On Saturday, May 2, at FD Photo Studio Yukon Location, we got hands-on time with a photographer who has shot for Netflix, the Los Angeles Times, MTV, HBO, and Marie Claire. Ian Spanier — award-winning celebrity and fitness photographer — led a three-hour portrait lighting masterclass. The topic is “Lighting for Portraits: Everything You Need to Know.” The room had photographers at every level, from beginners shooting their first studio portraits to more experienced shooters looking to sharpen their technique. Here’s a look at the class.
Ian Spanier (@ianspanier) is an LA-based portrait photographer with a client list that includes Netflix, the Los Angeles Times, City National Bank, Men’s Fitness, Conde Nast Traveler, Bank of America, and The New York Times, among many others. He’s photographed celebrities, athletes, musicians, and VIPs for editorial and advertising campaigns around the world.
Beyond client work, Ian is a Westcott Lighting Top Pro and a brand ambassador for ThinkTank, Spider Holster, CamRanger, and Sekonic. He lectures regularly for Canon, B&H Photo, and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). He’s also a published author, with titles including Local Heroes: America’s Volunteer Fire Fighters and the Assouline book Arturo Fuente: From 1912.
The masterclass took place in the White Steps Cyc Wall Studio (Yukon 2), located at 12828 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. The 1,140-square-foot space has a 16-foot ceiling, a 16′ W x 17′ L white cyc wall, Greek-inspired white steps, and a gray textured wall. It gave Ian multiple surfaces and setups to work with, which made it a solid choice for a masterclass covering a range of lighting scenarios. An extra-large pink fabric backdrop (20′ W × 40′ L) is available, along with muslin backdrops in brown, gray, and blue (each 10′ W × 20′ L)
Ian kicked things off with a live demonstration. He walked through the exact lighting setups he uses on real assignments, showing how he lights and captures celebrities, athletes, and high-profile clients. No theory-only explanations. Just the actual gear positions, modifier choices, and decision-making behind each setup.
After the demo, participants got their own time behind the camera. Model and actress Gia Barbs was on set throughout the masterclass, giving everyone actual shooting time with a professional model and real-time guidance from Ian.
That part matters. It’s one thing to watch a photographer work. It’s another to apply what you just learned while someone with 24 years of professional experience is standing next to you giving direction.
The three hours covered lighting setups for portraits, modifier choices, how to work with and direct talent, and the kind of practical decision-making that only comes from years of editorial and commercial work. Both beginners and experienced photographers had something to take back to their own shoots.
Photos and video by @ctgxphoto
FD Photo Studio gave away a ThinkTank Photo Bag and a Spider Holster Hand Strap during the event, both of which Ian uses and represents as a brand ambassador. Not a bad bonus for a $200 ticket.
Want to see the kind of work that informed this masterclass? Check out this behind-the-scenes video from Ian’s shoot at FD Photo Studio Hill 4 (Tuscan/Jungle Studio). It shows exactly the level of lighting technique and execution he brought to the room on May 2.
If you missed the Ian Spanier masterclass, here’s the next one to put on your calendar.
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, FD Photo Studio is hosting a Rain Photography Workshop with a Mermaid Model in LA. The workshop is led by LA-based photographer Aaron Ram, whose last rain workshop at FD sold out.
This is a 3-hour hands-on shooting workshop inside FD’s Water Studio (Yukon 3), located at the same address in Hawthorne. Yukon 3 is one of the few studios in Los Angeles equipped for true indoor rain photography. It has a shallow reflection pool, an active rain and mist system, and RGB lighting setups.
The workshop program runs through:
Professional model since 2007, award-winning actress since 2009, and a certified underwater and stunt performer since 2018. For this workshop, Naiia Lajoie will wear two complete looks: a mermaid wardrobe and a non-mermaid look. That’s two very different setups from a single shoot.
LA-based photographer specializing in dramatic lighting and water photography. His last rain workshop at FD Photo Studio sold out. Follow Aaron: @ram_entertainment
The workshop is limited to 10 photographers total. Small group, real face time with the instructor and model.
Want to keep shooting after the workshop, or just rent one of the studios on your own schedule? FD Photo Studio has locations across Los Angeles and New York. Studios start from $29.99/hour, with 4, 8, and 12-hour packages available for better rates, up to 27% off compared to hourly.
1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62+ locations
2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our completed equipment list
3. Rent Your Studio: Use our 24/7 online booking system to secure your preferred date and time
4. Receive Your Check-In Code: Get your self-check-in code to access your studio seamlessly
Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.