Portfolio Builder with Creative Lighting Workshop – South Wales | 7 February 2025
If you’re a wedding photographer looking to elevate your portfolio, master creative lighting, and shoot alongside other passionate creatives — our Portfolio Builder with Creative Lighting Workshop in Bridgend, South Wales, is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Taking place on Friday 7th February 2025, this one-day intensive workshop is designed to help photographers expand their portfolios, gain hands-on experience with professional lighting setups, and capture stunning images that will attract more dream clients.
What is the Portfolio Builder Workshop?
The Portfolio Builder series from the Institute of Wedding Photographers (IOWP) has become one of our most popular and rewarding experiences for photographers across the UK. It’s more than just a styled shoot — it’s a full creative day that focuses on learning, experimenting, and capturing breathtaking imagery that truly stands out.
This workshop focuses on creative lighting — how to use off-camera flash, coloured gels, and natural light creatively to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary photographs. Whether you’re shooting at sunset, in low-light conditions, or indoors at a wedding venue, you’ll learn how to make light your most powerful storytelling tool.
Why Lighting Matters in Wedding Photography
Lighting can make or break an image. Great lighting doesn’t just illuminate your subject — it adds mood, depth, and emotion. During this workshop, you’ll learn how to control and shape light to achieve dramatic and consistent results. We’ll cover:
Off-camera flash setups for natural and creative looks
Using coloured gels for atmosphere and contrast
Working with continuous light and ambient tones
Blending flash with natural light for seamless results
Shooting during golden hour and blue hour
How to shoot fast and confidently during a real wedding day
Our goal is to show you how to create portfolio-ready, scroll-stopping images in any environment, no matter the weather or lighting conditions.
What You’ll Experience on the Day
The workshop takes place in Bridgend, South Wales, surrounded by stunning natural scenery and atmospheric backdrops that make the perfect setting for creative lighting. We’ll provide professional models, styled details, and direction to help you capture the kind of editorial-style wedding images that get noticed.
Here’s what to expect:
📸 Live Demonstrations: We’ll start the day with demonstrations on different lighting setups — from simple one-light portraits to more complex multi-light scenes.
💡 Hands-On Practice: Every attendee will have the chance to work directly with models and lighting gear to put theory into action.
🎨 Creative Challenges: Explore the use of gels, reflections, smoke, and atmospheric effects to add depth and creativity to your portfolio.
🕰️ Golden Hour & Blue Hour Shoots: We’ll finish the day shooting at sunset and into the evening, capturing beautiful light transitions.
🗣️ Personal Coaching: You’ll receive one-to-one feedback and advice from experienced wedding photographers throughout the day.
This workshop is designed for all skill levels — whether you’re just starting out or an established professional looking for fresh inspiration.
Build Your Portfolio and Your Confidence
By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a new collection of portfolio-ready images that will help you stand out online and book more weddings. You’ll also gain confidence in working with lighting tools and creative setups you can use on real wedding days.
Having a strong and diverse portfolio is one of the most effective ways to attract higher-end clients. This workshop gives you that chance — with professional guidance, styled scenarios, and all the inspiration you need to take your photography to the next level.
Why Join Us?
Learn from experienced wedding photographers and educators
Create unique and creative images for your portfolio
Network and collaborate with other like-minded photographers
Get hands-on experience with lighting gear in real-world scenarios
Receive personal feedback and support throughout the day
Have fun while growing your skills and creativity
We believe learning should be fun, practical, and inspiring, and our workshops always have a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where everyone can learn at their own pace.
Location & Booking Details
📍 Location: Bridgend, South Wales
📅 Date: Friday 7 February 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
💷 Price: £195 per person
👥 Spaces: Limited to ensure everyone gets plenty of shooting time
To book your place, visit www.instituteofweddingphotographers.co.uk or send us a message to reserve your spot. Places are limited and always sell out quickly — so early booking is essential.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is perfect for:
Wedding photographers who want to expand their portfolios
Portrait photographers looking to add creative lighting to their skillset
Anyone who wants to build confidence shooting in challenging lighting conditions
Photographers who love learning in a friendly, hands-on environment
Final Thoughts
The Portfolio Builder with Creative Lighting Workshop is all about helping you create the kind of images that make couples say “Wow — we want you to photograph our wedding!” It’s a full day of learning, experimenting, and growing your creative skills with guidance from industry professionals who are always happy to help.
Bring your camera, bring your passion, and join us for an unforgettable experience in South Wales. Let’s make magic with light!