If 2025 the year you are going to learn how to create beautiful natural looking light with off-camera flash, you are in the right place!
Learning to use artificial light is an absolute game-changer for any photographer, but especially for newborn and family photographers.
This one simple skill will boost your confidence, improve your work, and help you grow your business! Best off all, artificial light is easy to learn, even if you’re a beginner!
Allow Me to Introduce Myself.
I’m Sandra Coan. I’m an award winning photographer, industry educator, best-selling author and proud, Westcott Top Pro, based in Seattle, WA
I’ve been a professional photographer since 1999, and I’ve been teaching other photographers how to create natural-looking light with strobes and flash since 2014.
I’ve taught thousands of photographers from around the world how to work with strobes and flash, and I’m excited to teach you as well!
I Didn’t Think Flash Photography Was for Me
I was a natural light photographer for the first half of my career. And for good reason – natural light is beautiful. But the problem is, it’s not always reliable.
Sometimes it rains, some days are dark, and some situations are just less than ideal (I’m looking at you windowless nursery!).
I knew I needed something to help get me through these hard situations, but I didn’t like the look of artificial light. It was harsh and “flash”. I wanted light that looked like the soft, natural light I would get from a window on a perfect day.
When I couldn’t find any information on how to do that with off-camera flash, I developed my own method. And I’ve been using it ever since.
The Sandra Coan Method
The Sandra Coan Method is a simple, one-light approach to working with strobes and flash that results in beautiful natural looking light. It’s just as easy to use as working with a window, and it doesn’t require a ton of bulky equipment. Everything I do (and teach) is done with just one light, one modifier and a stand!
My Lighting Classes
Because I’m so passionate about teaching photographers how to create beautiful light in a simple way, I’ve published two online lighting classes, The Missing Link and Lighting on Location. I also run a certification program for photographers looking to become certified in Sandra Coan Method.
So how do you know which program is the right one for you?
Let’s discuss!
The Missing Link and Lighting on Location
The Missing Link and Lighting on Location are both great classes that will teach you how to create natural looking light with strobes and flash.
The Missing Link is the first lighting class I ever wrote. It’s very thorough, and focuses mostly on working in a studio. If you work in a studio, or have an in-home studio, this is the best class for you. Follow this link to learn more.
Lighting on Location was written specifically for in-home photographers. All the behind the scenes videos and educational content is geared towards the unique challenges photographers face when working on location. If you work in your clients’ homes, or if you offer hospital sessions, like Fresh 48s, this would be a perfect class for you. Follow this link to learn more.
Both classes teach the foundations of working with artificial light. And both classes include detailed equipment lists.
Sandra Coan Certification
The Sandra Coan Certification is a comprehensive program that teaches you EVERYTHING you need to know to feel confident in your photography skills AND in your business know-how.
Think of it as a one-stop-shop for photography AND business education!
Certification members receive:
- In depth training in The Sandra Coan Method™ for lighting, posing, processing, portfolio curation, pricing, sales, website design, branding building and marketing.
- One-on-one mentoring with me for personalized feedback and training
- Bi-monthly group coaching calls
- Access to our members only Facebook group
- Exclusive invitations to our annual members-only in-person retreat
- A friendly community of like minded peers
Once certified members receive:
- Certification badge as proof of mastery
- Listing on my international referral directory
- Guest features on my blog and Instagram
- “Business in a Box”- which includes pre-written blog posts, social media captions, pricing guides, model releases (and more!)
- The opportunity to become a certified instructor of The Sandra Coan Method™
Members, also receive:
- Lifetime access to all course materials
- Lifetime access to our private group and monthly coaching class
If you are interested in Sandra Coan Certification, follow this link to apply. Once your application has been accepted, you will be prompted to schedule a Zoom call with me, where we can sit, face to face, and discuss your business, your goals, and whether or not the program is the right fit for you.
