Creative Lighting in Small Spaces with Kersten Luts

You don’t need a big studio—or a big budget—to create powerful, professional portraits. 

In this class, photographer and educator Kersten Luts shows you how to take control of light and transform even the smallest space into a fully functional portrait studio. Whether you're working from a spare room, a corner of your living room, or a tight client location, you’ll learn how to shape, control, and refine light to create striking, high-impact images. 

Using a clear, step-by-step approach, Kersten breaks lighting down into simple, practical principles—then demonstrates how to apply them in real-world scenarios. Starting with just one light, you’ll progressively build toward a refined, cinematic portrait style inspired by classic Hollywood lighting, without relying on expensive gear or complicated setups. 

You’ll also follow the complete workflow from capture to final image, including a streamlined editing process using Evoto to enhance your results while maintaining a natural, polished look. 

By the end of this class, you’ll not only understand how light works—you’ll know how to use it with confidence to create consistent, professional results in any space. 

What You’ll Learn 

• How to create professional portraits in small or limited spaces 
• The core principles of light: direction, quality, and control 
• How to get great results using just one light source 
• Techniques for shaping light using simple, affordable tools 
• How to create a cinematic, Hollywood-inspired portrait look 
• When and how to add additional light without overcomplicating your setup • How to develop a consistent, signature lighting style 
• A complete workflow from shoot to final edited image

Who This Class Is For 

• Beginner to intermediate photographers looking to improve their lighting • Creators working in small home studios or limited shooting spaces • Portrait photographers who want more consistent, professional results • Anyone who wants to achieve a high-end look without high-end gear 

Why This Class Is Different 

Most lighting courses focus on gear or complicated setups. This class focuses on understanding and control. 

You’ll learn how to work with what you already have, solve real-world space limitations, and build a repeatable system—not just copy setups. 

The result? A lighting approach you can rely on—anywhere. 

About the Instructor 

Kersten Luts is a UK-based portrait photographer, educator, and host of The Camera Shake Podcast. Known for his clean, cinematic style and practical teaching approach, Kersten specialises in helping photographers create high-end results using simple, accessible techniques.