advanced studio photography help

[Lionheart]

We have a very basic photo setup in our dental office. We use it to celebrate our patients' journey through full mouth reconstruction and/or cosmetic reconstruction. The photos are digital and edited for black and white and printed 18x20 inches and displayed in the reception area and hallways. We've got the basic mechanics of the studio down (as in really basic-set up the lights to get the effect we want, get out the flash meter and tweak the light output to get the desired effect). Our setup is really budget and simple (studio pro lamps and umbrellas, two very basic canvas backdrops) but now my partners in the office want to do their own photos. The problem is that I'm not a good teacher, and my knowledge is limited in this area. Are there some good books and weekend courses available for learning basic to intermediate level studio, and where would I look for these? I learned on the fly by experimentation, not the best way to learn. We're also planning on upgrading the studio with "real" studio lighting and equipment this next year. This is an area of our practice that has been and will be a continuing factor in our internal marketing, both for the office décor and for the website.

[BigBen]

"I learned on the fly by experimentation, not the best way to learn."

That's actually the way I prefer to learn, but I understand that different folks learn differently. There are lots of books on studio lighting, but you could probably learn enough by looking webphotoschool.com or similar sights. If you already have strobes, umbrellas and backgrounds...I'm not sure what you mean by "real" studio lighting.

[Asylum Steve]

What you've established is pretty much a formula for your shots. Am I right?

If so, I don't see where intense instruction for the other partners would be needed. If you're happy with the results you've been getting, I would think it would be simple enough to diagram the setup and the camera settings.

Using digital the way you do, they'd know right away if any adjustments would be needed.

I guess what I'm asking is what exact skills do you think they need to learn? Do they not know the basics of using the equipment?

BTW, I've stuck this thread so it'll get more attention and hopefully get you some suggestions...