Classes

Concept to Print – A portrait workflow that is simple, seamless, colour managed and most of all easy to replicate. In 15 years of producing images for clients and for competition at the highest level I have come up with an easy to follow, easy to learn and most of all replicate. As an ambassador for Datacolor I will show you from capture the best way to prepare your files for a simple workflow, colour managed that takes from the camera, to raw conversion, to retouch, to output ready to print for you, client or competition. No point retouching in a way that cannot be printed and learn the dark art of staying within gamut to ensure that what you see on screen is what you will get back from your printers. Remember, it’s an image, not a photograph until it is printed 🙂

This class is designed to help YOU bring out the most natural and authentic expressions in your subjects.
In this class, you’ll learn a variety of creative prompts and techniques to transform stiff, conventional poses into relaxed, genuine moments.
Whether you’re photographing individuals, couples, or groups, this class will leave you with the skills to capture true emotions and personalities, making your images more engaging and impactful.
Join us and discover how to turn posed shots into candid, timeless images that resonate with authenticity and bigger sales!!
At the end of this class you’ll be able to:
– Pose with confidence and naturality
– Never run out of posing ideas
– Produce a variety of fun prompts to make any pose look natural
– Extract real emotions from your subjects

Do you go blank on posing every time you start a senior session? I do. Let’s fix that forever. In this demo we will learn and apply 5 acronyms to easily remember posing prompts. As we pose our subject you will see tips and tricks to interact with clients for a greater variety of poses in a short amount of time and gain ideas on creative posing you will now have time for in your sessions.
3 key takeaways:
-Walk away with a set of mnemonic devices/acronyms devices to easily remember posing prompts.
-See in action how integrating these prompts speeds up your workflow.
-Learn effective communication strategies to interact with clients.

In the world of photography, there are countless lighting configurations available. However, it’s essential to have a few reliable “GO-TO” setups that you can confidently rely on. In this class, “Practice What You Preach,” you’ll learn how to perfect these essential lighting techniques, ensuring you never have to experiment on your clients.
Testing lighting concepts on clients can appear unprofessional and may impact your credibility. Instead, we’ll focus on honing proven lighting setups that have consistently delivered stunning results. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only enhance your professional image but also increase client satisfaction and, consequently, your earnings.
Join us as we explore some of the most effective and dependable GO-TO lighting setups that will leave your clients impressed and eager to work with you again. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this class will equip you with the skills to elevate your lighting game and deliver exceptional results every time.

In this lecture, we’ll cover how to grow your business with short-form social media videos. You can use these techniques to grow your business, get better at social media, and even have a clear goal of what to post! I will even show you the simple tip that will guarantee traction to your page and leads in your inbox! Don’t miss this breakthrough lecture that will finally show you how to structure your videos so you don’t spend all day thinking about what to record.
Here’s just a sample of what we’ll cover at this incredible lecture event:
● 5 effective video ideas you can implement right now which enables you to jump right into making content without hesitation.
● How to make the algorithm your b***h so you’re able to understand exactly what the platform is looking for in its content.
● How to use collaborators as your new networking strategy and how you can avoid networking in person and move it to the digital world.

Introverts unite! Is the thought of networking making you want to crawl under a rock? Do you feel like the whole world is designed for extroverts, leaving you in the dust? Stop being scared and start using your quiet power to win the world of networking!
In this class, we turn the art of schmoozing into a skillset even the most introverted among us can conquer. This class is all about leveraging your unique personality to own the room and build meaningful connections without breaking a sweat.
In this game-changing session, you’ll learn:
Choosing the Right Events: Not all networking events are created equal. Discover how to select the ones that play to your strengths and give you the best opportunities to shine.
Prepping Like a Pro: Preparation is your secret weapon. We’ll teach you how to gear up for events, from researching attendees to crafting your ice-breakers, so you can walk in with confidence and leave a lasting impression.
Owning Your Introverted Awesomeness: Being an introvert isn’t an excuse not to network—it’s your superpower! Learn how to use your listening skills, thoughtfulness, and depth to create connections that matter.
Survival Tactics for the Social Jungle: Get practical tips on how to navigate conversations, handle small talk without feeling awkward, and gracefully exit when you’ve had enough. Because putting on your big girl panties doesn’t mean burning out.
Stop being a wuss and let your inner badass shine! Join us for this empowering session and walk away with the confidence and skills to network like a pro. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle or just want to stop dreading the next big event, this class will give you the tools to succeed.

Ready to grow past a being business of 1? Unlock the secrets to transforming your solo photography venture into a thriving, multi-employee studio. This program is designed for photographers ready to expand beyond a one-person operation. We’ll dive into strategic hiring (and firing), implementing effective systems, and identifying the key signs that indicate it’s time to grow your team. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to scale your business and achieve lasting success. You will leave this presentation feeling more confident about how and when to add people to your business and manage them well.

Do you want to offer your clients something beyond standard portraits? Fantasy and science fiction are firmly entrenched in popular culture and many people would love the chance to be someone (or something) else for a day. This class will show you how to apply these elements to create fantastical portraits and give your clients something unique. We’ll discuss where to find inspiration, styling options and makeup for concept, as well as the use of props and prop sourcing. We’ll also discuss lighting for concept, posing, location selection and set design considerations too.
Bring your camera! You’re going to shoot these concepts too! The goal for the class is to give you the necessary skills to help your clients bring their character concepts to life and give them an experience they won’t soon forget. This class will cover setting up and shooting the concept. Part 2 will cover compositing and editing for concept. Don’t worry if you can’t attend both classes!

You’ve finished photographing your client’s scifi/fantasy session so now what? This class will cover the post-production elements that go into creating a finished piece of art that your client will love. We’ll go over basic image cleanup and re-touching techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop as well as ways to fix problems. We’ll also cover more advanced topics including blend-modes, color grading and compositing to include additional elements that couldn’t be captured in camera (No Smoke!). Along the way we’ll discuss creating or sourcing stock photography, custom brush creation and using AI to speed up your workflow.
Bring your computer if you want to follow along and edit shots from Part 1. If you couldn’t make part 1, practice images will be provided. Don’t worry if you can’t attend both classes! Basic knowledge of Photoshop and Lightroom will be helpful.

In a rapidly expanding market where the demand for video content is on the rise, photographers are presented with a lucrative opportunity to diversify their services. Surprisingly, only about 30% of photographers equipped with professional digital cameras offer video services as part of their business.
For senior photographers, the integration of video capabilities can be especially valuable. Today’s senior clients are avid consumers of video content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram reels. Mary Vance is here to guide you on how to harness the power of video to create compelling senior film stories. This class will teach you how to capture a senior’s journey into adulthood, not only through photographs but via videos that showcase their unique voice, movement, and personality.
Key Learning Points:
* Understanding the value of incorporating video to enhance the senior client experience.
* Exploring the elements that define a captivating senior film story.
* Step-by-step guidance on planning a senior film session, from concept to execution.
* Strategies for pricing and offering video services as an add-on (hybrid) or as a standalone service in your photography business.

Boudoir photographers often face challenges with Facebook’s strict policies—they don’t like nudity or women appearing to enjoy themselves. But that’s what boudoir is all about! I’ll share my flow posing technique, which blends portrait and boudoir photography, leading to clients purchasing thousands of dollars’ worth of images and Facebook approving all of my ads. We’ll cover my flow posing approach, what works and what Facebook will approve, as well as the pitfalls to avoid to keep you out of Facebook jail and prevent shadow banning. We will also go over wardrobe and what pieces you can use to create different moods, looks, and images that are more Facebook friendly.
Please bring your camera and ready to get some amazing photos you can use for your Facebook Ads!

Since starting photography, one thing that I’ve been asked over and over again is “”How can I make my image look like a painting or like Fine Art?”” This class will be a combination of Hands-on and Lecture. You may not be shooting but you are welcome to bring your laptops and edit with me. In this class I teach you my post processing and editing work flow to create images that look like classical pieces of art. We will be editing images to look like and inspired by renaissance paintings. In the end, you’ll learn the tools, techniques, and tricks that you’ll need to have a portfolio worthy of an art gallery.

Build your wedding portfolio with this styled shoot! Along with my team of amazing vendors, we’ll put together a full wedding styled shoot for you to photograph- complete with all the details, a couple of models, etc. I’ll share how I came up with the concept, get vendors to work with me, and how to shoot for publication and the vendors who helped. Every year is a different theme and they are always spectacular!
This shoot will give you portfolio images for your website, studio, and wedding show booth, and we’ll create some content you can use on your social media channels!
When I first stared to the wedding industry, I had nothing to show potential clients – no images – no product. Styled shoos ae a GREAT way to get going and the benefits are endless. They are a lot of work, but worth it!

When I first started in the wedding industry, I had nothing to show potential clients – no images – no product – and no one knew who I was. Styled shoots are a GREAT was to get going and the benefits are endless. I will go over how I come up with concepts & brainstorm ideas, some challenges I have faced & how I overcame them, how I get vendors to work with me, how to get and stay organized, and how to get hose images published! Building relationships, building your portfolio, and practicing is kay with shooting weddings, and styled shoots ae a great way to get started!

Wedding shows are a great way – if not the best way – to connect with potential clients. They can be a lot of work, and a big investment, so making sure you maximize your experience is the only way to crush your conversion rate and get the best ROI. We’ll go over how to brand and design your booth, warm leads, how to work the show, come up with a great show special, follow up with leads after the show, and so much more! Whether you’re a veteran exhibitor or just thinking about doing them, this class is for you.

Spoil your senses in a culinary journey through your camera with an immersive food photography class. This class will show the artistry behind capturing appealing dishes in stunning detail. Explore the fundamentals of composition, balance of colors, textures, and arrangement to create mouthwatering images. Learn the complexity of lighting, learning how to harness natural and artificial sources to emphasize the beauty of your culinary creations.

We all need more content to post on social media! As teens, scroll through their Instagram feeds at lightning speeds, we also need content that will get them to pause from scrolling, admire, and interact with our content. In this hands-on class, we want to get you as much scroll-stopping Senior Content we can possibly squeeze into 2 hours.
We are going to take a few moments to discuss our tactics and past successes and failures for creating viral senior related social media content.
Then, we will have at least four setups with four different lighting styles to not only get you content to share and boost your senior inquires as soon as you get home, but hopefully also help you find a style that you can then recreate with your own clients and influencer teams to build even MORE buzz for your studio over and over again!

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your earnings by delivering an unforgettable client experience. From the first consultation to the final product delivery, discover how to provide exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression. Learn how to add personalized touches, create a luxurious atmosphere, and exceed client expectations at every step. This session will provide you with the strategies to build a loyal client base, generate rave reviews, and ensure clients are eager to invest in your premium offerings.

Back by popular Demand!
Let’s face it. Search engines and AI aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they infused in practically every aspect of our lives when it comes to accessing anything online. In this session, Myrna will demystify SEO fundamentals, share winning tips from her signature framework for optimizing an entire digital footprint, and take a deep dive into a few AI tools that help create a stronger connection with your customers.

Step into a world where simplicity speaks volumes and whispers reign supreme.
Boudoir doesn’t have to be ‘in your face’ to be sensual and alluring. Cara will unveil the art of crafting timeless boudoir portraits using nothing but clean, crisp white bed sheets and classic men’s white button-down shirts. Discover how less truly becomes more as you master the art of subtle seduction, proving that boudoir photography transcends mere physicality.
In this hands-on class we’ll walk through our essential posing and lighting concepts for these sessions and make sure you are able to recreate the looks for your clients. It’s simple, it’s clean, it’s over the top sexy.
Bring your camera and join us and redefine boudoir as an art form, captivating hearts and lenses alike with the power of simplicity.

Welcome to ‘Shutter to Sales’! You’re a photographer with a great shot, but can you seal the deal? We’re on a mission to turn your photography into cold hard cash. In each round, you’ll face off against a client with unusual requests, a possible budget in mind, or is super indecisive. Can you convince them that your photography is worth the investment? Kat will help you learn how to read and talk to clients, figure out how to upsell, and give you the confidence you need to make the clients believe your product is worth it. The studio lights are hot, the cameras are shooting, and the pressure is on! Will you come out on top with a signed contract and a fat check? Let’s play ‘Shutter to Sales’ and find out!

Looking to master shooting bombshell teasers to complement your photography or as a stand-alone product? This course is designed to help you achieve stunning results with the perfect combination of angles, flattering lighting, and creative camera techniques.
In this class, you will:
Discover how to use proper angles to enhance your subject’s allure.
Learn to utilize flattering lighting to create dramatic and captivating visuals.
Explore creative camera techniques that add a professional touch to your videos.
Gain in-depth knowledge of essential camera settings for optimal video quality.
Understand the art of shot building to create engaging and cohesive teaser videos.
*Please bring your camera and a portrait lens to make the most of this hands-on learning experience.

Want to elevate your creative concepts and storytelling skills? Want to create captivating images that hit clients in the feels? Want to earn more money? This class takes you through the process – finding inspiration, to the preparation, creation of the image, and THE masterpiece.
In this live demo, we will cover:
-Subject Connection: techniques to make clients feel comfortable and authentic.
-Storytelling elements that are powerful: both in emotion and in profit
-Creating depth and narrative: through creative technique
Witness as Carolina sets up the scene for a magical mix of storytelling and sales technique while gaining practical tips on arranging and staging your shot to highlight the story you want to tell.

Understanding and Navigating Spec Work as a photographer and producer.
In this comprehensive lecture on speculative work, often referred to as “”spec work,”” photographers will gain a deep understanding of what spec work entails, its implications in the creative industry, and how to navigate it effectively. Spec work is a common yet controversial practice where creative professionals provide work for potential clients without guaranteed payment. This lecture aims to demystify the practice and provide practical insights for photographers breaking into a new genre or upleveling a current one.
What Attendees Can Expect to Learn:
Learn to leverage creative projects and visions for future work. Explore different forms of spec work, such as unpaid internships, contest entries, free trials, pitches, publications, etc.
Analyze the potential benefits of engaging in spec work, such as portfolio building, gaining exposure, and securing future paid opportunities.
Discuss the drawbacks, including the risk of exploitation, lack of financial security, and impact on industry standards.
Ethical Considerations:
Delve into the ethical debates surrounding spec work.
Learn about industry guidelines and the stance of professional organizations like the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the Graphic Artists Guild on spec work.
Discuss lessons learned and best practices for managing spec work scenarios.
Building a Sustainable Career:
Gain insights into building a sustainable and successful career.
Understand the importance of developing a strong portfolio, networking, and continuous professional development.
Who Should Attend:
This lecture is ideal for aspiring and experienced photographers who want to make informed decisions about engaging in spec work and understand its place in their career strategy. I offer this as leverage to gain access to new and bigger booking opportunities.
By the end of the lecture, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of spec work, make informed choices, and advocate for top rates in for future projects.

If you joined a sports team back in the good ole days, you’d hold a ball and stand still in front of the camera. That’s it. Grandma would show your photo to the love of your life when you’re older and it would be…utterly embarrassing. Not anymore! Sportraits, or portraits of athletes DOING sports things, is becoming more and more popular. It involves using dynamic lighting and special effects (fog machines, gels, etc.), along with dynamic movement and backgrounds (the things found within the sports environment where the athlete interacts) to create a unique sportrait that athletes will love (and not be embarrassed about in the future). I’m bringing my entire setup to this class to show you some of my best “”photo tricks,”” simple lighting setups, and techniques to create a sportrait, but also some tips on how to connect with and coach athletes to get the result you want. There might even be time for you to photograph a bit, so bring your favorite wide angle lens (or telephoto) to create some dramatic sports imagery that will change the game in your own community!

How many times have you wanted to learn how a success photographer does something only for their class to just talk about what they do now rather than how to actually get started?
We talked about our Influencer Team briefly in our High Fashion Senior Portrait Class last year, and due to overwhelming feedback of wanting to go deeper into how to START a team, we are breaking this off into its own class.
We want to give you real action items and a recipe that you can go home and start building a self-sustaining influencer team that will feed your senior business year after year.
We will discuss:
-Why Influencer Teams are important
-Where to find influencers
-What makes them an influencer rather than just a client
-What we give them to encourage them to get us referrals
-How we get them to post and rave about our business
-How we make them famous in our community

Are you constantly debating which lighting style will best suit your photography needs, whether for headshots, portraits, or fashion shoots? Understanding and mastering the power of light positions can make all the difference. In this course, we will explore the key lighting positions and their practical uses to help you create amazing results.
We’ll begin by discussing the fundamental lighting positions and their specific names, and then demonstrate their effects on live models. You’ll be able to see firsthand how varying light positions can dramatically alter the appearance and mood of your subject. This hands-on approach will enable you to see the immediate impact of different lighting setups.
Throughout the course, we’ll start by using just one light source to shape your lighting according to your needs, emphasizing that these principles are equally effective in natural light situations. As an added bonus, we’ll also cover how different light modifiers can influence each look. By the end of this class, you’ll have a set of powerful tools to elevate your photography to new heights. I look forward to guiding you on this illuminating journey.

Step into the past and take vintage-inspired fashion portraits amidst charming architecture and timeless streetscapes.

Learn the art of capturing men and groomsmen in stylish and compelling ways. Learn from Esteban Gil, wedding and fashion photographer, how to incorporate  fashion photography techniques to highlight the best features, style, and charisma of male subjects. Specifically groom and groomsmen. You’ll explore posing, lighting, and composition strategies tailored to bring out the elegance and personality of grooms and their entourage. If you’re tired of the same old groom and groomsmen photos, you’re going to want to take this class!

Perfect for photographers looking to add a sophisticated touch to their wedding and portrait portfolios.

Join us and learn the art of balancing flash and natural light to create stunning and magical images. We’ll teach you how to use natural light to your advantage and add artificial light to achieve the desired mood and effect.
From shooting in harsh sunlight to capturing intimate moments in low-light settings, we’ll cover it all. You’ll learn how to use your flash and ambient light sources together to create cohesive and beautiful masterpieces.
Whether you’re a portrait photographer or a wedding photographer, come and discover the secrets to creating truly magical images that take advantage of both, natural and created light!
Leave this class with these new skills:
– Be able to ‘read’ the light and know what to do with it
– Dial as much drama as you (or your clients) want. This ‘little’ detail completely changed our business
– Create amazing images even under harsh light
– Be free from the fear of fractions and light ratios.
– BONUS… I’m known for talking out loud while I’m thinking. You’ll peak inside my brain of why I’m doing this and not that!!