Category Archives: Free Events

Free Events, Life Insights

Making a Difference in Our Community: Guest Speaker David Dauber

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This is part of our series on people making a positive difference in our community! We open up our studio on Monday nights for all kinds of fascinating programs. This isn’t about photography. It’s about LIFE!

Who: Guest Speaker David Dauber
When: Monday December 16th 7pm
Where: Kevin Gourley Photography Studio,
11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400, Austin, TX map
Price:  Always free, all are invited!

David Dauber is passionate about making a difference. He recently took on the role of Accessibility Specialist in the Civil Rights Department of the State of Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin, Texas. Since 2007, David has been a co-producer, performer, writer and promoter of The Gene and Dave Show, an often-comical glimpse into the lives and lifestyles of people with disabilities which airs on Austin’s local public access television station and worldwide via an internet site with the same name. The Gene and Dave Show has been awarded two Media awards from the City of Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and a Telly award.  Their website also received a first-place award during one of Knowbility’s internet accessibility competition.
[This bio is from https://knowbility.org/instructor/david-dauber/ ]
RSVP by sending an email to

If you’d like to bring a party finger-food / snack , you are welcome to, but not required.

On Monday nights, we host various guest speakers, and book/video discussions, dinner outings, etc. throughout the year!  Anyone’s invited.  We’d love to have you join us.  We call the group LifeInsights. 

Some of our recent speakers include:
  • 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. More info:  Deaf Girl Evolution. In May of 2019 Kaylee started her own nonprofit called Deaf Dreams to help people who are Deaf and hard of hearing follow their dreams and to give people access to technology that they may not have due to lack of health insurance and/or finances. 
  • Matt Freeman: Spiritual Director for Mobile Loaves & Fishes – Community First! Village
  • Deborah Cole: MSF, LUT  Author of Forthcoming Book: “Letting Go: How Less Becomes More”
  • Nichola Cotto: Photographer and founder of an amazing organization:  We Are Not Broken
  • Bill Schoening: Radio Voice of the San Antonio Spurs helping make a positive impact on men incarcerated in Texas prisons.
  • Kelly Jones: Founder of Unbridled Connection – Creating Connections Between Horses and Humans 
  • Fiona McInally:  The Missing Connections in the Fight Against Poverty
  • Darius Pettway: Darius is working to restore opportunity to young adults by providing them with tools of leadership, self-empowerment and conflict resolution. He is a published author and founder of Walls of Life.

Anyone is invited to attend!  RSVP by sending an email to

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Events for Photographers, Free Events, Austin Events, Life Insights

Guest Speaker: Kaylee Lartigue – Deaf Girl Evolution

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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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Events for Photographers, Free Events

We Are Not Broken – A new photography nonprofit volunteer organization

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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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Events for Photographers, Free Events

The Heart and Soul of Cuba: The People

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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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Events for Photographers, Free Events

Learn More About Our 2019 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops!

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CANCELLED

What: 
Learn more about our
Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops
Plus: Drawings for free prizes and future class discounts!!

When:  CANCELLED
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 at 7pm
We decided to cancel and reschedule this because too many people who wanted to attend could not attend on this date! Contact Kevin for more information.

Where:
Our Studio, 11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400, Austin, TX

RSVP Required:
Space is limited!  Mark your calendar and RSVP to: 

If you have been considering joining us in 2019, come to this free event. Pro photographer, Kevin Gourley, has years of experience in photographing Rocky Mountain National Park and leading workshops there. Kevin will share photos, explain more about the Summer and Fall workshop experiences, and tell stories about the various trips we’ve led there.

We offer both 4-day and 9-day workshop options.
Special bonus: Register early and save up to $400!

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO MAKE YOUR PLANS TO GO:
We already have 10 photographers registered for 2019! Register soon to get the best lodging options and ensure you can sign up for the dates that work best for you (some options are almost full)!

If you love:

  • Photography
  • Wildlife
  • Waterfalls
  • Landscapes
  • Mountains
  • Nature
  • and having fun

The advantages of joining us on this fun photographic adventure are many!

  • Pre-trip meetings to prepare you for the experience (including online info if you can’t attend the pre-trip meetings)
  • Photography assistance to help you know the best settings to use and more effectively use your camera
  • We try to arrange our trip to optimize being at the right places at the right times to get the best light, weather conditions, and wildlife photo opportunities
  • Kevin has years of experience leading photographers on these adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park
  • This is a great opportunity for photographers of all skill levels and regardless of your skill level, Kevin is always ready to help.  All questions are invited and welcome. Kevin will never “speak down to you”.
  • This is a FUN experience to share with other photographers
  • You’ll experience Rocky Mountain National Park in ways typical vacationers will never experience it
  • Small group sizes
  • You can bring along a non-photographer spouse-partner on our adventures in the park for no additional charge!  (They can use an iPhone, but if they use a fancy camera, they’d need to register as a participant.)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP

Here are a few photos from our most recent trip a couple of months ago. Scroll all the way to the bottom for some recent student comments about the experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A 5 star experience from beginning to end…”

Student Comments: 

  • “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!”
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Free Events

Discuss Creativity and Passion – Join Our LifeInsights Group

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FREE: Join Us Monday November 12th 7pm
Mark your calendar and RSVP to: 

Let’s watch a couple of great TED Talks about Creativity and Passion and then discuss…

The talks are by Sir Ken Robinson who shares some excellent insights in how we are stifling creativity and can do so much more to affirm multiple types of “intelligence.”  He also speaks about how finding our unique passions can change our whole outlook on life. While our education system has strived to focus on conformance, our true creative selves may be found when we break out of that conformance.

  • TED Talk: Do Schools Kill Creativity? Sir Ken Robinson
  • TED Talk: Bring On the Learning Revolution Sir Ken Robinson

Think of this as MORE than just a discussion about how our current eduction system is teaching our kids today.  While that is the direct topic of these talks, it is worthwhile to consider how our education system has taught US to conform and stifle our OWN creativity.  As photographers, as artists, this especially is worth considering!

Here are a few quotes by Sir Ken Robinson:

  • “Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it’s produced the most extraordinary results in human culture.”
  • “I believe this passionately: that we don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it.  Or rather, we get educated out of it.”
  • “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”
  • “What you’re doing now, or have done in the past, need not determine what you can do next and in the future.”
  • You create your life, and you can recreate it, too. In times of economic downturn and uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to look deep inside yourself to fathom the sort of life you really want to lead and the talents and passions that can make that possible.”

We meet at 7pm Monday November 12th at my studio at 11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400, Austin, TX.

What is this LifeInsights group all about?

As some of you may have known, we recently decided to open up my photography studio as a place to connect with each other beyond “just photography” and get to know each other more and share in this experience we call “life.”

Community leaders (Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler, for example) have been saying we should do more to get to know our neighbors, to connect with one another in the community, and engage in dialogue and friendship.  So I decided to do my part, and with the help of  friends, we started a book discussion group at my studio in NW Austin.  After our first book discussion, we enjoyed it so much we started talking about doing another book study, as well as going out to dinner as a group to celebrate completion of our first book study.

We have since done more book studies and discussions and plan to continue, mostly on Monday evenings (but not every Monday Evening)!

If you think you’d like to join us, just send me an email () and I can add you to a new google group we set up to keep in touch with each other. .

Our little group is called “LifeInsights” since that is what we are doing, exploring and sharing about meaningful life insights.

By the way, what does this have to do with photography?  I mean, I am doing this at my photography studio, so what’s the connection? Well, my studio just seemed like a good place as any to do this since it has a classroom space. But yes there is a connection to photography. The images we create are influenced tremendously by how we see the world around us. In fact how we see the world around us influences our photography way more than the particular make and model of camera we own.  So why not spend some time exploring meaningful insights about life?  It might just affect your photography, and you will likely make some new friends along the way.  And if you are not a photographer, you are definitely welcome to join us also!

Interested?  Let’s talk.  🙂

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Photography Tips, Free Events

A Halloween Idea – Free Halloween Photos in Your Neighborhood

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Hi photographer friends!

I wanted to put this idea out there.  How about offering free Halloween photos for your trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood!  I did this for a few years in my neighborhood and we had a blast!   It was so much fun!

It’s a good idea to get parental permission for this, so keep that in mind.  I just obtained their contact info and then provided their free photos on the web a couple of days later.  I also did a costume contest as well where people could vote on the best costume. Come up with your own fun ideas to make this even more memorable!

Halloween is such a fun time for kids.  Why not offer your photographic skills to help families remember those fun times?

Beyond Halloween, there are all kinds of ways you can use your photography to make a difference in the community. Here are a few ideas (click here), but know the opportunities are all around you! Be creative!

I believe community involvement is a great way to improve our community! Here are various organizations I have donated my time to over the years (click here).

I hope you have a happy and fun Halloween!

Kevin Gourley

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Free Events, Community Service

Join Our LifeInsights Group for a Book Discussion

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Book Discussion Group – Join us!
Mark your calendar and RSVP – Free to Attend

The Last Arrow:
Save Nothing for the Next Life
    by Erwin Raphael McManus
When: Monday nights 7pm  Oct 1, 8, 15, 22

When you come to the end of your days, you will not measure your life based on successes and failures. All of those will eventually blur together into a single memory called ‘life.’ What will give you solace is a life with nothing left undone. One that’s been lived with relentless ambition, a heart on fire, and with no regrets. On the other hand, what will haunt you until your final breath is who you could have been but never became and what you could have done but never did. The Last Arrow is your roadmap to a life that defies odds and alters destinies. Discover the attributes of those who break the gravitational pull of mediocrity as cultural pioneer and thought leader Erwin McManus examines the characteristics of individuals who risked everything for a life that seemed impossible. Imagine living the life you were convinced was only a dream. We all begin this life with a quiver full of arrows. Now the choice is yours. Will you cling to your arrows or risk them all, opting to live until you have nothing left to give? Time is short. We invite you to join with us as we read and discuss The Last Arrow and begin the greatest quest of our lives.

What is this LifeInsights group all about?

As some of you may have known, we recently decided to open up my photography studio as a place to connect with each other beyond “just photography” and get to know each other more and share in this experience we call “life.”

Community leaders (Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler, for example) have been saying we should do more to get to know our neighbors, to connect with one another in the community, and engage in dialogue and friendship.  So I decided to do my part, and with the help of  friends, we started a book discussion group at my studio in NW Austin.  After our first book discussion, we enjoyed it so much we started talking about doing another book study, as well as going out to dinner as a group to celebrate completion of our first book study.

We have since done more book studies and discussions and plan to continue, mostly on Monday evenings (but not every Monday Evening)!

If you think you’d like to join us, just send me an email () and I can add you to a new google group we set up to keep in touch with each other. .

Our little group is called “LifeInsights” since that is what we are doing, exploring and sharing about meaningful life insights.

By the way, what does this have to do with photography?  I mean, I am doing this at my photography studio, so what’s the connection? Well, my studio just seemed like a good place as any to do this since it has a classroom space. But yes there is a connection to photography. The images we create are influenced tremendously by how we see the world around us. In fact how we see the world around us influences our photography way more than the particular make and model of camera we own.  So why not spend some time exploring meaningful insights about life?  It might just affect your photography, and you will likely make some new friends along the way.  And if you are not a photographer, you are definitely welcome to join us also!

Interested?  Let’s talk.  🙂

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Events for Photographers, Free Events

Free book study: The Gifts of Imperfection – Begins May 9th

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Join us for a free book study of:
“The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are”

4 Sessions:  Wednesdays  May 9, 16, 23, 30 2018  7pm

Location: Kevin Gourley Photography Studio
11740 Jollyville Rd. Suite 400   directions

To sign up to attend, just send an email to: 

If you have not confirmed with me yet, but are planning on participating, please let me know.
If you have already responded, no need to reply again 🙂
 
Please read up to page 22 if you can.  If you can’t, or don’t have the book yet, no problem. Come anyway and join us for the discussion.

This book by Brene Brown shares some great insights about life.

Comments by another New York Times best-selling author Harriet Lerner :

“Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we’d no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, “What if I can’t keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn’t everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?”

In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, “No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough,” and to go to bed at night thinking, “Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.”

How is this relevant for photographers?

Many people in the arts see their art as an extension of themselves.  They feel good as long as people affirm their art, and the reward is so temporary, so fleeting. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of always seeking more approval, post yet another photo on facebook and see how many people “like” it, or enter another photo contest to seek affirmation that your photography is better than everyone else’s.  Yet many find that never is truly fulfilling, and when you win that approval, you have to keep winning, otherwise that approval quickly becomes just a distant memory.

If you break this cycle of trying to find fulfillment through pleasing others, you might just find your art does not have to be shaped by other people’s opinions.  Let your art be your art.  Perhaps it is time you let go of the artist you think people want you to be, and embrace the artist you are.

Join us for this short 4 part study. This is open to anyone. You don’t have to be a photographer to attend this. This is really relevant to everyone.  Feel free to bring a friend, spouse, partner, neighbor, coworker, person off the street 😉  Just let me know if they are coming.

To sign up to attend, just send an email to: 

This book is available on Amazon. Click Here.

If you have not confirmed with me yet, but are planning on participating, please let me know.
If you have already responded, no need to reply again 🙂
 
Please read up to page 22 if you can.  If you can’t, or don’t have the book yet, no problem. Come anyway and join us for the discussion.
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Events for Photographers, Free Events

Concept to Creation Contest and Photo Expo

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11th, 2017
Jason Ake – Professional Plotter Technologies –
512-382-5912 – 

Concept to Creation
Contest and Photo Expo

Austin, TX – Professional Plotter Technology  is excited to bring Austin photographers together for a photo expo this November 15th , 2017. The event, which will take place at the Blanton Museum of Art, will celebrate PPT’s Concept to Creation Campaign.

“We believe in the importance of owning the process from a freshly born concept to its full creation. Our mission behind this campaign is to encourage artist to print their work as well as educate them on the efficiency, savings, and pride that comes with in-house printing,” says Jason Ake, CEO of PPT.

The event will feature:

  • Cocktail social with complimentary drinks from local sponsors.
  • Speakers including Pete Wright, Canon Explorers of Light Clay Blackmore and Hahnemuhle’s Kevin Anthuis.
  • Hands on product demo featuring the latest in digital imaging; Canon EOS cameras, Image PRO Graf Pro series printers, lighting and more.
  • A photo booth with professional coaches where guests may take home a print of their own image.
  • Free bites and live music will also be featured.
  • Awards ceremony and closing remarks.

To generate excitement for this campaign, PPT is also sponsoring a contest with an exciting prize.  Monthly winners win a large-scale print of their choice and advance to the finals for a chance to win a new Canon PRO 2000 24″ 11 color Photo Printer valued at $2700, courtesy of Professional Plotter Technology. Winners are featured on the Professional Plotter Technology Facebook page .

More information and the photo submission form can be found on www.concepttocreation.org 

 

 

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