class by carolyn fong

Naturally Lit Photography

Forget feeling dependant on golden hour or window light - learn to create beautifully lit images anywhere, anytime using off camera flash.

This hands-on workshop helps you discover the many ways you can use off camera flash to your advantage - for family sessions, portraiture, editorial work and branding projects. Naturally Lit is designed for natural light photographers ready to expand their toolkit - without compromising their style.

Create the light you love - anywhere, anytime.

I'm interested
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COURSE LENGTH

3 weeks

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class start date

19th Jan 2026

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INVESTMENT

$300 / $350

Independent / Guided

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carolyn fong

This class shows you how to use off-camera flash into your workflow with confidence and purpose.

Get ready to create stunning, professional images anywhere, all while keeping your unique vibe. You will learn to confidently use off camera flash in any setting - indoors and outdoors, rain or shine and when, why, and how to add flash intentionally in any location to enhance your natural light style. 

You’ll learn to light with intention, shoot with confidence, and get hands-on practice plus feedback tailored just for you.

Whether you’re working with families, businesses, or editorial clients, this class will give you the tools and confidence to expand your lighting skills and create the natural light you want - anywhere, anytime! 

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carolyn fong
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  • In this three week interactive workshop you will discover:

    • How to light editorial portraits, branding shots or family sessions quickly with one small flash

    • How to use flash to enhance (not replace) your natural light style 

    • When, why, and how to add flash intentionally in any location 

    • How to evaluate a scene and position your flash for different lighting effects 

    • Techniques for editorial portraits using just one flash 

    • How to create light that mimics window light

    • How to backlight for depth and drama

    • High contrast/pop light 

    • How to freeze motion with flash 

    • The essential gear for a basic off-camera flash kit + modifiers 

    • How to manage battery workflow when adding lighting gear to your kit 

    • How to direct and work with subjects under artificial light

  • This three-week interactive class will include:

    • Daily Interaction with Carolyn
      Ongoing Q&A and discussion to keep you supported every step of the way. 

    • Clear, Actionable Instruction
      Carolyn breaks down her go-to off-camera flash gear and techniques used in editorial and family work. 

    • Gear Recommendations + Discount Codes
      Access a curated list of budget-friendly gear that works with your style. 

    • Understanding the “Why” Behind Flash
      Discover why adding OCF can transform your workflow and unlock new creative freedom. 

    • Supportive Learning Environment
      Join a community that encourages experimentation, growth, and progress—even when it’s frustrating. 

    • Simplified Tech Explanations
      Learn in plain language - no fluff, no jargon. 

    • Written Lessons + Supplemental Videos
      Learn on your schedule with content that fits your pace and style. 

    • Guided Exercises + Assignments
      Step-by-step tasks designed to build your skills without overwhelm.

    • Personalized Feedback for Guided Students
      Guided students get direct video feedback from Carolyn on all your submitted assignments. 

    • Live Zoom “Office Hours” (4 total)
      Ask questions, get clarity, share wins, and connect with other students in real time. 

  • To get the most out of this workshop, you’ll need: 

    • A solid understanding of how to use your DSLR camera in manual mode 

    • Access to an off-camera flash (rented or owned) that’s compatible with your camera 

    • A wireless trigger system (transmitter + receiver) so your flash can fire without being physically attached to your camera 

    • A light stand to mount your flash during shoots 

    IMPORTANT: This course does not cover gear setup or troubleshooting your specific flash system.  Please have your off-camera flash gear fully set up and working by Day 1 of the course 
     

    If you need help setting it up, refer to your flash manual, visit a local camera shop, or check online tutorials ahead of time 
     

  • Interactive classes are held online and registration opens seasonally.

    Guided students can participate fully in class, by asking questions, submitting assignments, and getting personalized feedback from your teacher.

    Independent students have full access to class content and can participate in class discussions —they just don’t get teacher critique and feedback on images or assignments.

“This course gave me the boost in confidence I needed to take on any assignment without worry. The course does not complicate a subject matter that can be easily overwhelming to those new to artificial light. It gives easy formulas that can be taken into every photo session. I am looking forward to the new doors of creativity it will open. Thank you, Carolyn!”

mary
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MEET THE TEACHER

Carolyn

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Fong

Hi, I’m Carolyn Fong, an award-winning commercial, editorial, and family photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 20 years behind the camera.

I’ve worked everywhere - from tight New York apartments to sprawling suburban homes, wooded trails to bustling city streets - building a reputation for delivering beautiful images in any lighting condition.

My secret? Preparation and adaptability.

I always bring at least one off-camera flash (sometimes two), so I can create flattering, interesting light no matter the weather, time of day, or location. It’s part of my professional promise: to make everyone in front of my lens look their best. 

Along with my technical skills, I’m known for my grounded, approachable style and ability to connect with people. Whether I’m photographing families or guiding creatives behind the scenes, I bring humor, warmth, and calm confidence that helps everyone feel at ease. 

When I’m not shooting or mentoring, you’ll find me navigating the joyful chaos of parenting, laughing with my husband, playing with our dog and savoring moments with friends in the rare quiet corners of a busy life. 

See carolyn's instagram
Visit carolyn's website 
Any questions?

Email your teacher directly here and they will get back to you.

Alumni Student?

We’d love to have you back! Email your teacher here and they will send you a link.

Registration opens January 7th

6pm EST

REMIND ME
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A happy multigenerational family sitting on a gray couch in a bright living room, smiling at the camera.
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What other students had to say

Carolyn broke things down in a way that helped me understand how to implement flash into my workflow and how to have control over how it works. She is kind and engaging and has a love for the craft and teaching which came through in her classroom. I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to learn directly from someone who so beautifully photographs naturally lit portraits. I'm excited about the new dimension this can bring to my image-making and am grateful to this class for showing me how.

ellen

Thanks Carolyn for your course: Naturally Lit. I credit you for finally allowing some flash concepts to really click for me and I've been a professional photographer for over 10 years and trying to get my head around this for a while. You were clear and practical and so wonderfully positive. I am SO glad I invested in this.

rebecca
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This was an amazing class. I was able to learn new skills and to really improve my lighting. Carolyn's detailed feedback and welcoming personality really made the course enjoyable on top of the technical knowledge we learned.

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jessica
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