PCS: One Light Wonder with Abhi Sarkar
Select a Date
Most of Abhi Sarkar's award-winning off-camera flash images were made with exactly one light and one modifier. Not because he had to — because he chose to. One light forces intention. It teaches you to see, to shape, and to make a decision before you ever press the shutter.
In this hands-on class, we'll build images together — from clean portraits to more complex, layered compositions — all with a single OCF setup. You'll learn how modifier choice, light placement, and distance work together to create completely different looks from the same one-light rig. No extra gear. No excuses.
But the technical side is only half of it. Great images also require a connected subject. Learn how Abhi briefs, directs, and shares the vision with every person he photographs — before a single test shot fires — so that what's in his head ends up in the frame. You'll leave with a repeatable lighting system and a direction framework you can use at your very next shoot.
*Bring your cameras! There will be an outdoor shooting portion.
Abhi Sarkar
I’m Abhi — a Philadelphia-based photographer, storyteller, and forever student of human connection. I grew up in India, surrounded by color, culture, and layered traditions that still influence the way I see the world today. Before photography became my full-time life at the end of 2023, I was a neuroscientist. Science trained me to observe closely and think deeply — but photography is where I found my voice. Stepping away from that career to go all in on this dream was one of the most defining decisions of my life.
My work spans multicultural weddings, fine art portraits, boudoir, and commercial photography — but at the core, it’s always about people. I’m drawn to emotion, movement, legacy, and the in-between moments that often matter most. Whether I’m documenting a multi-day South Asian wedding, creating empowering boudoir portraits, or capturing a brand’s story at a live event, my approach is the same: intentional, vibrant, and deeply personal.
Most of my clients say I feel more like a friend with a camera than a vendor — and honestly, that’s the greatest compliment I could receive.
Unique Photo Philly
28 South 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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.
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).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** 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.
Select a Date
Get a FREE $10 Token Back
Good towards in-store purchases.
*NO REFUNDS or rescheduling for any Camera Show classes.
Bring your cameras! This is part of our Creators Challenge where attendees can submit their best shots from this class (and any other marked PCS Creators Challenge listings) for a chance to win a $1000 Unique Photo Gift Card! Click here for details!
Most of Abhi Sarkar's award-winning off-camera flash images were made with exactly one light and one modifier. Not because he had to — because he chose to. One light forces intention. It teaches you to see, to shape, and to make a decision before you ever press the shutter.
In this hands-on class, we'll build images together — from clean portraits to more complex, layered compositions — all with a single OCF setup. You'll learn how modifier choice, light placement, and distance work together to create completely different looks from the same one-light rig. No extra gear. No excuses.
But the technical side is only half of it. Great images also require a connected subject. Learn how Abhi briefs, directs, and shares the vision with every person he photographs — before a single test shot fires — so that what's in his head ends up in the frame. You'll leave with a repeatable lighting system and a direction framework you can use at your very next shoot.
*Bring your cameras! There will be an outdoor shooting portion.
Abhi Sarkar
I’m Abhi — a Philadelphia-based photographer, storyteller, and forever student of human connection. I grew up in India, surrounded by color, culture, and layered traditions that still influence the way I see the world today. Before photography became my full-time life at the end of 2023, I was a neuroscientist. Science trained me to observe closely and think deeply — but photography is where I found my voice. Stepping away from that career to go all in on this dream was one of the most defining decisions of my life.
My work spans multicultural weddings, fine art portraits, boudoir, and commercial photography — but at the core, it’s always about people. I’m drawn to emotion, movement, legacy, and the in-between moments that often matter most. Whether I’m documenting a multi-day South Asian wedding, creating empowering boudoir portraits, or capturing a brand’s story at a live event, my approach is the same: intentional, vibrant, and deeply personal.
Most of my clients say I feel more like a friend with a camera than a vendor — and honestly, that’s the greatest compliment I could receive.
Unique Photo Philly
28 South 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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.
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).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** 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.