Workshop Details & Participant Info

Workshop Schedule
(July 11–13, 2025)

Day 1: Portrait & Still Life Foundations

Location: Cara’s Home Studio (West Dallas – AC Provided!)

Time

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Session

Welcome, Introductions & Workshop Overview

Camera Confidence: Manual Settings Breakdown

Light Language: Window Light, Bounce Cards & Directional Light

Guided Portrait Session (Indoor Natural Light)

Lunch Break + Rest (studio remains open for optional practice)

Still Life Styling + Shooting Exercise

Basic Studio Lighting Demos: One-Light Setup

Partner Portrait Practice (Indoor with Light Tools) + Q&A


Time

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM

Day 2: Movement & Natural Light

Location: White Rock Lake + Bishop Arts District

Session

Meet-Up + Warm-Up Walk + Intro to Motion Shooting

Action Photography at White Rock Lake (with Movement Prompts)

Environmental Portraits: Natural Light, Backgrounds, and Storytelling

Shade-Seeking Challenge + Water & Snack Break

Lunch Break (AC café or go home to cool off)

Bishop Arts Portrait Walk: Urban Texture, Candid Prompts

Golden Hour Shooting Techniques (optional Deep Ellum add-on)

Daily Recap, Reflections + Optional Group Critique


Time

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM

Day 3: Lighting & Editing Essentials

 Location: Cara’s Home Studio

Session

Morning Check-In + Reflective Prompt

Off-Camera Flash 101: Gear + Light Modifiers

Lighting Setups: One-Light, Two-Light, Reflector Layering

Guided Partner Practice + Lighting Breakdown

Lunch Break / Optional Quiet Editing Time

Intro to Lightroom & Editing Workflow

Guided Edit: Bring a Shot from Shoot to Showcase

Final Image Share + Closing Circle + Certificate Presentation

Heat-Conscious Notes

  • Ample cold drinks, shade breaks, and access to indoor AC are available each day.

  • Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles, sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.

  • All outdoor sessions are optional; students may choose to observe or opt out as needed.

  • Transportation between locations is not provided, but carpools can be coordinated.

Professional Development Credit Information

Participants who complete the workshop will receive:

  • A Certificate of Completion documenting 15 contact hours

  • A detailed syllabus outlining learning objectives and session content

  • Attendance verification

  • Instructor biography and credentials

This documentation supports professional development credit submission for educators and creative professionals. Please check with your institution or employer for specific credit recognition policies.

Preparation & What to Bring

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode

  • Charged batteries and memory cards

  • Laptop with Lightroom & Photoshop installed (optional, but recommended)

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes for indoor and outdoor sessions

  • Notebook and pen for notes

  • Water bottle and snacks (some provided)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • A: No prior experience is required, but familiarity with your camera’s basic functions is helpful. We will cover fundamentals from the ground up.

  • A: Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual mode. A laptop with editing software is recommended for post-processing sessions (i.e. Adobe Photoshop and/or Lightroom)


  • A: You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and detailed documentation to submit to your institution. Contact us for any specific forms you may require.

  • A: Full refunds are available if you cancel by June 20, 2025. Partial refunds (50%) until July 1. No refunds after July 1, but transfers are allowed.

  • A: To ensure personalized attention, class size is capped at 10 participants.

  • A: Light snacks and beverages are provided during sessions. Participants are responsible for their own lunch.