COVID-19 UPDATE: YES! We have brought back some in-person class options as well as continuing to offer online classes!
Your safety and the safety of our community are important to us! We are adapting plans as we follow the progression of the pandemic.
Our business follows CDC and local guidelines. Current CDC guidelines state: "To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission." With Austin currently being "an area of high transmission," being at Stage 4 on the brink of moving to Stage 5, we request all Austin in-person class participants wear a mask indoors at our studio.
We have arranged our class space to help with "social distancing" and we clean all table surfaces prior to each class.
Wednesday Afternoons 1pm-3pm Sept 29, Oct 6,13,20 (skip 27th), Nov 3,10, 2021 2 SPACES AVAILABLE!
Tuesday/Thursday Evening Classes Begin August 3, 2021 7pm-9:10pm SOLD OUT!
Consider taking our 2021 Fall Photography Fundamentals Workshop instead, which is an expanded version of Photography 101 held at a beautiful resort ranch in the Texas Hill Country on the Guadalupe River! REGISTER BY AUGUST 1 AND SAVE $100!!
Flash / Speedlight Photography Workshop
Learn how to most effectively use electronic flashes / speedlights to expand your photographic skills. If you have taken my Photography Essentials Class or Photography 101, this is another great next step we'd recommend!
Tuesday August 24th 6:30-9:30pm
Online Course: Photography Essentials Levels 1+2 Class Start your photography learning here! Or take this course as a refresher on the important fundamentals of photography.
Learn important photography essentials! Up to 9 hours of learning in this interactive online video course!
Tuesday+Wednesdays Mornings 10am-Noon(ish) Aug 31 Sept 1+7+8, 2021
Tuesday+Wednesdays Evenings 7pm-9:10pm Aug 31 Sept 1+7+8, 2021
Photography 201 - Expand Your Photography Skills
Ready to take the next step in advancing your photography skills?
This is a great class to take after taking Photography 101 or my Photography Essentials class!
Right now we are considering best date options for this class. If you'd like to take this, click on the link to learn more about the class and then let us know what you'd prefer! Your input matters!
Texas Bird Photography Ranch Workshop Friday-Sunday October 15-17, 2021 - SOLD OUT! Sunday-Tuesday October 17-19, 2021 - ONE SPACE AVAILABLE!
Sharpen your photography skills in bird photography at a wildlife ranch near Uvalde, TX.
Participant Comment:
"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
Learn the important fundamentals of photography in this wonderful 4-day educational workshop at a beautiful ranch retreat center in the Texas Hill Country!
October 27-31, 2021 Register by August 1st (extended to August 3rd!!) and SAVE $100!
PERFECT for beginner and intermediate level photographers
Learn the important fundamentals of photography and camera operation
A perfect mix of classroom learning and exploring the ranch to put into practice what you learn in class, discover what you need help with, ask questions, then learn more in class
The venue is a photographer's paradise on the North Fork of the Guadalupe River
If you have been shooting in 'Auto' mode, you have been missing out on so many other great features in your camera. This class takes you beyond 'automatic'
Have you tried reading your camera manual and found it was no help? You're not alone! This class will help more than any camera user's manual.
Don’t think of this as a workshop. Think of this as a fun photographers “retreat” to get away and just have fun exploring with other photographers.
This year's participants said: "highly recommend this fun weekend" - "I loved the time in nature, and I really enjoyed interacting with the other participants" - "Thank you so much, Kevin, for giving us the opportunity to attend such an awesome workshop." - "The best thing, though, was you as a leader, you were so patient and kind, and so helpful, whether it was a small thing or if a participant needed a lot of help. Your love of photography and helping others to love it, too, was so evident - not just a job." - "The retreat was pure joy--beautiful landscapes, comfortable rooms, good food, and the enjoying benefit of Kevin's extensive knowledge and exceptional teaching skills." - "fun learning environment with ultimate flexibility and a superb location"- "Enjoyed the weekend in the idyllic location and gained important skills in photography in the process. Kevin is a passionate and energetic teacher." - "fun learning environment"
Other Classes Offered Throughout the Year
Online Course: Nature Essentials Photography Class
Let's explore how YOU can create better nature / wildlife / landscape photographs! Kevin Gourley has years of experience leading many photographers on workshops in stunning Rocky Mountain National Park and other locales. If you have taken my Photography Essentials Class or Photography 101, this is another great next step we'd recommend!
Let us know if you'd like us to add another session!
Online Class: Lightroom Classic CC Class An online interactive webinar where YOU set the price to attend!
Learn how to organize and enhance your photographs with this powerful program!
Let us know if you'd like us to add another session!
Online Class: Photoshop for Photographers Class Series An online interactive webinar where YOU set the price to attend! Learn important Photoshop skills and features all photographers need to know in these interactive online classes. Let us know if you'd like us to add another session of any of these classes!
Photoshop Level 1+2 : Now offered as a combined course!
"How Do I Do That in Photoshop?" Class
Photoshop - Composite Photo Editing Class
Online Course: Photography Essentials of LIGHT Class
Learn how you can use various qualities of LIGHT to improve your photographs If you have taken my Photography Essentials Class or Photography 101, this is another great next step we'd recommend! An online interactive webinar where YOU set the price to attend!
Let us know if you'd like us to add another session!
Online Class: Photography: Finding Your Way - Creativity 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!
Let us know if you'd like us to add another session!
Online Course: Lightroom Classic CC Tips & Techniques Class An online interactive webinar where YOU set the price to attend!
If you have already learned the basics in our Lightroom Classic CC Class, take your learning one step further in this online class covering 30 tips and techniques that will help you get more out of Adobe Lightroom Classic!
Let us know if you'd like us to add another session soon.
Need Specific Immediate Help with Lightroom Classic CC?
In private one-on-one online sessions where you can share your computer screen, working directly with YOUR computer (remotely), I can help you with the many questions Lightroom Classic CC users encounter. I can do this online via Zoom video conferencing. It's easy to set up!
Online Course: Flash Photography Essentials Class An online interactive webinar where YOU set the price to attend!
Learn the Important Essentials of Flash Photography in this Online Class! If you have taken my Photography Essentials Class or Photography 101, this is another great next step we'd recommend!
Let us know if you'd like us to add another session soon.
Learn how to effectively use your camera to achieve consistently better photographs.
Rated 5-Stars ***** by readers!
Review: "The only thing better than this book is taking one of Kevin's workshops or trips, but whether or not you've done that, or can do it, and whether or not you are an experienced or a novice photographer, this book should always be in your camera bag for quick reference. Kevin gives you all the tips you'll need to help you get the photograph you can see in your mind's eye but may have trouble capturing. It's like having Kevin at your shoulder on every shoot, quietly saying 'Did you remember to--?' An excellent resource!"
Why Take Our Classes?
Five Star Rating by Students
5-Star Rated by Students! Offering the best school of photography in Austin and Central Texas.
"Kevin is a fantastic instructor" - Kevin's classes rise above all the rest" - "Surpasses everyone else." - "His classes are fun and challenging! Kevin goes the extra mile to teach students photography using hands-on techniques." - "His sense of humor and deep understanding of all things photographic have inspired me to get better with my camera." - "Kevin's class was amazing." - "I've been to several workshops and Kevin's is by far the best in terms of practical learning and experience you can use every day." - More...
Classroom Environment
Our classes are intentionally kept small, encouraging an environment where you can ask questions and share insights. We want you to learn in a fun and enjoyable setting. If you need extra help, no problem! Come to class early. We're here to help you learn!
Improve Your Photography
Learn how to more effectively use your camera and equipment. Don't be hindered by the limitations of your camera's "AUTO" exposure mode. Advance in your photographic skills and the result is consistently better photographs!
Have Fun
Have fun learning with other photographers! Especially in our destination workshops, we go to some beautiful places and you'll have a chance to create your own great images. As a shared adventure with other photographers like you, the experience is even more fun.
Stay Connected Online
We offer online resources to enhance your learning experience even more, including blog articles, submit homework, and we are happy to answer questions any time by email.
Subscribe to our email list! Be the first to know about upcoming classes and special opportunities and discounts.
Other Classes We Offer Intermittently Throughout the Year
Photographers Weekend Boot Camp
Learn the important fundamentals of photography in one weekend!
All day Saturday + Sunday afternoon
Electronic Flash / Speedlight Clinic
Learn how to operate and more effectively use your electronic flash / speedlights, blend flash with existing light for more natural looking photographs.
Wildflower Photography Class Morning and Evening Classes - March 10, 2020
Spring is wildflower time in Texas! Be prepared in this short class on wildflower photography!
Adobe Lightroom Classic CC Weekend Workshop
Learn Adobe Lightroom Classic! This is an excellent program for helping photographers organize and create outstanding photographs!
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 or our Photographers Weekend Boot Camp, this is a great next step!
Studio Lighting Photography Workshop w/model Camille Khali Using your own camera, learn creative lighting techniques in this studio session with model Camille Khali! We provide the studio, the lights, the instruction and the model. Not only is this a wonderful very hands-on learning opportunity, you'll be creating your own beautiful images with Kevin's guidance in a fun collaborative creative environment!
Photography Painting with Light Evening Class Wed/Thurs Nov 20-21, 2019 6:30pm
The most fun photography class you'll ever take!
'Learn by Doing' Workshops So you know a bit about photography but you want to get out there and practice while you learn more? These workshops are FOR YOU!
Studio Lighting Workshop
You'll complete this workshop with your own amazing images shot with studio lighting using your own camera, and gain a better understanding of the entire process involved.
Kevin Gourley Photography Workshops is an Austin based school of photography that has been rated "best photography classes in Austin Texas" by many of his students. Kevin is a full-time pro photographer with a studio in NW Austin, Texas. In addition to his years of experience in photography, Kevin has taught countless numbers of photographers, both beginner and advanced students.
Regardless of your current knowledge of photography, Kevin can help you grow in your skills in a non-intimidating environment. Want to know more reasons to choose our photography classes? Click Here Kevin's popular classes attract students from the Austin area, plus neighboring communities such as Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Killeen, Waco, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and the Texas Hill Country area. For his full day classes and occasional weekend classes, students come from as far as Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Waco, Dallas, and even Southern Oklahoma. Wherever you are coming from, we welcome you!
What do people say about Kevin's photography?
"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."
What do people say about Kevin's teaching?
"You are one of the best instructors I have had the privilege of finding."
"Outstanding teacher!"
"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."
"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!"
"Kevin's classes offer new photographers the opportunity to dive deeper into the fundamentals of photography and the tools and techniques to improve your skills. I have taken two classes now and enjoyed them both tremendously!"
"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 has taught me so much about photography. His classes are both fun and challenging! Kevin goes the extra mile to teach students photography using hands-on techniques. He encourages the class to ask questions and he takes the time to be certain that you understand the answer. I have taken five of Kevin's classes (so far) plus multiple private tutoring sessions! I also attended his Rocky Mountain workshop in Estes Park, CO. I highly recommend Kevin regardless of your skill level. Looking forward to my next class!"
"I have taken photography classes elsewhere, but Kevin's classes rise above all the rest. He explains things in a way that is easily understood. He limits his class sizes so you aren't just a number in his class and you get more personalized attention. And he uses live demos and hands on experience to help his students further grasp the information. You won't find a better instructor anywhere!" - Sheila C.
"I have looked at several photography classes in central Texas and what you offer surpasses everyone else."
"I have taken 3 courses with Kevin and plan to take everything he offers! His sense of humor and deep understanding of all things photographic have inspired me to get better with my camera. Highly recommend "Mr. Kevin" to anyone of any level who wants to know more about photography."
Some of our classes offer discounts for early registration! Make sure you subscribe to our email list so you will know when we add new classes! Also, members of our email list occasionally get special offers or pre-registration options not available to the general public. It pays to subscribe!
Plus, our registered students get great discounts, door prizes, and even free software! Scroll down to learn more! Many thanks to Color Inc Pro Labs, HDRsoft, Topaz Labs, ThinkTank Photo, HeliconSoft, Alien Skin Software, and Macphun!
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE to our Photography Classes/Workshops Email List!
Photography 101 - Fundamentals of Great Photography
Online Course: Black and White Photography
Flash / Speedlight Photography Workshop
Online Course: Photography Essentials Levels 1+2 Class
Photography 201 - Expand Your Photography Skills
Online or In-Person Private Instruction
Special Offer: Studio Photography Rental Private Session and Fun Learning Opportunity!
Texas Bird Photography Ranch Workshop
2021 Fall Photography Fundamentals Workshop
2022 Texas Hill Country Spring Photography Retreat
Online Course: Nature Essentials Photography Class
Online Class: Lightroom Classic CC Class
Online Class: Photoshop for Photographers Class Series
Online Course: Photography Essentials of LIGHT Class
Online Class: Photography: Finding Your Way - Creativity Workshop
Online Course: Lightroom Classic CC Tips & Techniques Class
Need Specific Immediate Help with Lightroom Classic CC? 
We Are Not Broken – A wonderful photography volunteer opportunity!
I Also Do Website Design/Development!
KEVIN'S BOOK IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Five Star Rating by Students
Photographers Weekend Boot Camp 
Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers Weekend Workshop
Water Droplet Photography Workshop
Wildflower Photography Class
Photography Beyond the Basics - Mastering the Fundamentals 
Adobe Lightroom Classic CC Weekend Workshop
Light & Photography Workshop
HDR - High Dynamic Range Photography Workshop
Studio Lighting Photography Workshop w/model Camille Khali 
Photography Painting with Light
