and glassy water gardens all yours to explore and create in.
Supported by Canon and Profoto this is one group, with one intention: to help you shoot smarter, bolder, and with purpose!
Meet Your Guide:
Gavin Hoey @thegavinhoey
Gavin will be your Portfolio Guide, which means you’re getting the ultimate package: team leader, lighting genius, cheerleader, and tactical support all wrapped up in one stylish, experienced human.
He’s not here to take over your shoot — he’s here to help you take control of it. From solving lighting crises on the fly, to helping you stop second-guessing your settings, he’s here to help you squeeze every last drop of magic from the location.
Who is “The Portfolio Guide” for?
Those who have been watching from the sidelines, itching to dive in but not sure where to start
Those who have watched others get the shot and wondered why theirs didn’t look like that.
Those who are new and low-key terrified of flash (we see you hiding).
Those who are experienced but stuck in a creative rut.
Those who have been to different events and workshops but are too afraid to ask for help.
Those who have creative ideas but want help lighting them.
Those who love fashion and portrait photography and want to push their style further.
Why You’ll Love It
You'll be supported from first frame to final shot — no wandering, no guessing.
You'll get real-time lighting guidance while you shoot — not just theory.
You’ll learn on-location techniques with off camera flash that translate to every shoot you do.
You’ll finally feel confident directing and shooting in complex spaces.
You’ll stop second-guessing your lighting setups
You’ll walk away with real, portfolio-worthy work that’s competition ready.
Lighting the 1940's with Gavin Hoey
Unlock the secrets of vintage lighting & craft your own bold, vintage-inspired masterpieces with a modern twist.
Lighting on Location; a no-fluff, hands-on workshop in an exclusive location, led by photography and lighting royalty
Whether you’re just picking up a camera or you’ve been at it for years, join us for an incredible hands-on workshop led by Gavin Hoey. This isn’t just any workshop—it’s guided tuition with Gavin himself, meaning you’ll get personalised, expert instruction every step of the way.
So, roll up your sleeves, smooth out those victory rolls, and grab your best tea dress – we’re taking a jaunt back to 1940s Britain, where fashion is on the ration, and gingham rules the runway!
Dance with Gels London
Get ready to throw out the dance photography rulebook and light up the dance floor...
This is the creative lighting workshop that flips the script on traditional dance photography.
Ever seen a dance shot that feels alive? That’s not magic; it’s great lighting.
From electrifying colour washes to sultry, shadow-filled frames, you’ll be capturing fluid motion and split-second freezes that pack a punch, all bathed in fiery reds, cool blues and tutti fruitti hues.
Whilst dance is an art, photography is how you frame it and this workshop is about bringing the two together: lighting that enhances movement, dance direction that creates flow, and image selection that makes the final shots unforgettable.
Noir Birmingham
Where shadows tell stories
This Film Noir Lighting Workshop will teach you how to sculpt scenes straight out of a 1940s detective thriller.
From femme fatale close-ups to gritty detective vibes, you’ll be crafting moody masterpieces using stark contrasts, deep shadows, and those iconic slashes of light straight out of a 1940s crime flick.
From smoky alley vibes to razor-sharp contrasts with dramatic highlights, spend the day learning how to bring bold, cinematic storytelling into every frame.
Hollywood Glamour
Lighting on Location: Turning Any Space into a Cinematic Film Set.
Step into the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood, where vintage classics never age, and lighting was the real star of the show!
This is no ordinary lighting workshop - join us in a spectacular vintage location and spend the day learning how to light like the masters.
You'll learn how to sculpt scenes straight out of a detective thriller, where femme fatale close-ups and gritty detective vibes come to life, and the timeless glow of Old Hollywood’s trailblazers. From smoky scenes to razor-sharp contrasts and cinematic glows, we’ll teach you how to use lighting to craft cinematic masterpieces in every frame.
Lights, camera, action - let’s make some movie magic!