You don’t need thousands of dollars in lighting gear to create stunning portraits — just the right knowledge. In this platform class, John Gress will demonstrate how to achieve high-end, professional-looking results using flashes you already own and modifiers crafted from everyday items you might find at your local hardware or big-box store. Whether you’re working with a speedlight or a $4,000 monolight, you’ll learn how to shape, control, and finesse your lighting like a pro. This session is about more than just saving money — it’s about building a strong foundation in lighting fundamentals and applying them creatively. That way, you can use either improvised tools or the gear you already own to create polished, compelling work — whether you’re shooting fashion, seniors, or business headshots. You’ll leave with practical techniques you can apply in any setting — using tools already in your kit or ones you can make yourself. If you’re ready to elevate your images and impress your clients — without maxing out your credit card — this class is for you.