Studio Commercial Photography Course

A complete hands-on course made of seven individual workshops — each focused on a key aspect of studio and commercial photography.
You can join one or the full series.

Workshops start on January 17, 2026.
Geneva, Zwitzerland

Workshop fee: from 250 CHF

Workshops Schedule

“For many people in Switzerland, photography is a beautiful hobby — capturing nature, landscapes, or small moments of life.

But for some, there is a quiet wish to take it further.

To work freely, to create images that matter, and to make a living from what they truly enjoy.

This course is for those who feel that wish.
It is a practical path toward professional and commercial photography — built on real experience, not theory.”


Yaroslav Monchak – photographer & mentor

From Hobby

to Profession

About Me

I’m Yaroslav Monchak, a photographer originally from Ukraine, where I’ve dedicated more than 17 years of my life to photography.

Seven years ago, I founded LIGHTHOUSE — the largest private photo school in Western Ukraine, where I trained over 3,000 students.

Today, I live in Vevey, Switzerland, and continue to share my experience with those who want to go beyond photography as a hobby.

My approach is simple: practical, honest, and focused on helping you grow into the professional you want to become.

portfolio

About the course

This course is designed for photographers who want hands-on studio experience.

You will learn how to shape and control light using professional equipment and real models.

Each session is built around practical commercial scenarios — helping you create strong portfolio work and gain confidence for paid assignments.

A man appears to be giving a presentation or speech to a group of women in a casual indoor setting with photography equipment.
Photographers and a director on a photoshoot set having a discussion about lighting or positioning, with studio equipment visible in the background.
Photoshoot studio with a female model in a red blazer and trousers standing on a reflective surface surrounded by photographers and crew members, some taking photos and others adjusting equipment. Bright natural light streams from large windows.
A man in a black t-shirt stands with his hands behind his back, addressing a group of seated people in a room with warm lighting and a sign that reads 'LIGHOUSE' on the wall. The audience appears attentive, and the room has a cozy, casual atmosphere.
Man giving a presentation to a seated group in a spacious room with exposed brick walls and wooden floors.
Person with blonde hair sitting on a chair in a dark studio setting, surrounded by people taking photos or videos with cameras and smartphones, with a large black backdrop in the background.
A group of people instructing or collaborating around a camera setup in a modern indoor space with large windows and natural light.
Photography studio with a female model posing for a photo shoot, surrounded by crew members, lighting equipment, and a backdrop with a lighthouse and the text 'LightHouse'.
Group of tourists taking photos of a woman in a straw hat overlooking a scenic lake and mountains from a stone balcony
Fashion model walking on a bridge while photographers take pictures of her.
A group of five people, three women and two men, gathered around a camera on a table at the beach during sunset.
A woman in stylish clothing standing next to a vintage red and cream convertible car parked on a cobblestone street. Several photographers are kneeling and taking pictures of her, while others are standing nearby. In the background, there is a buildi
A man is speaking to four women indoors, with one woman holding a camera, in a casual setting.
Chef demonstrating a craft to a group of people in a kitchen or workshop setting.
A group of photographers taking pictures of a woman sitting on a gray armchair in a photostudio, with a backdrop of a lighthouse mural and studio equipment.
Group of 14 young adults, men and women, posing indoors with a dark wall background and a large plant. Some are standing, some are kneeling, and one woman is holding a camera. They are smiling and dressed casually.
A group of people in line inside a studio or classroom, with someone in front appearing to instruct or speak to them, and a camera operator on the right capturing the scene.
A man giving a presentation to a seated audience in a lush indoor garden setting with large green plants, a laptop, and various personal items on the table.
Photoshoot of a woman in a flowing dress with a backdrop of beige rocky cliffs, surrounded by people taking pictures and adjusting the woman's dress.
A woman in a white dress and hat is seated on a vintage white table, posing for a photoshoot in a bright room. A photographer is lying on the floor taking pictures, while a man is crouching nearby observing.
A photoshoot in a studio with a female model standing on the left and a male photographer speaking to a group of people. Large windows behind them show trees outside.

Workshops Schedule — Geneva 2026

Seven weekend workshops led by Yaroslav Monchak.
Each session runs from 11:00 to 14:00 at NONAME Studio, Geneva.

Workshop 1.

Introduction to Studio Lighting and Equipment

This is the first step to understanding professional studio lighting.
You will learn how studio equipment works and how to control light for consistent, high-quality results.


Workshop plan:

• Why light is so important in photography

• Flash vs continuous light – differences and how to use each

• Main light modifiers: softbox, umbrella, reflector, beauty dish

• How light direction, power and diffusion affect the look and mood

• Live demonstration with a model using professional studio equipment (no shooting by participants)

After this lesson, you will understand the basics of studio lighting and how it is used in commercial photography.

Type: Practical workshop with model
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Saturday, January 17, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop 2.

Business Portrait

This lesson focuses on creating professional portraits for business and corporate clients.

In Switzerland, this type of photography is in high demand, as companies appreciate modern and authentic images of their team members.


Workshop plan:

• Studio equipment for business portraits

• Working with angles, expressions, and poses

• How to prepare clients mentally before the session

• How to create portraits for websites, LinkedIn, and company profiles

After this lesson, you will know how to create modern portraits that reflect both professionalism and personality.

Type: Practical workshop with model — portfolio photos included.
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Sunday, January 18, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop 3.

Maternity and Boudoir

This lesson is about low-key photography — expressive and atmospheric lighting.
You will learn how to use light to create elegant, emotional portraits that remain natural and tasteful.


Workshop plan:

• The low-key style: working with light, shadow, and mood

• Using silhouette and backlight

• Building depth and background atmosphere

• Shaping the body with light

• Studio lighting setups for boudoir and maternity portraits

After this lesson, you will know how to create boudoir and maternity portraits that combine elegance, emotion, and professional quality.

Type: Practical workshop with model — portfolio photos included.
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop 4.

Color Filters

This lesson is about working with color and creative light effects in the studio.
You will learn how to combine technical control with artistic vision to create modern, expressive portraits.

Workshop plan:

• Using LED and flash lighting — strengths and differences

• Applying gel filters to add color accents

• Mixing warm and cool light to shape atmosphere

• Techniques for diffusion, reflection, and mixed lighting effects

• Exploring double exposure in studio photography

After this lesson, you will know how to use color and light as creative tools to produce stylish portraits for both commercial and artistic projects.

Type: Practical workshop with model — portfolio photos included.
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop 5.

Fashion & Beauty Light

This lesson is about lighting for fashion and beauty photography.
You will learn how to build modern commercial setups for shooting clothing, jewelry, and catalog portraits

Workshop plan:

• Working on a cyclorama in a professional studio

• Lighting setups for commercial and catalog photography

• Simulating natural daylight in the studio

• Controlling color, shadows, and reflections for a clean, polished look

• Practical session with a model in fashion and beauty style

After this lesson, you will know how to create bright, refined commercial images that meet professional fashion standards.

Type: Practical workshop with model — portfolio photos included.
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Saturday, January 31, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop 6.

Timeless Portrait in the Style of Peter Lindbergh

This lesson is inspired by the aesthetics of Peter Lindbergh — natural, emotional, and deeply focused on personality.
You will learn how to create portraits that go beyond fashion, built on simplicity, authenticity, and expressive light.


Workshop plan:

• Classic, timeless lighting setups for portraits

• Working with movement, emotion, and character

• Building trust and comfort during the session

• Natural posing and genuine expression

• Studio practice: creating a series of black-and-white portraits

After this lesson, you will know how to create powerful, emotional portraits that reveal a person’s depth, not just their appearance.

Type: Practical workshop with model — portfolio photos included.
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Sunday, February 1, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 3 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop 7.

Post-Production and Portrait Retouching

This lesson is about creating a complete, professional finish for your portraits.
You will go through the full process — from RAW conversion to final color correction and retouching.

Workshop plan:

• RAW conversion and file preparation in Capture One

• Building an efficient workflow for portrait series

• Using modern AI tools for retouching

• Achieving natural and balanced color correction

• Preparing images for publishing and printing


After this lesson, you will master a practical post-production process that ensures consistent quality, efficiency, and a professional look in your commercial work.

Type: Practical workshop with model — portfolio photos included.
Location: NOMAME Studio, Geneva
Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026 11:00–14:00
Duration: 2 hours
Language: French with Ukrainian translation
Workshop fee: CHF 320

Reserve your spot

Workshop Registration Form

Please fill out the form below to reserve your place.
Each workshop is practical and limited to 6–8 participants.

You’ll receive a confirmation and payment details by email.