Capturing Emotion in Studio with Natasha Simpson

Learn to craft soft, emotional portraits using a single light setup in this hands-on studio workshop with pro photographer Natasha Simpson

Step into the studio with professional photographer Natasha Simpson from Dawn Photography for an immersive portrait photography experience that explores the art of soft light and natural emotion.

In this workshop, Natasha will guide you through a complete portrait session, from lighting setup to final image, demonstrating how to achieve beautiful, natural-looking portraits using a single light source. You’ll discover how to work with light to create soft, dimensional light that flatters your subject and enhances the mood of your image.

Working with a maternity model, participants will learn how to evoke and capture genuine emotion in their portraits while maintaining strong technical control. The session will explore how florals and colour tones can elevate your composition and storytelling, helping you build a cohesive visual style that aligns light, subject, and styling into one expressive image.

Natasha will demonstrate how camera settings, aperture, and distance influence the depth, softness, and overall feeling of your photographs. You’ll gain valuable insight into directing your subject with confidence and creating portraits that feel both intimate and intentional.

Recommended Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

All lighting equipment and studio setup will be provided. As the flash triggers are only compatible with Nikon cameras, Nikon cameras and lenses will also be provided. If you have your own Nikon Z Series camera and lens, you are welcome to bring it along.

Images by Natasha Simpson

Topics Covered:

• How to position and shape light for flattering, natural portraits
• Understanding power output and light modifiers
• How aperture and distance influence depth and softness
• Directing your subject to evoke genuine emotion and connection
• Building a cohesive “look” through styling and color tone choices
• (Optional, time permitting): Editing the final image for a polished finish

What to bring & Gear Provided:

All lighting equipment and studio setup will be provided. As the flash triggers are only compatible with Nikon cameras, Nikon cameras and lenses will also be provided. If you have your own Nikon Z Series camera and lens, you are welcome to bring it along.

• Memory cards with sufficient space
• Notebook and pen for jotting down lighting setups and tips
• Optional: Laptop or tablet if you’d like to review your images during the session

For more course information or inquiries, email:

school@mynikonlife.com.au