Would you like to learn how to make your portraits look more professional with the addition of just one light?

Instructor and professional photographer Jacob Nothstine will demonstrate how you can use simple, low-cost tricks and just one strobe light to improve your photographic efforts, during one-time workshops offered on May 3, June 14, and August 15, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The workshops in May and June will be held at the Stables Studio, and the August workshop will be held at the Visitors Center at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills

Included in each workshop will be a live demonstration of different lighting modifiers and their effect on portraits. Light modifiers used will include umbrellas, softbox, octagons, a beauty dish, and reflectors. In addition, Nothstine will discuss various lighting equipment and what is needed to get started on taking amazing portraits.

Nothstine, a Ferris State University graduate with a degree in television production, has been teaching photography classes in Farmington Hills for over five years and also teaches photography workshops at Madonna University. His work is currently being displayed in group showings at Farmington Hills City Hall, Farmington Hills Nature Center Gallery, and at the State Capitol in Rep. Vicki Barnett’s office.

For those wishing to learn both basics and advanced digital photography techniques, classes taught by S. Kay Young will be available beginning May 5 at the Stables Studio. The Basics Class will include the mechanics of digital SLR cameras, improving composition skills, and the best ways to store, organize, edit, and print your photos.

The Basics Class is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Beyond Basics Class will include demonstrations, weekly shoots, and instructor feedback to produce more stunning images and runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both classes are four weeks.

The classes and workshops are open to both residents and non-residents of Farmington Hills. Pre-registration is required; you may register online at https://recreg.fhgov.com or in person at the Costick Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road. To learn more about Jacob Nothstine’s photography, visit jfnphotography.com. For more information about the photography workshops or other cultural arts offerings, call 248- 473-1859.