Category Archives: Events for Photographers

Priority 1: Serving You, Serving Community

Central to my photography business has been my devotion to the people I serve and our community.

Destination Adventures

We’ve had some truly memorable experiences over the years with our many adventures in my destination workshops, fantastic mountain adventures in Colorado, hiking the Oachita mountains of Oklahoma, exploring a charming ranch along the North Fork of the Guadalupe River, capturing stunning birds in flight on our Bird Photography Workshop, and more.

Local Classes

And then there have been the many local photography classes where I’ve met many of you over the years. I have enjoyed working with you all so much, and we’ve had some really fun times photographing models in my studio, capturing water droplets, and discovering the wonder of “light painting” techniques, and so much more.

Private Instruction

I’ve enjoyed working with so many of you who chose to meet with me in one-on-one training on a wide range of topics.

Pro Photography

I’ve also really enjoyed the many experiences of working as a full-time pro photographer at my studio, offering headshots, portraits, commercial photography, photo restoration, event photography, etc.

Community Service

Also a priority for me and my business has been to serve the community. I’ve supported a wide range of non-profit organizations in a variety of creative ways, organizations such as the Spina Bifida Association, Make a Wish Foundation, H.E. Butt Foundation, Community First Village, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Girl Scounts … over 50 organizations! In fact, a few months ago, we hosted a fundraiser that raised over $4000 for the Texas Music Project!

Also check out my 100 mile walk challenge I am taking on in September to support a nonprofit organization that is a beacon of hope for families with children facing critical illnesses.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Life-Insights

Another way we’ve served our community is a group that I started 7 years ago called Life-Insights with the vision that we can make our world a better place if we intentionally take a little time to get to know more people around us, sharing in this thing we call “life.”  We’ve hosted some amazing programs and classes, all totally FREE to the community, usually meeting on Monday nights.


I hope you to see you in a class soon!

And I really appreciate any referrals, so if you know anyone who wants to learn photography, send them my way. I’m a small operation and don’t spend a big budget on advertising. My focus is on serving you and the community.

Thank you all!
Kevin

By the way…

P.S. I encourage you to attend our FREE Life-Insights session on Monday September 1st at my studio. The topic is “The Secret to Feeling Less Alone“.

P.S. #2 Check out my upcoming classes! We have some great discounts ending soon! Especially check out my Bird Photography Workshop in October. Only a few spaces left! And this may be my final year to offer this fun adventure!!

Recent Client Comments: We’re consistently rated 5 stars! *****

  • “Kevin should be given an award for his lifetime of photography expertise. He’s not only the real deal but also super humble about his excellence and is always willing to go above and beyond to teach anyone who asks to pass on his wealth of knowledge about what’s he’s done for more than 50 years. You need to either book a photography shoot with him or come take his classes – either way, you will walk away with a great deal of satisfaction but also respect for photography (and the photographer himself).”
  • “Kevin was an amazing teacher that balanced the academic foundations of the camera with really practical and actionable insights that I was able to put to use immediately. In just a couple hours of instruction I was able to feel in control of manual settings and have been able to take really high quality photos. I highly recommend for any level of photographer but especially his private classes. Very glad I found his instruction!”
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Ready to Learn the Important Fundamentals of Photography?

I offer several excellent options to help you!

Photography 101 – Fundamentals of Great Photography
Multiple options in August and a possible option in June!

Photographers Weekend Boot Camp
Weekend option in mid August!

2022 Fall Photography Fundamentals Workshop
Especially check out this fun extended workshop at a beautiful retreat ranch on the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country in late October!

Online or In-Person Private Instruction
Customize your learning to your specific needs and schedule.

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Join Our Photographic Adventure in the Beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado!

A FEW NEW SPACES OPENED UP!

We’ve had a rough year with COVID-19 but we’re starting to “see the light at the end of the tunnel.” We had reduced our group sizes for our Summer and Fall Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops to better accommodate COVID-19 restrictions, which were SOLD OUT, BUT we are now able to open up one additional space in our groups, so NOW is YOUR chance to join us on this safe and fun marvelous photographic adventure.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS ADVENTURE!

If you love photography, nature, wildlife, and spectacular mountain vistas, you’ll love this workshop. We have led this workshop for years and would love to have you join us this Summer or Fall.

FLY OR DRIVE

Most of our workshop participants fly to Denver and then rent a car. I live in Austin, TX and I usually drive. We really enjoy the drive there. Check out my blog post: “Making it a Driving Adventure.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP OR TO REGISTER!

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS

  • “The Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop turned out to be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Rockies while learning with a small group of incredible photographers. I learned every day both from Kevin and other photographers in the small group. I cannot imagine a better opportunity than this workshop for photographers who love nature and want to hone their skills.”
  • “Kevin guided us to a variety of great photographic places when the lighting was ideal. We were able to photograph beautiful lake and mountain sunrises, a lot of wildlife including moose and many herds of elk. Kevin knew when to be at different areas when there were the best chances to see wildlife. Thanks Kevin for a great trip.”
  • “Kevin is an excellent workshop leader. He takes you to the best spots at the right time and gets you set up to get your best photos. Highly recommend.”
  • “The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to Kevin and Gail’s knowledge and experience in photography. We were presented with multiple shooting locations and lighting situations from which to learn. Kevin was always available to provide advice and help resolve any problems with camera settings or answer questions. The availability of daily photo reviews permitted one to make any adjustments to shooting techniques before the next day. This was the most hands-on learning experience I have had and I look forward to more with Kevin.”
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TED Talk Watch Party: “America’s Native Prisoners of War” – Photojournalist Aaron Huey

Monday October 12, 2020 7:00pm CDT
Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day

© Aaron Huey

TED Talk Watch PartyAmerica’s Native Prisoners of War – Photojournalist and National Geographic Photographer Aaron Huey
Join our online Zoom session and we’ll watch the Aaron Huey’s powerful TED Talk and discuss.

Aaron Huey’s effort to photograph poverty in America led him to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where the struggle of the native Lakota people — appalling, and largely ignored — compelled him to refocus. Five years of work later, his haunting photos intertwine with a shocking history lesson.

Contact Kevin (kevin@kgphotoworkshops.com) to get the link to the Zoom session. This is part of our LifeInsights Group which hosts many other activities, TED Talk discussions, inviting occasional fascinating guest speakers as well. All are invited and it’s always free!

All images below are © Aaron Huey.

Check out our other upcoming
activities in our LifeInsights Group!

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! Whatever this day means to you, I hope you have a wonderful day.

I am grateful to all of you who have participated in my various photography classes and workshops and destination trips over the many years.  I am blessed to know you all.

Note I have several great classes coming up with Early Registration Discounts that End Today (12/25)!

Check out my upcoming class lineup here: CLICK HERE

The Best Photographic Gift You Could Give Yourself

Workshop options and lodging options are filling up for our 2020 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop.   Some options are already sold out.

Early Registration Discounts End Soon, Saving You UP TO $400!
Join us on this fabulous photographic adventure in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado.

Participant Comment: “The Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop was an amazing experience! The success of the workshop begins with the organization and preparation of the instructor. Kevin and Gail were superbly organized and prepared! It was a treat to be lead to the best spots at the optimum time of the day to photograph the spectacular beauty and wildlife in the park. They demonstrated great flexibility and adaptability in meeting the needs of the group with the ever changing clouds, weather, and wildlife. It was also an incredible learning experience having a photography professional available to coach and instruct on the best methods for creatively composing a scene, capturing stunning images, and the correct use of a wide range of photographic equipment. Not only can I wholeheartedly recommend this workshop, but I’m already scheduled for a Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop with Kevin!”

 

 

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“A workshop you can’t afford to miss” – Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who loves nature and loves photography.

Join us for our Summer or Fall 2020 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops by Kevin Gourley. 

Some options are already sold out.  Don’t wait any longer to register!   It is better to register early to reserve your spot in the workshop since space is limited, AND you have more choices for room selection (lodging fills up early)!

We have had participants come back to repeat the workshop 2, 3, even 4 times, it is so much fun!

“This is a workshop you can’t afford to miss! I came to the workshop with a goal of never using Auto settings again… I achieved that and more. Kevin is such a great teacher and is able to work with photographers of all levels. He made everyone comfortable, I am from Virginia and did not know anyone in the group (as were several others) by the end of the work shop I had made a group of new friends! We were able to get so many landscape and wildlife pictures. The whole experience was amazing. I’m ready to sign up for the next workshop! Thank you Kevin”

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

About the Experience

  • 4-day and 9-day options (some are already sold out!!)
  • We stay at a lodge just 2 miles outside Rocky Mountain National park.
    • Fall River flows right through the property.
    • Wildlife often stroll among the lodge and cabins
  • BONUS: You can bring a non-photographer spouse/partner along for no additional charge, and they can go on all the adventures with us!
  • You will have wonderful photography opportunities for:
    • Stunning mountain landscapes
    • Abundant wildlife
      (elk, moose, marmots, pika, big horn sheep, coyote, bears, birds, and more)
    • Wildflowers (Summer)
    • Golden Aspen (Fall)
    • Waterfalls and cascades
    • Rivers and Lakes
    • Sunrises
    • Night sky / milky way (depending on the time of year and weather)
  • Consider this an adventure, not just a workshop. 
  • Truly memorable experiences.
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of other photographers and make new friendships
  • Experience Rocky Mountain National Park in ways the vast majority of vacationers often miss. This park is truly a national treasure.
  • Enjoy a complimentary burger cookout on the banks of Fall River
  • Kevin shares his years of experience in photography and knowledge of this magnificent park to ensure you have a great experience.
  • No doubt, you will have fun.
  • We have an early registration discount in effect that can save you up to $400! (But you need to register soon!)

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

If you have any questions, just contact Kevin () .  If there are any reasons you are hesitating to sign up, just talk to Kevin.  We really want this to be an outstanding experience for you and we want you to be with us to join in the fun.

Don’t just trust our word on how great this experience is! 
Scroll past the photos below, and read what previous participants have said about the workshop.

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

Participant Comments: 

    • “The Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop turned out to be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Rockies while learning with a small group of incredible photographers. I learned every day both from Kevin and other photographers in the small group. I cannot imagine a better opportunity than this workshop for photographers who love nature and want to hone their skills.”
    • “Kevin guided us to a variety of great photographic places when the lighting was ideal. We were able to photograph beautiful lake and mountain sunrises, a lot of wildlife including moose and many herds of elk. Kevin knew when to be at different areas when there were the best chances to see wildlife. Thanks Kevin for a great trip.”
    • “Kevin is an excellent workshop leader. He takes you to the best spots at the right time and gets you set up to get your best photos. Highly recommend.”
    • “The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to Kevin and Gail’s knowledge and experience in photography. We were presented with multiple shooting locations and lighting situations from which to learn. Kevin was always available to provide advice and help resolve any problems with camera settings or answer questions. The availability of daily photo reviews permitted one to make any adjustments to shooting techniques before the next day. This was the most hands-on learning experience I have had and I look forward to more with Kevin.”
    • “This workshop provided a broad depth of experiences in the RMNP because Kevin is so knowledgeable about the area and about the best way to photograph it. I really appreciated the care given to maximize each student’s experience, no matter their skill level. I will definitely consider taking other trips with Kevin and Gail.”
    • “Could not be happier with how the workshop turned out. Everyone involved was so nice and easy to get along with. Kevin was an excellent teacher – patient, explained well, relaxed and never felt rushed or that I may be holding others back. It was very rewarding and would highly recommend Kevin’s workshops!!”
    • “Kevin is a natural-born teacher and superbly facilitated the group while providing one-on-one attention. I learned a lot without feeling overwhelmed with technical details and had fun in the process. I highly recommend this workshop!”
    • “This exceeded all my expectations!”
    • “The natural beauty of RMNP was enhanced by Kevin’s knowledge of the park and locations that were custom picked for great photographic shots. Kevin’s calm, patient and knowledgeable teaching style meant that everyone, at whatever level they were at, felt comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, learning from them and then getting immeasurably better pictures as a result. The improvement in my photography from Day 1 to Day 4 was unbelievable. I came thinking the auto settings on my camera really took better pictures than I did, and I left seeing and believing that the pictures I now understood how to take were vastly superior to anything the camera could capture in auto mode. It was a 5 star experience from beginning to end.
    • “This is a workshop you can’t afford to miss! I came to the workshop with a goal of never using Auto settings again… I achieved that and more. Kevin is such a great teacher and is able to work with photographers of all levels. He made everyone comfortable, I am from Virginia and did not know anyone in the group (as were several others) by the end of the work shop I had made a group of new friends! We were able to get so many landscape and wildlife pictures. The whole experience was amazing. I’m ready to sign up for the next workshop! Thank you Kevin” – Barb

  • “The Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop was an amazing experience! The success of the workshop begins with the organization and preparation of the instructor. Kevin and Gail were superbly organized and prepared! It was a treat to be lead to the best spots at the optimum time of the day to photograph the spectacular beauty and wildlife in the park. They demonstrated great flexibility and adaptability in meeting the needs of the group with the ever changing clouds, weather, and wildlife. It was also an incredible learning experience having a photography professional available to coach and instruct on the best methods for creatively composing a scene, capturing stunning images, and the correct use of a wide range of photographic equipment. Not only can I wholeheartedly recommend this workshop, but I’m already scheduled for a Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop with Kevin!”
  • “Thanks for another spectacularly successful workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park! The conditions were even more challenging than last Summer, yet everything progressed flawlessly. We were at the right place at the right time to capture some incredible images. Thanks for everything!”

[ Click here to learn more or to register ]

 

If you have any questions, just contact Kevin () .  If there are any reasons you are hesitating to sign up, just talk to Kevin.  We really want this to be an outstanding experience for you and we want you to be with us to join in the fun.

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Guest Speaker: Kaylee Lartigue – Deaf Girl Evolution

December 9th!
6:30pm Potluck / Bring a food item to share
7pm 
Guest Speaker
Kaylee Lartigue

Kaylee progressively lost her hearing as a young child but never let that hold her back.   She’s an activist advocating for the Deaf community. She started Deaf Girl Evolution and strives to empower her peers to advocate for deaf and hard of hearing people. In May 2019, she started a nonprofit organization called Deaf Dreams seeking to help young people who are deaf to achieve their dreams.  She’s an excellent student and is pursuing one of her own dreams: modeling.

Where: Kevin Gourley Photography Studio
11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400, Austin, TX 

RSVP to if you would like to attend!  Or email me if you have any questions.

Even though we have posted this on our photography blog, you do not have to be a photographer to attend this!  It is open to anyone!
This is hosted as part of our LifeInsights group.  Learn about more LifeInsights activities CLICK HERE!

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We Are Not Broken – A new photography nonprofit volunteer organization

Event for Photographers:
Learn more about a new nonprofit organization called “We Are Not Broken

We Are Not Broken was started as a way to encourage women and girls to view their scars (from injuries, accidents, abuse, illness, surgery, combat, …) not as something to be ashamed of, but as something that helps tell their story.  The concept is simple: provide free photography and a video interview, spending time with the women and girls, in a safe studio environment, taking professional pictures and video that highlight their scars of survival and their true beauty.

  • Tuesday November 5th, 2019 7pm
    At Kevin Gourley Photography Studio 
    11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400, Austin

    We Are Not Broken – Volunteers Info Meeting
    RSVP CLICK HERE

    • Hey Photographers and Videographers!  Want to learn more about this amazing new organization and how YOU can get involved? Come to this meeting!
      RSVP to: kevin@kgphotoworkshops.com
    • Do you own a photography studio?  Would you be interested in joining our affiliate program?
    • If you can’t volunteer to help, you can STILL HELP!
      Consider making a DONATION to support this organization!

The website, WeAreNotBroken.org explains more about the mission:

Shame and covering up, isolation, hiding, and feeling depressed. These are words that are often used in relation to scars, especially for women and girls. They have fought the ultimate battle of life and death and come out victorious. Yet all too often they find themselves in a mental and emotional battle because of the devastation left on the their body. Our mission is to change that. We want to encourage and enable women and girls to proudly show their battle scars by redefining beauty. If you have scars from some kind of abuse, cancer, life-saving surgery, combat, car accidents, or any other type of life or death situation, please contact us. These are your hard-earned victory marks and we want to give you a platform to show the world your true beauty. You are courageous, precious, victorious, and made for more! You are BEAUTIFUL.


Please subscribe to the We Are Not Broken Youtube Channel. Hear the stories from many women who have scars from a life experience. Hear, in their own words, about who they are and what battle they have fought and won. They are beautiful.   Go to this web page and click on the Subscribe button.

A note from Kevin Gourley:  From the moment I learned about We Are Not Broken and met the founder Nichola Cotto, I sensed this is a cause I want to wholeheartedly support in any way I can. Nichola has big plans for We Are Not Broken, envisioning taking this worldwide! In fact, I believe in the mission so much I am now on their Board of Directors!

Any of you who know me, know I believe we ALL should use our gifts to make a positive difference in this world.  [I talk about this a bit more in my earlier blog post ‘Reflections of an Old Photography Teacher’ ] This might be the perfect opportunity for you!

Check out this news story on KXAN:

 

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Fun Event: Friday Nov 1st – Campfire Drum Circle and Picnic!

Friday November 1st- Join us for a FUN EVENING! 
A Campfire Drum Circle & Picnic at South Wind Equestrian Center
in Leander!

A great time of community building and fellowship through drumming and storytelling brought to you by Mary Oliver and David Owens.
  • Mary is a certified HealthRHYTHMS facilitator and a graduate of Village Music Circles facilitation training. She taught visual and performing arts in Kentucky for more than 30 years before relocating to Austin. She is also an instrument maker, making instruments from gourds, and she currently teaches arts programs to adults with disabilities in Austin.
  • David is an author and storyteller from Kentucky who brings to life the stories of his Cherokee grandmother – the “Tales of the Thunderbolt People”. His Native name is Ta-wo-dii, Red Hawk. He is a former history teacher and Kentucky State Military Historian and is a member of the Worldcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. David is a member of the Southern Cherokee Nation of Kentucky and both David and Mary are members of the Southeastern Kentucky Shawnee.

Kelly Jones with South Wind Equestrian Center is generously offering to host this at her Ponderosita Ranch in Leander.  Thank you Kelly!!  

No experience is necessary at all! 

When: 6:15pm Friday November 1st

Where:  South Wind Equestrian Center

Ponderosita Ranch
15214 Faubion Trl, Leander, TX +1 512-689-7793
If some of you might want to carpool out there, let’s talk.  We can make a plan to do that, if there’s interest. Click on the RSVP link below to let me know.

Important: RSVP CLICK HERE
Or email me if you have any questions.

Please bring:

  • Suggested donation of $10 to cover expenses of the presenters
  • Bring a picnic if you like!
  • If someone would like to bring fixin’s for S’MORES, let me know!  
  • Water bottle or any desired beverage; They have fresh cold water to refill your water bottles if needed
  • Chair, close toed shoes, flashlight
    (They have simple plastic chairs, so you’d probably want to bring something more comfortable.)
  • Instruments are provided or you can bring your own
  • Bring your cameras (and tripod?) if you’d like to take some photos while there.

Even though we have posted this on our photography blog, you do not have to be a photographer to attend this!  It is open to anyone!
This is hosted as part of our LifeInsights group.  Learn about more LifeInsights activities CLICK HERE!

 

 

 

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The Heart and Soul of Cuba: The People

Join us for our special guest speaker!

Presentation:
The Heart and Soul of Cuba: The People”

Guest Speaker Deborah Cole, MSF, LUT
Author of Forthcoming Book: 
“Letting Go: How Less Becomes More”

When:  Monday September 30th, 7pm
Also:  Potluck dinner at 6:30pm. 
Bring food if you can, but if you can’t, come anyway!

Where:  Kevin Gourley Photography Studio
11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400 Austin, TX

FREE to attend!
RSVP To: 

Through occupation by foreign governments, revolution, communism, blockades and hardships, the Cuban people have survived. Their passion for life, love of home and family and incredible resilience have sustained them through it all. As they become more connected to the outside world through the internet they continue to retain all of the heartfelt values which make the people of Cuba an example for “loving what is” through heart and soul. As a street photographer I have had the privilege to interact with the Cuban people of Havana and the Oriente capturing the beauty of their faces and their everyday lives.

On September 30 we will revisit some of the history of the island and learn about the blended cultures in hopes of demystifying this small country whose leadership struck fear in the hearts of US citizens during the 1960s. Understanding more about this island nation and its people we hope to reinforce the idea that we are all ONE in this world with similar needs and goals. And through this compassion emerges love. I will share images from visits to Cuba (Dec, 2018 and April, 2019) where I sought to capture the heart and soul of the people.

 

 

 

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