Immerse yourself in a 2-day, hands-on photography conference, exploring all genres of photography with the pros. Spend the weekend with some of the most creative photographers from around the country. Choose from over 30 classes and interactive sessions including landscape, travel, portraiture, flower, architecture photography and more. 

Only enough time for one day? No problem. Fill your day with oodles of photography classes and interactive sessions.

Only enough time for one day? No problem. Fill your day with oodles of photography classes and interactive sessions.

Learn about closeup/macro photography and lighting using a light tent. This type of photography is popular amongst all photographers, but especially those in the North and Northeast as it inspires people with photo opportunities that can be done inside during the cold winter months. You can photograph a plethora of subject ina light tents, from flowers and leaves to animal and from Rust and Wabi Sabi to still life and food. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Does off camera flash scare you? Well, the days of being scared are over!!

I'll show you how to take amazing images with off camera flash!

You'll see how I use inexpensive equipment to get the job done! 

You'll learn to create stunning images using a live model!

Special equipment needed: DSLR camera with the manual and fully charged batteries

Level: Beginner

"The real voyage of discovery consist not in seeking new landscapes, but in seeing with new eyes" ~Marcel Proust

This class is all about expanding your photographic possibilities by learning how to approach a scene differently. You'll come away with an understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, composition, lens choice, and a few simple creative tricks can help you to start creating more compelling images.

Special equipment needed: Camera and lens that you can control manually

Level: beginner and intermediate

Do you like to make photos of your food at a restaurant? Want to make them look better? Want to learn how to make that special recipe of yours look delicious too? We'll talk about how to approaching setting up a table shoot. What to consider for gear, lighting and props. You'll pick up some basics on food styling, props and what you should be carrying in your tool box.  

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Almond Marsh Forest Preserve is home to a great blue heron rookery. Each spring, nesting pairs of these magnificent birds arrive at Almond Marsh to find mates, build nests and raise their young. Late April can be a time of high activity in the marsh. We will go in a small group, limited to 10, to Almond Marsh and work on photographing these birds on their nest and in the air. We will also look for other common birds at the marsh including cormorants and great white egrets along with the more rare green herons and black-crowned night herons.

Since nature determines location, timing and activity of these birds, we won't know final plans until closer to the conference and may have to make adjustments.

Special equipment needed:  Dress for the weather and wear waterproof boots. We may not be able to get off trail, but if we do, it will be wet. For camera equipment, the birds can be far away so this event is more suited for long lenses, e.g. 100-400 at a minimum.  

Level: Intermediate

One of the more difficult aspects of Landscape Photography is translating time and place into a two dimensional image. Not only is the image flat, too often the emotional experience of seeing an image can be as well. There are, however, some ways to to make your images more meaningful and powerful for the viewer. In this workshop, Tony will share some compositional, in-camera, and post-processing techniques that help the photographer create impactful landscape images. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Note: For iPhone only. The course will review the features of the native iPhone camera and introduce a SnapSeed workflow that can be applied to most mobile images.

Special equipment needed: iPhone or iPad, charging cable 

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Take the next step towards using off camera flash with this class. I’ll show you how to take amazing photos with your subject and off camera flash, and you’ll see how I use inexpensive equipment to get the job done!

Special equipment needed: DSLR camera with the manual and fully charged batteries

?

Level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, all levels): intermediate

Zen Photography is the mindset we bring to the act of photographing. We'll talk about the 9 characteristics of Zen photography and I will go into each of these characteristics and detail how they can practically affect the way we see the world and compose better photographs across genres. “Photography does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.” 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All Levels

Learn the basics for prepping, setting up, lighting and photographing beverages. We'll go in to challenges of lighting highly reflective subjects like bottle and glasses, with tips and tricks to help in all aspects of your photography.  

Special equipment needed: None

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

I've heard so many excuses why photographers never print their work. Let me show you why you need to. 

In this class, discover why printing makes you a better photographer and a better communicator. We will go over some basic equipment that every photographer should have that will teach you how to become better editor and a better photographer.I'll even have an in class print demonstration. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: all levels

In this course, you'll learn three simple steps that'll enable you to compose more creatively focused and compelling landscape photography compositions. We'll accomplish this by focusing on the layers of a scene, removing distractions and creating a path for the viewers eye to follow. 

Special equipment needed: No equipment needed

Level: All Levels

This is a two hour workshop-style class with presentation followed by hands-on learning with Lensbaby lenses. We will explore ways to ignite your creative spirit to create beautiful, impactful flower portraits. An in-depth look at the most popular Lensbaby lenses for flower photography and tips for how to use them to create more emotive and artistic images. Whether you are brand new to Lensbaby or a more experienced shooter who needs a creative boost, come join me to discover the magic. 

Special equipment needed: Lensbaby, if you have one

Level: All level

We'll review a standard SnapSeed workflow good for most images, then explore some little-known aspects of SnapSeed, and review the use of the Portrait tool for creating wonderful portraits.

Special equipment needed: Your Smart Phone, or iPad, Charging Cable, the free app, SnapSeed (available for iPhone and Androids)

Level: All Levels

Take the next step towards using off camera flash with this class. I’ll show you how to take amazing images, and you’ll see how I use inexpensive equipment to get the job done! We’ll create stunning images with a live model, and learn how to utilize multiple flashes and filters. 

More time spent learning how to take the basic's to another level. 

~Level two using more than 3 flashes and colored filters!

~We'll play around with the big 4...ISO, Aperture, shutter, and white balance.

~We'll have a blast "messing it up" and fixing it! 100% Real event experience!

~Have fun shooting with colored gels

~More “edgy” lighting

~full body posing, including a second model

Special equipment needed: DSLR camera with the manual and fully charged batteries?

Level: Intermediate

Scott Joshua Dere will discuss how to make the sharpest images possible while photographing nature and wildlife in the field. During this presentation one will learn the proper use of a super telephoto lens, how to stabilize these oversized lenses and tune them so that they operate at their optimum, sharpest and quickest abilities. Scott will cover topics on Spot Metering as well as Servo modes for the best exposures and tracking modes while out in the wilderness. 

Techniques will be demonstrated on his own equipment while giving a slide show presentation on his best images from around the world. Scott will review proper etiquette in the field for the animals and your friends and colleagues alike, give tips on proper clothing, and knowledge on how to travel with all the necessary equipment with ease. Tips will be given on how to approach wild animals and birds of prey so both the animals you have the best experience, as well as the most important camera settings for this type of photography.

Finally, Scott will cover how to compose the best image of any given scene, and how to use the light and backdrops to your advantage. By the end of this presentation, everyone who attends will have a solid grasp on how to make incredible photographs of wildlife! At the end of the program Scott will reveal how to make a finished, refined piece of artwork by using post processing methods to obtain the perfect finished image.

Special equipment needed: Pen and Paper, Camera body and lens optional

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Tips and exercise for better understanding what is in your photographic DNA. How to find your creative stile and the road to consistency.

Special equipment needed: Bring something you can write on to take notes.

Level: All levels

Eager to learn how to capture impactful images of small subjects?

Lou and Todd share their tools, tips and tricks for creating beautiful macro photographs by introducing their four basic tips for EVERY shot. They will also guide you through determining focus, controlling depth of field, in addition to seeing a variety of macro effects and creative macro techniques. This workshop is a sure way to begin creating stunning close-up images and enhance your current macro photography skill set. 

Special equipment needed: note paper and pen

Level: all levels

Getting the Perfect Exposure is an easy to follow and intuitive mental workflowprocess for choosing the correct camera mode and settings to achieve the desired outcome of exposure. This mental workflow, based on a simple and quickly mastered binary decision making process, works in any shooting mode (Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, or Manual). The participants will learn how to prioritize decision making and camera settings (Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO) and will gain more confidence and success in their photography.

Special equipment needed: Camera with at least one lens, notebook

Level: Beginner and Intermediate

Come photograph frogs, lizards and other crazy reptiles! We will have several setups with light tents, lights and several species of reptiles to photograph. This session is limited to 48 people so that each photographer gets 30 minutes to take their time to photograph as many species as possible. We will rotate photographers through the stations.

Special equipment needed: The 24-105 type and 70-200 type lens is good for these subjects. Faster lenses are better than slower lenses (f2.8 >> f4 >> f5.6 >> f6.3)

Bring a dedicated 100, 105, 150mm macro lens (if you have one and you want to get close or want an eyeball shot). We will provide lighting, LED/flash not needed.

Level: All levels

Take better photos of your next great adventure - regardless of the camera you use or your background in photography. The class will provide practical tips on taking photos of architecture, landscapes, food, and people. Jenn will talk about how to take striking family photos and using the camera to interact more deeply with the people and culture of the places where you travel. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

 Presentation will talk about all different lenses out there -their unique characteristics, and how the one you choose should be more about creative possibilities than focal length alone.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

You’ve spent all morning capturing images in the field, now what? How can you take those raw images on your memory card and turn them into images with impact, and do so with a relatively simple, scalable workflow. In the workshop, Tony will share his workflow for taking an image from raw to impactful in Lightroom as well as some easy pitfalls that new Lightroom users are often susceptible to.  

Special equipment needed: This will not be "hands on" but participants may want to have Lightroom installed on their computer.

Level: Intermediate

When it comes to urban and street photography, including architecture, there are many definitions and criteria that make up a successful photograph. But at its most basic level, the photograph needs to be either interesting or beautiful (or both!) to connect with the viewer. From simplifying and removing distractions to controlling depth of field and motion blur, Principles of Creative Composition will guide the participants through many easy to use composition ideas and techniques to help develop more confidence and create more successful photographs.

Special equipment needed: Camera with at least one lens, notebook and pen for notes

Level: Beginner and Intermediate

Anyone interested in nature and wildlife dreams about exotic locations and the chance to capture images of animals at their most dramatic moments. For most of us, we can't visit these locations as often as we desire. However, our own local area offers spectacular natural displays if you know where to look. We often drive right by a preserve and don't realize the photographic opportunities that might be in plain sight. In this course, I want to share my experiences around our local area in various seasons capturing our local natural scene. 

By sharing images, technical details and the stories, I hope everyone attending will be inspired to do the same around where they live and be armed with a few more resources and tips to make those excursions more rewarding and successful. In this session, we will discuss locations, resources, tips and gear while sharing examples of landscapes, wildlife and less wild animal life all around us as subjects to create amazing images.  

Special equipment needed:  None

Level: Beginner

During this course, we'll discuss multiple ways to take your landscape photography post processing skill set to a new level using: Range Masks, Graduated Filters, Radial Filters, and Dodging & Burning using the Adjustment Brush. 

Special equipment needed: No equipment needed

Level: All Levels

One of the great ways of breaking in as a professional photographer, or building your portfolio when you're more advanced, is working with dancers outdoors on location. This class will teach you all aspects: from contacting dancers who don't know you, to what kind of locations are a good setting, and then how to photograph the dancers, communicate with them, and how to edit the images.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Explaining infrared photography from theory to advance use. And the ways to utilize it for your black and white work.

Special equipment needed: Bring something you can write on to take notes.

Level: All levels

Are you eager to create more interesting photographs?

Learn to design images, not just take them. This presentation enhances your awareness of subjects, taps into your creativity and teaches you to SEE differently.

Using the building blocks of visual design: Light, Shape, Texture, Line and Perspective, along with Four Principles of Picture Organization: Dominance, Balance, Proportion and Pattern, you will learn to create images with a fresh eye.

Lou and Todd will share images illustrating all the concepts in this informative and fun presentation. Regardless of your knowledge and experience, you’ll be sure to gain a better understanding of how to create the photographs you want 

Special equipment needed: note paper and pen

?

Level: all level

Over the past decade, Matt and Alison have been on a mission to trek the Classic Hikes of the World. With hundreds of miles under their boots, they have walked on some of the most beautiful trails on the planet, including the 500-mile Colorado Trail, which they completed this past summer. Matt and Alison recently published a book entitled Hiking Photography (Sandiburg Press). In this program, they will discuss many of the tips and techniques they use for documenting their adventures as well as special considerations for photographing while out on the trail. They will also share some of their favorite long-distance hikes, including Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail, California’s John Muir Trail, Peru’s Cordillera Blanca and Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, to name just a few. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

We will explore unique and creative ways to capture some of the most beloved blooms of spring. We will cover tulips, magnolias, poppies, ranunculus and many more - all to inspire you to go out and photograph the beauty of spring which will be unfolding at the end of April. 

Level: All levels

I'll have a professional and pre-professional dancer on location at the forest preserve just outside where the conference is being held. I'll guide everyone through the shoot and you'll be able to photograph these dancers as they pose and do action shots with you.

Special equipment needed: Please have your camera and the longest lens you have.

Level: All levels

Todays audience has seen too much. They yearn for more experiences that stimulate their senses and are attracted to visually compelling, storytelling images over the standard photograph. With the use of composition, lighting and expression, animals can tell a story through a photograph. No longer is a portrait of an animal good enough to make an impression. A more eye catching technique and a more direct approach should be taken by the photographer. Storytelling wildlife photography is the most challenging to conceive and capture. Many elements must fall into place all at once to obtain a photograph that creates more than just a documented experience. A more romantic approach to convey the true beauty of the animals we share the earth with is necessary to impress the audience. By using some thought process, planning, and applying extra time to find extraordinary moments, one can successfully produce a more emotionally charged photograph, using animal behaviors combined with dramatic light and action.  

Special equipment needed: None

Level:All Levels

Donny will present deep insights into Iceland from a photographers point of view. If you are planning a trip to Iceland, you must see this before you go. 

Special equipment needed: None 

Level: All levels

For most nature photographers, an African safari is a dream trip that we hope to take at least one time in our lives. Photographing classic African animals, such as elephants, zebra, rhinoceros and the big cats, as they roam freely on the African plains is an exhilarating experience that should not be missed by any wildlife lover. For many the price tag of a guided luxury safari is simply out of reach, but there are more affordable ways to experience the wonders of Africa. Did you know that the national parks of South Africa allow visitors to drive themselves on safari? Or that you don't have to stay in an expensive, private lodge while you are in the bush? In this course, Matt and Alison will share their experiences on several different trips to South Africa's Kruger National Park and explain the ins and outs of planning your own successful and surprisingly affordable self-drive safari.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Your homework before class is to show someone your portfolio on your phone. I’m guessing they will look at one image, maybe two. Now watch them closely, you’ll see them start to glaze over and by the third or fourth image they are gone. Somehow that screen on your phone, tablet, or computer just doesn’t attract any sort of attention. 

Some of the truly greatest photographic images are the ones that get personal. They inspire the viewer to remember a place, a moment, a thing from their past. In class, I’ll introduce you to two incredible photographic tools: the photographic print and paper choice. I’ll demonstrate how paper choice can change the emotions and the message of your images. Throughout the class we’ll discuss how several examples are effecting the viewer.

Special equipment needed: None

Level : All levels

Join the Out of Chicago crew and instructors at Bill's Pizza in Grayslake after classes end on Saturday.

Pizza and soft drinks are included.

Bill's Pizza

18945 W Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030

Note: For iPhone only. The course will review the features of the native iPhone camera and introduce a SnapSeed workflow that can be applied to most mobile images.

Special equipment needed: iPhone or iPad, charging cable 

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

"The real voyage of discovery consist not in seeking new landscapes, but in seeing with new eyes" ~Marcel Proust

This class is all about expanding your photographic possibilities by learning how to approach a scene differently. You'll come away with an understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, composition, lens choice, and a few simple creative tricks can help you to start creating more compelling images.

Special equipment needed: Camera and lens that you can control manually

Level: beginner and intermediate

Do you like to make photos of your food at a restaurant? Want to make them look better? Want to learn how to make that special recipe of yours look delicious too? We'll talk about how to approaching setting up a table shoot. What to consider for gear, lighting and props. You'll pick up some basics on food styling, props and what you should be carrying in your tool box.  

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Over the past decade, Matt and Alison have been on a mission to trek the Classic Hikes of the World. With hundreds of miles under their boots, they have walked on some of the most beautiful trails on the planet, including the 500-mile Colorado Trail, which they completed this past summer. Matt and Alison recently published a book entitled Hiking Photography (Sandiburg Press). In this program, they will discuss many of the tips and techniques they use for documenting their adventures as well as special considerations for photographing while out on the trail. They will also share some of their favorite long-distance hikes, including Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail, California’s John Muir Trail, Peru’s Cordillera Blanca and Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, to name just a few. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Lightroom processing tricks and also using Skylum Software's Luminar 3 in combination with Lightroom Classic to make your photos pop!

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All Levels

Explaining infrared photography from theory to advance use. And the ways to utilize it for your black and white work.

Special equipment needed: Bring something you can write on to take notes.

Level: All levels

I will cover all aspects of the role of wedding photographer whether you are aspiring to do it full time, part time, second shooting or even if you need a reset as a current wedding and portrait photographer. I will be giving you my very "real world" perspective on the entire process.

I will cover finding and managing clients, approaching and working with established photographers, what gear to have (or not have), how to prep yourself (and your clients) for the big day, what pitfalls await during this stage and how to avoid them. I will (virtually) take you all the way up to the morning of the wedding, confident and ready. 

Pt.2 will pick up where this class leaves off and we will cover the entire wedding day and what comes after.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Take better photos of your next great adventure - regardless of the camera you use or your background in photography. The class will provide practical tips on taking photos of architecture, landscapes, food, and people. Jenn will talk about how to take striking family photos and using the camera to interact more deeply with the people and culture of the places where you travel. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Learn the basics for prepping, setting up, lighting and photographing beverages. We'll go in to challenges of lighting highly reflective subjects like bottle and glasses, with tips and tricks to help in all aspects of your photography.  

Special equipment needed: None

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

One of the more difficult aspects of Landscape Photography is translating time and place into a two dimensional image. Not only is the image flat, too often the emotional experience of seeing an image can be as well. There are, however, some ways to to make your images more meaningful and powerful for the viewer. In this workshop, Tony will share some compositional, in-camera, and post-processing techniques that help the photographer create impactful landscape images. 

Level: beginner/Intermediate

Donny will present deep insights into Iceland from a photographers point of view. If you are planning a trip to Iceland, you must see this before you go. 

Special equipment needed: None 

Level: All levels

This is a two hour workshop-style class with presentation followed by hands-on learning with Lensbaby lenses. We will explore ways to ignite your creative spirit to create beautiful, impactful flower portraits. An in-depth look at the most popular Lensbaby lenses for flower photography and tips for how to use them to create more emotive and artistic images. Whether you are brand new to Lensbaby or a more experienced shooter who needs a creative boost, come join me to discover the magic. 

Special equipment needed: Lensbaby, if you have one

Level: All level

Zen Photography is the mindset we bring to the act of photographing. We'll talk about the 9 characteristics of Zen photography and I will go into each of these characteristics and detail how they can practically affect the way we see the world and compose better photographs across genres. “Photography does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.” 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All Levels

This class picks up where Pt.1 leaves off. I will take you through an entire wedding day (getting ready, ceremony, family portraits, couple's shots, reception and delivery). I will show you how to maximize your time to get the shots you need and the client's expect, as the lead shooter as well as second shooter.

I will cover post wedding delivery and client aftercare for lead shooters and second shooters.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels.

Presentation will talk about all different lenses out there -their unique characteristics, and how the one you choose should be more about creative possibilities than focal length alone.

Special equipment needed: None 

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Eager to learn how to capture impactful images of small subjects?

Lou and Todd share their tools, tips and tricks for creating beautiful macro photographs by introducing their four basic tips for EVERY shot. They will also guide you through determining focus, controlling depth of field, in addition to seeing a variety of macro effects and creative macro techniques. This workshop is a sure way to begin creating stunning close-up images and enhance your current macro photography skill set. 

Special equipment needed: Note paper and pen

Level: All levels

During this course, we'll discuss multiple ways to take your landscape photography post processing skill set to a new level using: Range Masks, Graduated Filters, Radial Filters, and Dodging & Burning using the Adjustment Brush. 

Special equipment needed: No equipment needed

Level: All Levels

Creativity is contagious, pass it on! Learn how to be creative in your camera AND in your post-processing. Long exposures, multiple exposures, overall creativity in camera and in post-processing (plugins, HDR, and textures), creative focusing (Bokeh, soft focus, focus stacking), camera movement (panning, rotate, overall creativity in camera and in post-processing (plugins, HDR, and textures, etc), neutral density, Bulb setting, white balance, filters, panoramas, perspective, composites, plugins, HDR, tone mapping, Textures, etc.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Take time to eat your lunch and visit the vendors. The shootout will also be going on at different times during this block. Each room you visit will have a different instructor with hands-on shooting for you to try.

More details about the shootout will be posted a week before the conference.

We will explore unique and creative ways to capture some of the most beloved blooms of spring. We will cover tulips, magnolias, poppies, ranunculus and many more - all to inspire you to go out and photograph the beauty of spring which will be unfolding at the end of April. 

Level: All levels

Does off camera flash scare you? Well, the days of being scared are over!!

I'll show you how to take amazing images with off camera flash!

You'll see how I use inexpensive equipment to get the job done! 

You'll learn to create stunning images using a live model!

Special equipment needed: DSLR camera with the manual and fully charged batteries

Level: Beginner

Scott Joshua Dere will discuss how to make the sharpest images possible while photographing nature and wildlife in the field. During this presentation one will learn the proper use of a super telephoto lens, how to stabilize these oversized lenses and tune them so that they operate at their optimum, sharpest and quickest abilities. Scott will cover topics on Spot Metering as well as Servo modes for the best exposures and tracking modes while out in the wilderness. 

Techniques will be demonstrated on his own equipment while giving a slide show presentation on his best images from around the world. Scott will review proper etiquette in the field for the animals and your friends and colleagues alike, give tips on proper clothing, and knowledge on how to travel with all the necessary equipment with ease. Tips will be given on how to approach wild animals and birds of prey so both the animals you have the best experience, as well as the most important camera settings for this type of photography.

Finally, Scott will cover how to compose the best image of any given scene, and how to use the light and backdrops to your advantage. By the end of this presentation, everyone who attends will have a solid grasp on how to make incredible photographs of wildlife! At the end of the program Scott will reveal how to make a finished, refined piece of artwork by using post processing methods to obtain the perfect finished image.

Special equipment needed: Pen and Paper, Camera body and lens optional

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

When it comes to urban and street photography, including architecture, there are many definitions and criteria that make up a successful photograph. But at its most basic level, the photograph needs to be either interesting or beautiful (or both!) to connect with the viewer. From simplifying and removing distractions to controlling depth of field and motion blur, Principles of Creative Composition will guide the participants through many easy to use composition ideas and techniques to help develop more confidence and create more successful photographs.

Special equipment needed: Camera with at least one lens, notebook and pen for notes

Level: Beginner and Intermediate

You’ve spent all morning capturing images in the field, now what? How can you take those raw images on your memory card and turn them into images with impact, and do so with a relatively simple, scalable workflow. In the workshop, Tony will share his workflow for taking an image from raw to impactful in Lightroom as well as some easy pitfalls that new Lightroom users are often susceptible to.  

Special equipment needed: This will not be "hands on" but participants may want to have Lightroom installed on their computer.

Level: Intermediate

We'll review a standard SnapSeed workflow good for most images, then explore some little-known aspects of SnapSeed, and review the use of the Portrait tool for creating wonderful portraits.

Special equipment needed: Your Smart Phone, or iPad, Charging Cable, the free app, SnapSeed (available for iPhone and Androids)

Level: All Levels

In this course, you'll learn three simple steps that'll enable you to compose more creatively focused and compelling landscape photography compositions. We'll accomplish this by focusing on the layers of a scene, removing distractions and creating a path for the viewers eye to follow. 

Special equipment needed: No equipment needed

Level: All Levels

Take the next step towards using off camera flash with this class. I’ll show you how to take amazing images, and you’ll see how I use inexpensive equipment to get the job done! We’ll create stunning images with a live model, and learn how to utilize multiple flashes and filters. 

More time spent learning how to take the basic's to another level. 

~Level two using more than 3 flashes and colored filters!

~We'll play around with the big 4...ISO, Aperture, shutter, and white balance.

~We'll have a blast "messing it up" and fixing it! 100% Real event experience!

~Have fun shooting with colored gels

~More “edgy” lighting

~full body posing, including a second model

Special equipment needed: DSLR camera with the manual and fully charged batteries

Level: Intermediate

Are you eager to create more interesting photographs??

Learn to design images, not just take them. This presentation enhances your awareness of subjects, taps into your creativity and teaches you to SEE differently.

Using the building blocks of visual design: Light, Shape, Texture, Line and Perspective, along with Four Principles of Picture Organization: Dominance, Balance, Proportion and Pattern, you will learn to create images with a fresh eye.

Lou and Todd will share images illustrating all the concepts in this informative and fun presentation. Regardless of your knowledge and experience, you’ll be sure to gain a better understanding of how to create the photographs you want 

Special equipment needed: note paper and pen

Level: All levels

For most nature photographers, an African safari is a dream trip that we hope to take at least one time in our lives. Photographing classic African animals, such as elephants, zebra, rhinoceros and the big cats, as they roam freely on the African plains is an exhilarating experience that should not be missed by any wildlife lover. For many the price tag of a guided luxury safari is simply out of reach, but there are more affordable ways to experience the wonders of Africa. Did you know that the national parks of South Africa allow visitors to drive themselves on safari? Or that you don't have to stay in an expensive, private lodge while you are in the bush? In this course, Matt and Alison will share their experiences on several different trips to South Africa's Kruger National Park and explain the ins and outs of planning your own successful and surprisingly affordable self-drive safari.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Your homework before class is to show someone your portfolio on your phone. I’m guessing they will look at one image, maybe two. Now watch them closely, you’ll see them start to glaze over and by the third or fourth image they are gone. Somehow that screen on your phone, tablet, or computer just doesn’t attract any sort of attention. 

Some of the truly greatest photographic images are the ones that get personal. They inspire the viewer to remember a place, a moment, a thing from their past. In class, I’ll introduce you to two incredible photographic tools: the photographic print and paper choice. I’ll demonstrate how paper choice can change the emotions and the message of your images. Throughout the class we’ll discuss how several examples are effecting the viewer.

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All levels

Lightroom processing tricks and also using Skylum Software's Luminar 3 in combination with Lightroom Classic to make your photos pop!

Special equipment needed: None

Level: All Levels

Getting the Perfect Exposure is an easy to follow and intuitive mental workflowprocess for choosing the correct camera mode and settings to achieve the desired outcome of exposure. This mental workflow, based on a simple and quickly mastered binary decision making process, works in any shooting mode (Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, or Manual). The participants will learn how to prioritize decision making and camera settings (Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO) and will gain more confidence and success in their photography.

Special equipment needed: Camera with at least one lens, notebook

Level: Beginner and Intermediate

Take the next step towards using off camera flash with this class. I’ll show you how to take amazing images, and you’ll see how I use inexpensive equipment to get the job done! We’ll create stunning images with a live model, and learn how to utilize multiple flashes and filters. 

More time spent learning how to take the basic's to another level. 

~Level two using more than 3 flashes and colored filters!

~We'll play around with the big 4...ISO, Aperture, shutter, and white balance.

~We'll have a blast "messing it up" and fixing it! 100% Real event experience!

~Have fun shooting with colored gels

~More “edgy” lighting

~full body posing, including a second model

Special equipment needed: DSLR camera with the manual and fully charged batteries

Level: Intermediate

Today's audience has seen too much. They yearn for more experiences that stimulate their senses and are attracted to visually compelling, storytelling images over the standard photograph. With the use of composition, lighting and expression, animals can tell a story through a photograph. No longer is a portrait of an animal good enough to make an impression. A more eye catching technique and a more direct approach should be taken by the photographer. Storytelling wildlife photography is the most challenging to conceive and capture. Many elements must fall into place all at once to obtain a photograph that creates more than just a documented experience. A more romantic approach to convey the true beauty of the animals we share the earth with is necessary to impress the audience. By using some thought process, planning, and applying extra time to find extraordinary moments, one can successfully produce a more emotionally charged photograph, using animal behaviors combined with dramatic light and action.  

Special equipment needed:  None

Level:All Levels

I've heard so many excuses why photographers never print their work. Let me show you why you need to. 

In this class, discover why printing makes you a better photographer and a better communicator. We will go over some basic equipment that every photographer should have that will teach you how to become better editor and a better photographer.I'll even have an in class print demonstration. 

Special equipment needed: None

Level: all levels

Tips and exercise for better understanding what is in your photographic DNA. How to find your creative stile and the road to consistency.

Special equipment needed: Bring something you can write on to take notes.

Level: All levels

Box lunch served with a sandwich, chips, cookie and a bottle of water.

Box lunch served with a sandwich, chips, cookie and a bottle of water.