Category Archives: Workshop Updates

Workshop Updates

Final Chance: 2018 Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop

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I really hope you will consider joining us!
YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

We are quickly closing in on your final chance to join us on our Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop for 2018!  Most of the options are SOLD OUT, but we have one space left in our Summer Workshop on July 12-15th.

If you are thinking about joining us, NOW is the time to sign up because lodging options will also be filling up very shortly.  So this is the time to finalize your plans on joining us!

What are the benefits of you joining us on or Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop?  Here are a few:

  • You will have abundant opportunities to photograph beautiful majestic mountain vistas, sunrises, waterfalls, cascades, lakes, wildlife including elk, deer, moose, marmots, and birds in one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
  • I will be with you to help you with all your photographic questions, to ensure you get the best shots possible.
  • We’ll go to the right places as the right times of day to get the best shots.
  • This is not just a photography workshop. This is an incredibly fun adventure! You’ll have a great experience with fellow photographers, and we may go as photographers but we leave as friends who often stay in touch, and many come back multiple years!
  • Your adult spouse/partner is welcome to join us on all of our adventures, at no additional charge, if they are not using a fancy camera (DSLR, mirrorless camera, etc.). They can join us for all of our activities in the park, all of our adventures, hikes, etc.!  Many participants take advantage of this opportunity.
  • We have two pre-trip meetings that you can either attend in Austin, TX OR you can watch on video to prepare you for the trip.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is
almost totally sold out!)

Still not quite convinced?
Well here is what other participants have said about this workshop:

  • “The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to a 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.”
  • “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!”

If you are still “sitting on the fence” and just haven’t decided to sign up yet:

Email me at .  Let’s talk about this and see if I can help you with any of the barriers that might be preventing you from signing up.  I really believe you will LOVE this experience! Some participants come back 2, 3, even 4 times!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO SIGN UP
(remember the workshop is almost totally sold out!)

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Workshop Updates

Photographers Weekend Boot Camp – Pick the date!

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Are you ready to learn photography?
Join us for our Photographers Weekend Boot Camp!

SORRY THIS SURVEY HAS CONCLUDED!

We just added another Boot Camp on June 9th and 10th CLICK HERE

This class is similar to our Photography 101 Workshop which meets once a week for 6 weeks, but in the Boot Camp, we cover the material over a weekend:  all day Saturday, plus Sunday afternoon at our studio in NW Austin.  We also can do this on two consecutive weekdays if there is interest.

  • Become the photographer you want to be!
  • Learn how to most effectively use your camera
  • Take the mystery out of taking great photographs
  • Ages 13 Through Adult
  • Class is held at our Studio in Austin, Texas
  • The price is only $329 with early registration!

 

Student Comments:

  • “Kevin is a true professional with a passion for photography. Learning from someone with an expansive knowledge base coupled with the ability to translate the technical details in a way that is easy to understand makes this class fantastic. Don’t spend money on new equipment to get better pictures… put it toward a class with Kevin; you’ll be glad you did.”
  • “Kevin is a fantastic instructor”
  • “LOVED the tips and videos you shared … Your passion for photography is contagious and really helps cement in the important things to remember while shooting. Also, having the class over a 2-day boot camp was most helpful for the way I like to learn. Thank you so much.”
  • “I had the most wonderful experience in Kevin’s Photographers Boot Camp weekend class. His passion for photography is contagious. His broad and in-depth knowledge of not only equipment but also technique to get that great shot made me feel like I got every penny’s worth out of the class, and then some. I couldn’t be happier with the weekend boot camp and can’t wait to learn more in the other classes Kevin offers.”
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Workshop Updates

Help Us Decide What Classes to Add Next!

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I am looking at my schedule to see what classes I might add next, and I invite YOUR input on what you'd like me to offer next!

If you have any photographer friends you'd like to take a class with, have them complete the survey below also.  My focus is on YOUR LEARNING and I value your input!

COMPLETE THE QUICK SURVEY BELOW:

Name
Email

Let me know the class(es) you want me to add NOW because you're ready sign up and start learning as soon as possible:

Any other comments?


Thank you for completing this brief survey. Your input really matters!

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Camera Gear, Workshop Updates

Test Drive the New Sony a7R III

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I recently had a chance to take the Sony a7R III mirrorless full-frame 42.4 megapixel camera on a “test drive.”  This exceptional camera produces great images.  In studio, I normally shoot with DSLRs but one thing I noticed in a test shoot with my model, Amanda, is that the focusing felt ever so slightly sluggish at times while I was shooting in the mode where the camera detects and focuses on eyes (Eye AF mode), BUT the results were impressive.  It consistently produced sharper images and did a great job keeping eyes in focus. That, combined with the 42.4 megapixel sensor resulted in extra sharp images with fine resolution.

This camera has a fast Hybrid AF with 399-point focal-plane phase-detection AF and 425-point contrast-detection AF.   The 5-axis image stabilization with 5.5-stop exposure advantage also promises to deliver consistently sharp images.   The viewfinder is an approximately 3.69-million-dot Quad-VGA OLED display, making it easy to view, which I really appreciate since I am more accustomed to shooting with a DSLR.

There are so many other fantastic features in this camera that I did not really have time to run through their paces, but I can say with certainty this is a very serious contender for being one of the best cameras on the market today.

Here are several shots from my session with Amanda, using the Sony a7R III.

P.S.  Would you like to join me in doing a photo shoot with Amanda in my studio?  Check out this upcoming workshop.  CLICK HERE

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Workshop Updates

Give Yourself This Gift – 2018 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop

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As 2018 quickly approaches, I wanted to put out this reminder we have only TWO SPACES LEFT in our 2018 Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop and only ONE SPACE LEFT in our 2018 Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop!

This is the perfect gift for any photographer, and that photographer might be YOU!  In these fun photography adventures, we spend four full days in magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is truly a national treasure and a photographer’s paradise!

In addition to the four days we spend photographing the park, we also have two pre-trip meetings (which you can view online, if you don’t live near our studio).  In these meetings, we fill you in on what to expect on the trip, travel plans, info about the park, as well as important camera settings to use to get the best shots.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Student Comments:

  • “The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to a 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.”
  • “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.“

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Workshop Updates

Last Chance for Christmas! Big savings end December 24th!

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SAVE UP TO $70 IF YOU REGISTER BY DECEMBER 24th on select classes!  Step up your PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS in 2018!

These are great last-minute gift ideas for that photographer in your life.

Photography Classes Starting in 2018

  • Photography 101 – Fundamentals of Great Photography 
    LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY! Start here!
    DAYTIME and EVENING class options beginning January 9, 2018
    Register by December 24th and SAVE $60!

  • Photographers Weekend Boot Camp 
    NEW WORKSHOP! Just announced for 2018.
    Learn photography in one weekend March 3-4, 2018
    Register by December 24th and SAVE $70!

  • Water Droplet Photography Workshop
    Create some fun and amazing photographs of water droplets! 
    THIS HAS BEEN SHIFTED TO A DAYTIME SESSION!
    Register by December 24th and SAVE $20!

  • Light & Photography Workshop
    Highly recommended for anyone serious about wanting to improve their photography! 
    This course is a comprehensive look at light in its various forms, both natural and artificial and we look at the many ways we photographers can control and manipulate light to create great photographs!
    If you have taken Photography 101, this is great next step!
    Register by December 24th and SAVE UP TO $70!

  • Adobe Photoshop for Photographers Workshop
    Learn this essential powerful tool for editing photographs.
    Split into Basics and Advanced options! Total class time is now a full 18 hours of very hands-on learning!
    Register by December 24th and SAVE UP TO $70!
  • Private Instruction
    Focused on your specific needs!

Also, while you are thinking about 2018…

Let us know if you’d like to network with other photographers!   We want to hear from you about an idea we are proposing!  CLICK HERE

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Workshop Updates

Your Best Photography Learning Opportunities!

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We have some fun photography workshops coming up in 2018!   If you register soon, you can save up to $70!

A great starting point is our Photography 101 Workshop!  Or take the next step and learn about Light & Photograph, Adobe Photoshop and don’t forget our Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops!  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE and take advantage of the special discounts!

Student Comments: 

  • “I’ve taken several intro-level photography classes in the Austin area and while I gained some new knowledge from each class, Kevin is a great “teacher” whereas the others are good presenters. I feel like the class was time and money well spent and am already studying to figure out which class to take next.”
  • “I have taken all of Kevin’s classes. When I started with him I did not know what aperture or ISO were. Now I know how to use them. I have placed in a some photo contests, I have even sold some of my photos. None of this would have been possible without Kevin. He has the patience it takes to teach those of us who came in with only the desire to learn to take good photos.”
  • “Kevin is a fantastic teacher. He has an interest and a passion for photography and it shows in his teaching. I’ve taken 4 classes with Kevin and have benefited from each one!”
  • “Attending a workshop with Kevin is absolutely wonderful… “
  • More Student Reviews…

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Photography Tips, Workshop Updates

A Little Less Talk, A Lot More Action

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I’m stealing a phrase from country-western singer Toby Keith, “A Little Less Talk, A Lot More Action.”  Now that song is totally about a different kind of “action” but let’s put that aside for a moment. 😉

In this case, I am talking about learning photography.  You want to learn photography? Stop just talking about it. Stop just reading about it.  Start DOING photography.  It’s like swimming. You have to do more than just read about swimming, if you want to learn how to swim.  You have to get in the water and get wet.

That’s why the book I recently published, “30 Practical Tips for Better Photographs” includes homework assignments with each section.  Start practicing! Push yourself to be out DOING photography.

I currently have several photography workshops that will really get you into doing some great photography with my help. This gives you a chance to try a variety of fun new things and learn a few new tricks.

So, while you are on Amazon buying my book (not so subtle hint), also register for one of these classes coming up very soon!

 

 

Let’s take you to the next level in your photography, with a little less talk and a lot more action! 😉

 

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Workshop Updates

Become the Photographer You Want to Be!

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Hey Photographers!  Here are Perfect Options for Learning and Fun

  • Start Here
    Photography 101 Fundamentals of Great Photography
    Class begins October 10th!

  • Advance in your photography skills, Learn new techniques
    Learning by Doing Series
    Introducing the ‘6×6 Photography Workshop’
    6 PHOTOGRAPHERS, 6 PROJECTS 
    A FUN NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITY – Austin, Texas
    This is a unique and fun opportunity for 6 photographers to participate in this program where we meet to work on a different photographic project each month for 6 months.DAYTIME CLASS JUST ADDED 9:30am-12:30pm!
    2nd Monday of each month, starting November 13th
    (Our evening class sold out quickly so we have added this new daytime option!)

  • Fun Destination Workshops
    2018 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops

    Join us on these fantastic photographic adventures  in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park in the Summer and Fall of 2018!
    Some options are already sold out! Sign up soon!

  • Private Instruction
    This is a great option to advance your photographic skills on almost any topic, scheduled at times that best fit your busy schedule!

  • Kevin Gourley’s New Book!
    30 Practical Tips for Better Photographs

    Are your photographs not turning out the way you intended? Do you want to improve your photography skills so you can create better images?

    If you own a Digital SLR (DSLR) or a Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera (MILC), this book was written for you! Kevin Gourley, professional photographer, instructor, and author, leads you through the 30 most important things you need to know to effectively use your camera to achieve consistently better photographs.

    Through Kevin’s years of experience leading photography workshops, he has encountered many questions, challenges, and mistakes photographers often make. This book will help you avoid these common mistakes, become more skilled in operating your camera, and create the images you desire.

     

    Now Available at Amazon!

 

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Workshop Updates

Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop Well Under Way!

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We’re having a great time in our Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop!  Aspen are gradually turning this year, revealing fall colors.  We’ve seen elk, deer, moose, pika, coyotes, mountains, rivers, cascades, waterfalls, sunrises and many photo opportunities!

I hope you’ll join us on either our Summer or Fall Rocky Mountain Workshop in 2018.  Register soon though.  It is filling up fast with just a few spaces left in each group.  If you register by October 1st, you can save up to $100!

Click Here for More Info

Also don’t forget to check out my new book!

 

Group A – wonderful group of photographers!

Aspen on a beautiful sunny day!

We experienced some snow in the upper elevations. This is Long’s Peak.

Beautiful falls and cascades

Elk!

Moose!

Only a few wildflowers are left by now.

Elk are so fun to watch in the Fall

Splashes of color in the Aspen trees

 

Bighorn Sheep

 

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