Category Archives: Workshop Updates

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!”
Share

Photography Class – The Perfect Holiday Gift!

Take advantage of these great offers with big savings!

Learn photography in our Photography 101 Workshop (and SAVE $40!) or our Photographers Weekend Boot Camp (and SAVE $50!)

You can purchase these as a gift for that photographer in your life (or maybe it’s for YOU?)!

HUGE BONUS DISCOUNT!
If you sign up for our Creativity and Inspiration Workshop after also signing up for one of the classes above, we’ll give you a special $100 DISCOUNT on this class! This is our best deal of the year! Combining these discounts means a savings of up to $150!

Discount offers end December 25th!

Details:
Photography 101 – Fundamentals of Great Photography
Tuesday Morning or Evenings January 14 – February 15, 2025

Photographers Weekend Boot Camp
Saturday + Sunday February 22-23, 2025

Photography: Finding Your Way – Creativity and Inspiration Workshop
Saturday January 11, 2025 9am-6pm

PLUS THERE ARE MANY MORE GREAT CLASSES STARTING IN 2025!
Check out the classes and more big savings (until December 25th)!

Share

End of an Era – Rocky Mountain Photography Adventures

This was my final year to host our Summer and Fall Rocky Mountain Photography Adventures. I just returned from our final trip.

To all of you who participated in one or more
of our adventures in Colorado, THANK YOU.

I must admit, our drive back to Austin after our final trip was a bit emotional for me. I reflected on so many fun adventures, so many great photographs captured, so many experiences with wonderful people… so many memories. Including our scouting trips and all of our groups we led there, this involved 40 amazing trips to Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park is my “happy place” for so many reasons. Originally it was because I just loved the spectacular beauty of the area. But now, I see that what I’ve loved the most are the wonderful memories and the incredible people I’ve had the honor of sharing these adventures with. What a blessing. To say that I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to do this is an understatement. This has sincerely been the greatest joy of my life.

I am not retiring from my career in photography. I am just stopping the Rocky Mountain Workshops. It just feels right, to close this beloved chapter in my life. I still will be offering more classes in the Austin, TX area plus some smaller destination workshops.

I would love for you to join me for our 2025 Texas Hill Country Spring Photography Retreat near Hunt, Texas. Relax, have fun, and perhaps learn some new photography techniques on this 3-day weekend photography retreat March 27-30, 2025 in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!  Click Here to learn more.

    I have been a pro photographer for two decades. This is a “second career” for me, after having spent a couple of decades as a software engineer. I am so glad I took that leap of faith and transitioned over to this career in photography. This has been an amazing journey, and the journey continues.

    Kevin Gourley

    Share

    Light & Photography Workshop

    We had a great time in our Light & Photography Workshop recently! Help me decide on the dates for our next session! Your input matters!

    This workshop is highly recommended for all photographers.
    Mastering your camera is essential in photography, but  mastery of LIGHT is also essential! This course is a comprehensive look at light in its various forms, both natural and artificial as we look at the many ways we photographers can take advantage of, control, and manipulate light to create great photographs!

    • A total of 15 hours of learning, as an all-day two-day class
      • Example: Wednesday/Thursday or Thursday/Friday
      • Each session is 9am-5:30pm with a break for lunch
    • Small Class Size
    • Mix of Lecture, In-class Demonstration and Projects
    • Includes photo session with professional models
    Want to Take This Class? Help me decide on the dates!

    I would be happy to offer another session of this class soon. Just email me if you are interested!

    “Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”
    – George Eastman

    Here are comments from recent class participants:

    The workshop was great! I learned a lot and appreciate your organization. Thank you so much!

    Kevin is an excellent and patient instructor and an extraordinary photographer. This course will forever change my perception of light when viewing paintings, photography,  and light in outdoor settings. I will also be a much better photographer after studying with a master of light.

    “I loved the workshop on Lighting! It was well organized and Kevin does a great job of explaining lighting concepts so that they become easy to understand. I highly recommend this workshop if you want to learn more about how to use off camera lighting to enhance your photography skills.” Shelley W.

    Five Star Rated *****: “Kevin is one of the very best portrait photographers I have encountered in my 40+ years around the Austin photo scene. When you see his work it’s obvious that his clients have a ball working with him; he’s a great guy and he knows his stuff. Five stars for sure.” – Jon Leatherwood

    Here are two example photos from class participant, Shelley Wagner:

    Model: Alexandria Dudley

    Model Clarissa LaChance:

    Here are a few more images from our most recent class:

    Share

    What Classes Should We Add Next?

    Hey friends!

    I am looking at what classes I should add next, and I would love to hear from YOU!  What are YOUR needs and interests?  

    We have a variety of classes already scheduled (click here), but your input can help us prioritize what we offer that best meets your needs in the months ahead.

    Some options to consider:

    • Question: Want us to schedule Texas Hill Country Spring or Fall workshop retreats like we’ve done in previous years?  We need to know now, to line up the ranch where we host these fun workshops!
    • Other Classes:
      • More Photography 101 or 201 Classes
      • How to use your Electronic Flash
      • Studio Lighting
      • Nature/Wildlife/Landscape Photography
      • HDR High Dynamic Range Techniques
      • Adobe Lightroom Classic – For organizing/editing/perfecting your photographs
      • Adobe Photoshop – Learn amazing advanced editing skills
      • More…
    Share

    Sharpen your photography skills!

    Make your plans NOW to improve your photography skills by taking some of our upcoming classes!

    So many great opportunities!

    Several of these classes have Early Registration Discounts ending soon! Sign Up Today!

    Photographers Weekend Boot Camp

    Photography 101

    Private Instruction

    2023 Texas Hill Country Spring Photography Retreat

    Lightroom Classic Workshop

    Photoshop for Photographers Workshop

    Flash / Speedlight Photography Workshop

    Student Comment: “I signed up for his basic course after thinking that I probably need to pick up a hobby to fill my time during retirement. From day 1, Kevin was very responsive and sent reminders about locations and class days. He is an amazing teacher that used stories and analogies to get his points across. After so many courses in the military, I didn’t know how to react when faced with an instructor that genuinely cares about teaching and just wants the world to enjoy the beauty of photography. I enjoyed every session and plan on signing up for another class with him to learn about lighting.”

    Share

    Gift Ideas for Photographers!

    We are down to our final shopping week for Christmas. Check out my website for a wide range of upcoming photography classes, AND if you register soon, you can take advantage of some great early registration discounts!

    Student Comment: “For years I have wanted to take a photography class, but was reluctant because I thought it would be too overwhelming and didn’t have the confidence to do it. Kevin is very thorough and made me feel very comfortable about asking any questions I had. I am so glad I finally decided to take a class and came across Kevin Gourley Photography Workshops.” – Tiffany Dewald

    Student Comment: “I have attended several classes with several teachers -all talented photographers. But Kevin is the best of all of them. Great and talented photographer PLUS great teacher.”

    Share

    Our Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop is About to Begin!

    We’re looking forward to a fun week of photographic adventures in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park! Waterfalls, lakes, mountains, wildlife and a great group of people who love photography! It all starts this evening! Our 2022 and 2023 Rocky Mountain Workshops are totally sold out! If you’d like to join us in 2023, let us know and we can add you to our waiting list, in case there is a cancellation!

    Share