Project 1 – The Logic of Light ‘Onion’ Challenge

We're starting off simple. One onion, one light - no complicated setup. Just a chance to take it back to basics and actually see how you can control light and understand the effect it has on your images. 

We're not looking for perfect final shots, just for you to show that you can make small changes to your lighting and notice what happens when you do. 

Move the light, change the angle, adjust the distance, each time the image shifts. that's what this is all about! Give the class above a watch and then get going - start experimenting with light.

Project Kit List

Keep it simple - you probably have everything you need

  • Camera - Any camera, even a phone is fine.
  • Onion - 2 Brown Onions (prioritize dry, papery textures).
  • Small Surface - Any flat table, chopping board, or card.
  • Light Source -Studio light, Speedlite, lamp, torch or even a window.
  • Mirror - A small makeup or shaving mirror.
  • Card - A sheet of black and white card.

That's it, nothing complicated - just a chance to see what happens when you start taking control of light. 

We can't wait to see the images you take, share them with us through the upload form on the right of this page.

Deadline for Entries: 5th April 2026 
Review of Entries: 14th April 2026  

Project Members Gallery

Comments

  1. Hello, how are you?

    I just want to say how much I truly enjoy your tutorials. They are the main reason I happily renewed my subscription for a second year.

    I have a small request: previously, there was a translation option available for the videos, but I can no longer find it. This feature was very helpful for me, as I mainly need the video content translated, while the rest of the text is clear and easy to understand.

    Would it be possible to bring this feature back?

    Thank you very much for your support and effort.

  2. Last minute rush on my part but thanks Karl, this was interesting project. I’m not sure if my tears are from cutting an onion or because my main monitor is still not back from repair. Disclosure: only one onion was harmed in the production of these photos.

  4. With only a small kitchen and two inquisitive cats sniffing around the hardest part was definitely keeping everything in place. I prepared with some sticky tacky gum and clamps, but every slight bump would change everything slightly. Normally wouldn’t be too much of a problem, but I really wanted everything to stay in place to see the effect of the different lighting. Will definitely do following projects in the small studio at work!

  6. Sorry, I am seeing two dates on the site above for the reviews. One on the 7th and the second on the 14th. Please provide me with the correct date and time as I am in the US and would like to watch it, if I can. Also what time UK and US will it be on mate?

  8. Hi Karl,

    I’ve always been afraid when coming in touch with lightning and have been unwilling to follow a class. I hate all this technical and theoretical stuff, but this course makes it so easy to understand the basics.

    The best way to learn is by visualizing, top. Thanks a lot.

  9. I have always had issues, doing product photography using studio light, I could never get proper detail in my images so I have always moved to window light. I enjoyed doing this project using the hard light with mirrors and reflectors. In my second image I bounced the light off the white ceiling, this gave me a softer image, especially the sliced part of the onion but I had no specular highlights in this image. Looking forward to learning more, many thanks Karl.

  10. Good evening, Sir. It is impossible to get a brown onion here in my area. So, I used red onions. Hope I won’t be disqualified. I saw that you have mentioned in the brief that we need to shoot brown onions.

  11. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in project, I had a bit of thouble submitting the photographs-I wasn’t entirely sure about the file size- but regardless, I am delighted to have realized just how easy it is to take good photo using only a single light, provided one applies the concept of manipulating it the way you teach. Thank you.

  13. If I composite a photo (the final photo would show an ongoing action) for the composition that I have in mind, then would it be accepted? Everything will be captured in camera. I won’t do anything besides compositing (no change in shadow, contrast etc.)

    1. Hi, I don’t think a composite is at all necessary for this. We’re not looking for a perfect photo only that the techniques have been tried and understood.

  14. Hi Karl and the team,

    First of all, thank you for the project idea. It really adds value to the membership as it encourages active participation, not just another dead membership.

    I did want to share a small suggestion. I found myself struggling a bit with the outcome because I tried to produce the best possible image straight out of the camera, without any post-processing. While post-processing could significantly enhance the final quality and maybe even forfill my pictureidea, it isn’t really the focus of the task.

    Experimentation is great, but sometimes a bit of guidance can also help. Would it be possible to consider a mid-term session where a few submitted images are analyzed and discussed? For example, participants with clear challenges in their images or those who are unhappy with their results could submit their photos in advance so the group can review them together and talk about possible improvements.

    Then one could try to improve once more for the final submission.

    Best wishes,
    Christoph

    2. Hi Christoph, yes these tasks are definitely more about the practical execution rather than post production and we hope that the demonstrations inspire that. With regards your comment there is a follow up show in April where I will be reviewing entries and talking about techniques. You can find the upcoming live shows on this page: https://visualeducation.com/live/

      1. Hey Karl,

        Thanks for the reply.

        Yes, I understand that there will be a wrap-up and that the project itself will then be finished.

        For me personally, though, time is quite limited, so I likely won’t revisit the project afterward to implement additional suggestions if they are not
        part of the project itself.

        That’s why I thought a short feedback or discussion session during the project might help participants incorporate improvements while they are still able to hand in improved workpieces

        Best wishes,
        Christoph

        1. Hi Christoph, do you mean a sort of ‘guidance’ show half way through the project timescale? Maybe a Q&A type thing?

  16. my_katamari

    I’ve learned a lot! I never understood how the light source can affect the outcome of a photo. I would shoot and guess. Never understanding why I wasn’t getting what I was looking for. With this project I hope to control my lighting better knowing how it can change the photo.

    1. Excellent to hear and we will be progressing through other important aspects of lighting in the next Projects.

  17. Thanks Karl I really enjoyed that.
    your right its all about convenience and speed regarding equipment,same applies for carpentry which I also do a lot of.
    Cheers Ray Goodwin

    1. Thanks Ray, that reminds me I need some new DIY tools! I’m working on some building work and home renovations for the next couple of months.

  18. Thanks Karl. This project seemed simple until I tried it.
    I’ve never regarded myself as a still life photographer so after a first rather humbling failed attempt I’ve retired hurt and redone it from scratch. The key factor was thinking the whole thing through and putting the results of that process into practice.

  19. Excellent class to get back to basics Karl, as you mentioned sometimes its good to strip back everything & play with light no matter what subject it is. I do find shooting tethered for product, food & drink photography a game changer as it makes you slow down & analyze the image so that you can make better decisions & change things as necessary. Great show Karl & team. Looking forward to submitting my learning & images.

  20. Just signed up, i have to say this is one of the best live/class i have watched on photography in a long time. Really made me feel really excited to create my images.

  21. Great class! I’ve learned many new things and revisited others. The project’s direction is very motivating, and I look forward to participating. Thanks a lot!

  22. Hello Karl and team, thank you for this new project series. For me, it seems to be not only good for beginners to start learning about lighting, but also a great opportunity for more experienced photographers (among whom I would include myself) to challenge their knowledge about light in a concise format. I’m already looking forward to the next shows!

  23. Fun! Thanks Karl and team for creating an environment which encourages learning and sharing. This class was a great excuse to get in the studio (aka garage), just start shooting, and now sharing results.

  24. KHoinke

    Thank you Karl and the others. This was so helpful to see the different examples and explaining what is happening. Plus, proving to people, it’s knowledge about being able to do this and not blaming you or the equipment. Knowledge on what to do with the light and controlling the light. I love the refresher course idea.

    1. Thank you it’s so good to hear people when they recognise/see in our demonstrations that it’s about knowledge and not kit!

  27. Karl, As always a wealth of knowledge. I loved the show and am looking forward to the other up coming projects. Thank you for passing your knowledge along. I once work for a portrait studio back in the film days and the owner, who was a Master Photographer ,once told me, when you think you know everything it is time to quit. I still live by those words. Thank you again. Greg K

  29. tastrong61

    Great class Karl & “Team Emma!” I’ve been a member almost since the beginning and have watched many tutorials, classes, and considered participating in the briefs but never took the time or felt comfortable (after seeing some of the incredible entries) submitting anything. This direction with the projects seems more relaxed and something I can actually see myself participating in. I’ve been working with lighting for many years and have a decent understanding but this class really nailed down the “physics” of it all which will go a long way towards improving my use of lighting and KNOWING exactly what to do to achieve any look I desire. Thanks so much for launching Karl Taylor Education/ Visual Education. Your work, talent, skill, and generosity in sharing all you have to offer, not only in practical terms but on the business side, how to edit and organize etc. is not only greatly appreciated by me but, also by the world wide photography community. Thanks again! Now, it’s off to the market for some onions! 😀

  30. As a total beginner in this area of studio/indoor light I was captivated. So well explained and thoroughly interesting to see how you can change light with the soft box, reflective material etc. I am definitely going to take my first steps into still life photography with this project. Thanks again for a great presentation.

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