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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We Had A Great Time on Our Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop!

We had two wonderful groups of photographers join us for our Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop. We created a lot of photographs, had lots of fun adventures, and made some new friends along the way.

I have such a love of Rocky Mountain National Park. That is my “happy place” where I am renewed and inspired, where I truly feel joy and peace when I am in the forests and mountains.

Here are some photos I created during our workshops (believe me, I have LOTS more!). If you’re wanting to join us for this grand adventure, all of our 2022 options are SOLD OUT, BUT we are considering offering the workshops again one more year. Click Here for more info.

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Years of Experience

I have years of experience in photography and teaching. Falling in love with photography a LONG time ago (48 years ago), you might say it was my “first love.” As an avid photographer, I started out in the days of film photography, first using a Pentax KX SLR. I shot so many rolls of Kodachrome 64, Kodacolor II, Panatomic-X, Plus-X, and Tri-X, and spent countless hours doing black & white and color processing and printing.

Even back then, with all of my work with film, I was fortunate enough to also gain a lot of experience with digital imaging in college, as I was working on a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (1980-1982). While most of the world had yet to even hear about digital imaging, I was having nerdy fun doing things like writing software to raster scan a laser over chrome-plate glass substrates to digitally generate negatives!

When the rest of the world eventually transitioned over to digital photography, I was already well versed in understanding the technology, so it was an easy transition for me.

Teaching photography was also a part of my life for years. My first photography class I ever taught was in 1977. These days, teaching photography consumes a lot of my time, in addition to doing photography professionally out of my studio in NW Austin.

I have found that my years of experience in both doing photography and teaching photography have complemented each other very well. The more I have taught, the better a photographer I have become and I have gained a lot of experience with a vast array of camera makes and models over the years. The more I have worked as a full-time pro photographer has helped me as an instructor, especially when teaching other pro photographers.

I enjoy working with photographers at all skill levels from first-time beginners to full time professionals and everywhere in between.

My main point in writing this is just to say what I have to offer to you all: experience. I have learned a lot of lessons along the way, and I am happy to share all I know with my students, and I have loved my years as a full time photographer.

Check out my upcoming classes or my private instruction options!

Kevin Gourley

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We Got Through This Together

Because of the pandemic, the last couple of years were pretty challenging for many of us.

I will be forever grateful for all of the generous individuals who helped our little studio survive the financial challenges imposed by the pandemic. Your response of love and help was totally amazing and humbling. During the brunt of the pandemic, our studio was completely shut down for a year, and I redesigned all of my classes to be presented over Zoom sessions. I thank all of you who took those classes during our most-challenging time.

To reciprocate for all of your kind support during that time, I also did something to help others who wanted to take my classes but similarly were experiencing financial hardships. I took a leap of faith and made my classes be priced to whatever you could afford. My pandemic pricing scheme was quite simple: “name your own price.” That worked out beautifully.

Ultimately, we got through the worst of the pandemic by helping each other. We got through this together.

I just wanted to celebrate that. I am so very grateful to all of you, my clients, students, and friends.

Kevin Gourley

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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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Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop – Reasons THIS is the Year to Join Us!

Any of you who have joined us on our Summer or Fall Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops, you know how fun they are and what a wonderful adventure they are for photographers! Join us again! Tell your friends!

Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop
July 2022

Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop
September 2022

I wanted to give you all an extra encouragement to JOIN US THIS YEAR for a variety of reasons! Want me to list the reasons? Well here ya go:

  • The workshops are already filling up! Also lodging options are also filling up fast. Don’t wait to the last minute to sign up and be disappointed that you missed out!
  • Join us while you can!! At least right now, I do not know for sure if I will offer them in 2023. I’m just not sure yet. I might take a break? If you have really been wanting to go, do it this year!!
  • Read some of the reviews from former workshop participants! That is reason enough to sign up! Just scroll down to the bottom of this post!
  • We have had participants return and do the workshop again many times! Yes, it’s that much fun!
  • The workshops are VERY reasonably priced for all you are getting! The 4 day workshop includes over 40 hours of learning and adventures with two pre-trip meetings, plus some additional learning options (SummerFall)! The 9 day options offer you double the experiences, wildlife photo opportunities and double the fun!
  • Do you have a non-photographer spouse/partner who would like to join you on this big adventure? They are welcome to join us at no additional fee! Bring them with you!
  • Love nature photography? – Landscapes, Mountains, Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, Wildlife, Elk, Deer, Moose, Big Horn Sheep, Marmots, Birds, Sunrises, Wildflowers, Aspen Fall Colors, etc. This is the workshop for you!
  • Group Sizes are intentionally kept small!
  • We follow all national park guidelines and have obtained required permits to lead these workshops in the park.
  • Your workshop leader, Kevin Gourley, has years of experience leading these workshops in this magnificent national park.

“A 5 star experience from beginning to end…”

Participant Comments: 

  • “I just returned from Kevin Gourley’s fall photography workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wow! The level of preparation, expertise and personal attention Kevin put into his workshop was exceptional and truly made this experience outstanding. Kevin traveled days ahead of the workshop to ensure the best locations for fall foliage, wildlife sightings and waterfalls. He pointed out optimal stances for photographs which was very helpful for me as a novice. He even offered helpful advice after each day’s session. The two sessions prior to our adventure helped me know what to expect on a practical level and helped me better understand technical aspects of photography. I’m extremely pleased with the entire experience and would highly recommend Kevin Gourley’s workshops to anyone looking for a top-notch photography experience.”
  • “Fantastic opportunity for improving photography skills. Kevin’s detailed understanding of Rocky Mountain National Park provides a lot of wildlife viewing/photography opportunities by being at the right place at the right time. Kevin’s leadership and positive attitude sets the tone for excellent communications, sharing and a fantastic time for all. This is the most organized photography workshop I have ever attended.”
  • “This workshop has been outstanding! I’d rate this as an 11.5 on a scale of 1-10!!”
  • “The workshop in RMNP was a truly wonderful experience. Kevin’s thorough knowledge of photography, RMNP, pre trip planning and scoping out current conditions before we arrived provided excellent photo opportunities. Kevin communicates so well that it takes all the guess work out of the trip. Kevin is knowledgable, patient, kind and provides individual help when requested. Our small group bonded quickly and new friendships were made. I hope for the opportunity to return again for a future workshop.”
  • “Having attended Kevin Gourley’s Rocky Mountain Workshop, I can assure you that it was one of the best Wildlife Photography experiences I have ever had. Importantly, not only are the photo ops incredible, Kevin makes the entire trip seamlessly smooth from accommodations, restaurant choices and reservations, to travel to the various locations. To top off the experience, Kevin also provides excellent instruction in photography enabling even the most amateur photographer the ability to learn and to come away with excellent images that anyone would treasure for a lifetime. I cannot recommend this trip in particular or any of Kevin’s workshops in general more highly.” Dr. S. Hurwitz
  • “What did I like about the workshop? All of it. Your pre trip planning, communication, accommodations, shooting locations, your kindness, expertise, willingness answer all questions and even extra help during the down time. I loved being at RMNP with you. You and Gail made us feel like family. I also enjoyed eating together at different restaurants (all great choices) as a group. I enjoyed being in a small group so we all got to know each other and have personal attention when needed. I enjoyed never being rushed at any location and all of the beautiful scenery and animals and our very close proximity to the park entrance.”
  • “I have taken classes in the studio and have had the opportunity to be in Rocky Mtn. National Park with Kevin. You can always count on Kevin to deliver understandable content, be attentive to your questions and needs. I highly recommend Kevin as a consummate professional and better person.” – Dennis Ellis
  • “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!”
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I Love Studio Photography

I have such a love of photography, all types of photography whether it be nature, wildlife, landscapes, portraiture, fine art, etc.

I get particular enjoyment out of studio photography because a studio is a collaborative creative space for producing art.

In a studio, you truly don’t “take a photograph” you “create a photograph.” So many factors combine beautifully between posing, composition, light, mood, and creativity.

I just felt like sharing some of my studio work. I have so many images, it was hard to choose just a few.

If YOU would like to explore the wonderful world of studio portraiture, check out this limited offer that expires on December 25th!
Model: Anna Freeman
Model: Xavier Anthony
Model: Elizabeth Rhodes Styling: Kathy Thalman
Model: Lindsey Dukes
Model: Amanda Chapa
Model: Vanessa Nova
Model: Allaina Bouldin
Model: Stephen Condon
Model: Camille Khali
Model: Ella Rose Hall
Model: Camille Khali
Model: Joy Schmalzle
Model: Saril May
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Just Make Art

I have known far too many photographers who have gotten caught up into comparing their work with others, feeling discouraged that their work is just not good enough. While it is true that this can serve as a great motivator to learn more, improve technique, and grow in technical skills, discouragement also can sometimes stifle creativity and inspiration. If you make mistakes (and we all do) don’t let that discourage you. Learn from your mistakes and move on! That is a good strategy for life in general.

I am a big believer in all artists pursuing their art simply because they enjoy it. Experiment, explore, and find your unique path in artistic creation. You don’t have to “be like everyone else.” You don’t have to enter photo contests to prove your worth to the world. Art does not have to be a competition. Yes, it IS sufficient if you are happy with the art you are creating. That is enough. Find what YOU enjoy and DO THAT.

Doing what YOU enjoy, expressing your art in YOUR way, celebrates your uniqueness and is the gift you bring to the world.

Happy Picture-Creating, my friends!

Kevin

I thought I’d share a few quotes from various wise people, some thoughts to consider:

  • “The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel.” – Piet Mondrian
  • “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams
  • “When you can do a common thing in an uncommon way; you will command the attention of the world.” – George Washington Carver
  • “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath
  • “We all get so afraid of vulnerability that we actually stop trying to do things that we are not already good at doing.  When we give up being new and awkward, we stop growing and we stop living.” – Brene Brown
  • “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Suess
  • “The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be.” – Leo Buscaglia
  • “It’s better to fail in originality, than succeed in imitation.” – Herman Melville
  • “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” – Pablo Picasso
  • “You may not be a Picasso or Mozart but you don’t have to be. Just create to create. Create to remind yourself you’re still alive. Make stuff to inspire others to make something too. Create to learn a bit more about yourself.” – Frederick Terral
  • “Find something only you can say” – James Dickey
  • “I’m not very creative” doesn’t work. There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Unused creativity doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear.” – Brene Brown
  • “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso
  • “No person has the right to dictate what other people should perceive, create or produce. Everyone should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” – Ansel Adams
  • “Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff. Most fails. Some works. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it. Then you do something else. The trick is the doing something else.” – Tom Peters
  • “Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make. Good. Art.” – Neil Gaiman

I have a class that might help you if you are feeling stuck, not sure what you might do to find new inspiration or creativity:

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!

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Lonely Camera, Looking For A Companion

Attractive, single, camera, seeking committed relationship.

It happens. The excitement of a new camera wears off over time. The relationship gets boring, uninspired, and the next thing you know, the poor lonely camera sits untouched, longing for someone to pick it up again.

Give your camera the excitement it has been yearning for. We’ll help you explore new possibilities with your camera, whether it be in learning technical skills or finding new inspiration in photography.

Consider it “couples counseling” for you and your camera. 🙂

Check out all of our upcoming classes. CLICK HERE


P.S. Interested in Bird Photography? We’ll be announcing a new opportunity soon! Contact us if you’re interested at kevin@kgphotoworkshops.com


Support Local Small Business

We’re definitely “Local Small Business!” Please help us out during the holidays. Tell your friends about our classes. We are a small independent business in Austin, Texas. Your referrals mean the world to us. We are not an impersonal large corporation running ads on TV, radio, and the Internet. We (my wife Gail and I) have been in business for 16 years, and our priority is to help you become a better photographer, find new artistic inspiration, and have fun! We have loved the people we serve and are sincerely grateful for your business. The pandemic has made the past couple of years particularly challenging, but your continued support has meant so much to us. Thank you all! (And please tell others! 😉 )

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Kevin Gourley Photography Workshops, Austin, TX – Austin Photography Classes