Category Archives: Workshop Updates

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

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    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:

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    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…
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    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.”

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    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.”

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    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!

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    Expand Your Thinking & Creativity in Photography

    I encourage you to join me for my next Photography: Finding Your Way – Creativity and Inspiration Workshop on October 8th! (Plus if you register by September 7th, you’ll SAVE $20.)

    Whether you are just starting out in photography or you have years of experience, this class will meet you where you are and help you find new directions to head to discover your unique artistic expression in photography! Fall in love with photography, all over again! Regardless of the type of camera you use, even if it’s just an iPhone/Smartphone, you’ll find this class worthwhile!

    Photography is about WAY more than shutter speed, f/stops, ISO, exposure modes, etc. Photography is about creativity and how we see the world around us! Open your mind to new expressions of art. Join us!

    Click Here <– Do it 😉

    Here’s what class participants have said about the class:

    • “What a wonderful surprise to discover how much I learned and enjoyed the Finding Your Way photography class. Kevin you are such a fabulous teacher and mentor to anyone seeking to take their photography to a new level. I came away with “zillions” of ideas for future projects. This alone will keep the creative juices flowing and give me a reason to head out the door every day with a new purpose to my hobby! My only problem now is what do I want to tackle first?!”
    • “Kevin’s “Finding Your Way Class” is an inspiration workshop. Whether you’re someone who pulls out their phone to capture a quick memory, or an accomplished photographer stuck in a rut, this class is for you. Creative ideas flow in the intimate setting of Kevin’s studio. Camera skills are not a prerequisite, all that’s needed is an open mind and a desire to try something new.”
    • “I had a great time. I loved it. It gave me so much more ideas. I was forcing myself to find what to take pictures of and I found out I like the abstract ones. They are so much fun! I learned so much. I cannot say how much I appreciate my time in your classes.”
    • “I greatly enjoyed the class. You will gain valuable insights whether you are a novice or a pro photographer. I can’t wait to start working on the numerous projects this class inspired me to think about. If you are out of ideas or inspiration, this class is for you!”
    • “It’s so easy as an amateur photographer to become overwhelmed with all the technical aspects of photography. And as a photographer at any level, there is often an expectation of working to get the best technical picture. Kevin does a wonderful job of teaching the technical aspects of photography, for sure, but his Finding Your Way class focuses instead on the joy of photography, on photography as an experience and way to express ourselves. We are all creative beings, an image of the great Creator, and it is healing to the soul to pursue that. In addition to revealing the depth of Kevin as an amazing person, this class gives permission and encouragement to explore our individual path of creativity using photography. We laughed, we cried, we learned, and we found the spark that drew us to photography in the first place. Thanks, Kevin.”
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    Some Early Registration Discounts End SOON!

    Take advantage of our special offers and improve your photography skills!

    In-Person Class: Adobe Lightroom Classic CC Workshop
    A very “hands on” 12-hour learning experience. Learn how to organize and enhance your photographs with this powerful program! Explore the new powerful editing features that have been added with the latest version! Bring your own computer. Class size is very limited. 

    • New Dates!
    • Tues/Wed October 11, 12, 18, 19  at 6:30-9:30pm


    Photography: Finding Your Way – Creativity and Inspiration Workshop
    Whether you are just starting out in photography or you have years of experience, this class will meet you where you are and help you find new directions to head to discover your unique artistic expression in photography! Fall in love with photography, all over again! Regardless of the type of camera you use, even if it’s just an iPhone/Smartphone, you’ll find this class worthwhile! 

    • Saturday October 8, 2022 9am-6pm
    • Register by September 7, 2022 and SAVE $20!

    Photographers Weekend Boot Camp
    Learn the important fundamentals of photography in one weekend!

    • October 1-2, 2022 ONLY ONE SPACE LEFT!
    • Student Comment: “FANTASTIC – completely exceeded my expectations. Content was fabulous, teaching at just the right level, and Kevin was so credible and explained things in ways I could understand – and he made it fun too, easy to learn.

    Photography Painting with Light
    Evening Class Tues/Wed Nov 29-30, 2022 6:30pm
    The most fun photography class you’ll ever take!

    • Tuesday/Wednesday Nov 29-30, 2022 6:30pm
    • Register by October 1, 2022 and SAVE $30!

    Photography 101 – Fundamentals of Great Photography
    Start your photography learning with this in-person class! 

    • Tuesday/Wednesdays
      November 1,2,8,9,15,16 2022 
    • Daytime (10am-Noon) OR Evening (7pm-9pm) Options
    • Register by October 1, 2022 and SAVE $20!
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