What You See Is What You Get

Steve’s philosophy, “If you don’t like what you see, don’t take the picture.” Steve will introduce you to lighting by learning the basics and then working with the tools of the trade to make the images you see in your head come alive. We start with basics and move through the amazing world of lighting. He will show you how to light a white background for fashion than taking that same white background to grey or black. There will be NO setting it to auto settings, or sticking a flash on your camera and clicking away. Steve will show you how to use various lights, manual settings and attention to detail that is the mark of a professional photographer.

Creating Images from Start to Finish

The focus is on creating beautiful images using inexpensive materials or materials that one might already have and recycle them into different set designs.  This can be accomplished with little or no construction skill and within a 12 x 12 space or smaller.  We will talk about each step it takes to create the set and what I have learned along the way in finding inspiration and being innovative.  Once you’ve learned how to see beyond the picture and constructing the set, proper lighting is shown to achieve the set and the subject’s fullest potential.  Being unique in set designs can provide you with a portfolio that separates you from the competitors not to mention higher sales.  I want you to walk away inspired to use your imagination, skills and artistic abilities in creating outstanding images.

Biography:

A Native New Yorker, Steve Ragland, has refined the art of romancing the soul of his subjects through his lens.  Ironically, Steve's love of photography was kindled through the career equivalent of a blind date, his friend and an aspiring designer, asked him to help her create a portfolio.  When the photos exceeded her wildest expectations, she encouraged him to develop talent and strike out on his own. After attending New York's School of Visual Arts, Steve became a much sought after fashion and beauty photographer in cities such as Paris, London, Toronto and Taipei.  Working as a true fashion photographer all over the globe has allowed Steve to bring a cosmopolitan look to images for a diverse group of clients.  Now working in Detroit, Steve continues to photograph for local and national clients.  The beauty of Steve's work, what he helps other photographers perfect, is how to achieve a luxury look and feel to images using tools readily available in any local store.  Commercial, editorial, and portrait clients are facing ever-tightening budgets and Steve's skills have been much sought after.  Steve is very high energy and his students always have fun while learning skills which will position them to produce refined images in less time with less money spent on equipment, set design and post production.

Steve's work has been seen in publications such as Vogue, Essence, Fitness Magazine, Playboy, Eating Well, Yoga Monthly, The Knot, Jet, Ambassador, Hour Detroit and Life Style Japan.  Steve has an impressive list of commercial clients including Sony Music, Miller Brewing, Radio Shack, Kmart, Sears, Zima, Martini & Rossi, and Purely Pro Cosmetics.

www.raglandstudios.com

Email: raglandstudios@gmail.com