Working With Hard Light in the Studio with Mark Wallace

Think hard light is only for edgy, unflattering portraits? Think again.

In this in-depth studio lighting class, photographer and educator Mark Wallace breaks down everything you need to know about working with hard light — and shows you why it’s one of the most powerful, creative tools in your portrait photography arsenal.

Mark has spent years teaching photographers around the world through his Digital Photography One on One and Exploring Photography series on YouTube, and now he’s bringing that same clear, practical approach to one of the most misunderstood topics in studio lighting.

You’ll see exactly how images like these come to life — from clean, sculpted beauty portraits to high-contrast fashion and editorial work. No soft boxes required.

Whether you’re a beginner who’s always stuck to soft light or an experienced shooter ready to level up your studio game, this class will change the way you think about light.

What You'll Learn

• How hard light modifiers — including grids, snoots, and bare bulb setups — shape and control light
• How to use gobos to flag, block, and sculpt light for dramatic effect
• How to eliminate your fear of hard shadows and use them intentionally
• Creative techniques to produce bold, editorial, and high-impact portraits

Who It's For

• Beginners who have mostly worked with soft light and want to better understand hard light
• Portrait photographers who want to create bolder, more sculpted images
• Studio photographers interested in editorial, fashion, and high-contrast lighting styles
• Anyone ready to use hard light more intentionally and creatively

How to Join

• This class is free to stream on YouTube here
• You can access the class directly through your web browser or the YouTube app.

About the Instructor

Mark Wallace is a photographer based in the United States. Best known for his web-based video series Digital Photography One on One and Exploring Photography sponsored by Adorama.

Millions of people have watched Mark’s videos on YouTube, and the numbers continue to grow. Mark has a strong social media following on Facebook and Twitter, where he spends time interacting with viewers and workshop attendees.

In 2014, Mark left the United States to embark on a 2 year world wide adventure. He visited 28 countries and captured thousands of unique photographs across the globe.

In 2016, Mark decided to give up planes, trains, and automobiles and is now exploring the world on his motorcycle.