class by summer murdockThe Magic of Light
Light has the power to transform your photography work faster than almost anything else.
This interactive workshop teaches you how to see light in all its forms, from the softest haze to the boldest sun flare, from deep shadow to full sun. You’ll learn to step into any situation—and notice the light that’s already there, and know exactly how to use it to bring your creative vision to life.
COURSE LENGTH4 weeks
class start date26th Jan 2026
INVESTMENT$300 / $450
Independent / Guided
summer murdockLight is magic—it can turn an ordinary scene into something that feels alive and unforgettable.
A field guide to understanding the best of the light around you, The Magic of Light will push you to slow down, open your eyes and really SEE light with fresh eyes
This interactive workshop is about more than technique (although it does get really technical) - it’s about slowing down, opening your eyes, and letting light guide you to create images that stop you in your tracks.
Its time to get those images that are stuck in your head out into your camera. All light may not be equal but The Magic of Light will show you that you can make an interesting image in any kind of light with a bit of intention.
summer murdock-
How to slow down, be inspired by light and see it with fresh eyes
How to utilize your in camera meter to get great exposures and spend less time looking at the back of your camera
Simple tips to help you focus in backlight
How to create varying degrees of haze and control it with intention vs luck
How to achieve dramatic sun-flare
To identify the specific conditions that create dramatic rim-light
To explore the important role shadow plays in relation to light
How to best utilize the light after the sun goes down
How to get creative through manipulating exposures
Practical tips to make the most of overcast or flat light
To embrace full sun (life doesn't always happen during the golden hour!)
Ways to use available artificial light in in creative ways
Plus Summer will share her light based outdoor location scouting system
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This four-week interactive class will include:
Daily interaction with your teacher answering any questions you might have about the materials presented
Video lessons to supplement each of the 12 written lessons
Weekly assignments due each Sunday with individual feedback videos for guided students
3 bonus assignments to help reinforce the lessons
Three zoom meetings are held where you can ask Summer questions live
an informal, live Q&A where all active & alumni students in the class will have to opportunity to chat, interact, and ask questions liveAt the conclusion of the workshop, a 240 page digital PDF will be provided containing all the lessons presented during the course with the option to purchase the printed version for an additional cost
Note: The emphasis of this class is to get images right IN camera, so although Summer will share her simple editing process via a few edit videos this is not a editing class
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera and a firm understanding of shooting in manual mode.
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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 class has been a game changer for me. I can already see a big difference in how I look for and notice light, it's like a switch flipped for me and now I see light in a different way and I notice it everywhere. Not only does Summer cover an unbelievable amount of technical pieces, but she also repeatedly encouraged us to embrace and own our personal styles.”
kelly lapp
MEET THE TEACHER
Summer
Murdock
Hi, I’m Summer. From high-pressure commercial shoots to barefoot days photographing in the water purely for the love of it, I live for the mix of challenge and flow.
While I’m passionate about documenting my own life, it’s lifestyle campaigns for brands that keep the lights on. Since 2013, I’ve been teaching The Magic of Light, and in 2016 I founded this amazing space—now run alongside Bec Griffiths.
I’m endlessly inspired by the quirky things humans do, and by my favorite creative elements: light, water, motion, and Mother Nature.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me outside as much as possible—traveling, exploring, and adventuring with my family and friends, with my camera dangling from my neck of course.
Summer is the founder and co-owner of Illuminate Classes. She has served as an Adobe Lightroom Ambassador, created presets that live inside Lightroom, and her work has appeared in national campaigns for brands including Garmin, Disney, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Summer is also a sought-after speaker at creative conferences like Adobe MAX.
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
What other students had to say
This class will make you not only see photography in a different light but you will most certainly view the world in a different light. When i drive to my full time job I can now see pockets of light that are so inspiring it makes me want to stop my car and play in the beauty. Taking this class makes me feel like a child again exploring the world for the first time. Every shadow and every highlight can evoke an emotion if you truly take the time to view it. Summer has a way of speaking that lets you know it's all ok to not get it right out of the gate. It may take time but man when you truly GET IT....it's a gift. A gift I will treasure for the rest of my years here on this quirky spinning piece of dirt. There truly is a magic in light.
staceyThis workshop has turned me upside down and inside out! Thanks to Summer, I will never look at light the same way again. I have learned more in the past two weeks as a participant of this workshop than I have in the last three years! Summer is an incredible teacher. Her lessons were meaningful, thorough and filled with inspiration. From the first assignment to the last, she took me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to take my photography to new places both technically and creatively. Summer's critiques are extremely thorough, honest and full of encouragement; making the classroom a supportive place to learn and try new things. I am so grateful for Summer and for this entire experience. I can honestly say that I feel like the sky is the limit now!
RACHEL
I was super intimidated to take this class but have been trying for years unsuccessfully to get in. I'm SO glad I didn't give up. By the third day of class I told my husband if that was all I learned the whole course I would have been happy with my money spent. I've never had a problem seeing beautiful light I see it everywhere, but this course gives you specific things to do with your camera as well as your subject to get the shot you want. It's been the difference between trying a bunch settings and angles to get that lucky shot that you wanted and creating a shot with purpose and accuracy. This class is worth the wait and I can't wait to see how my work changes as a result of this class.
kristi
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