Flash shouldn’t feel like a boss level in a video game — but for a lot of photographers, it does. From Fear to Flash by JCPhotoMedia is a beginner-friendly class designed to turn that intimidating hunk of gear in your bag into your new creative superpower. If the thought of strobes makes you break out in a cold sweat, don’t worry — you’re exactly who this class is for.

Instead of memorizing lighting “recipes” that only work once and leave you stuck when the situation changes, we’ll focus on building a process — a repeatable, logical way to approach light. We’ll also embrace the idea of failing forward because, let’s be honest, messing up is part of learning. In this class, mistakes aren’t embarrassing — they’re required.

You’ll discover how to shape, balance, and control light so you can create dramatic portraits in broad daylight, soft flattering light indoors, and everything in between. By the end, you’ll stop fearing your flash and start using it like a creative tool — confidently, intentionally, and maybe even with a little swagger.

Come with curiosity — and leave with the power to make light do what you want.

JC CAREY
Joseph “JC” Carey is a longtime photographer and nationally recognized lighting educator known for making the often-intimidating world of strobes feel far less scary—and occasionally even fun. As the founder of JCPhotoMedia, JC specializes in dynamic portrait and environmental work, but he’s just as well known for his patient, down-to-earth approach to teaching.

A lead educator with Westcott Lighting, JC has helped thousands of photographers move from guessing to confidently shaping light. His signature class, From Fear to Flash, was created for anyone who has ever looked at a strobe and thought, “Nope.” With clear explanations, real-world demos, and a healthy dose of humor, JC guides students past the technical overwhelm and into the “aha” moments that make lighting finally click.

Whether he’s teaching in a studio, on location, or on a convention floor, JC’s goal is simple: make lighting accessible, approachable, and something every photographer can master—one flash at a time.

Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more. 

FAQ UNIVERSITY

Where are classes held? 
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106). 

What should I bring to class? 
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions. 

Will lunch or refreshments be included? 
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted. 

How do I register for a class? 
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information. 

Can I register at the door? 
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes. 

I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list? 
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date. 

My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact? 
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.

Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.