
Photography Classes & Workshops
Making great photographs is a creative adventure. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or travel to exotic places. The only requirements are that you have eyes to see, some sort of device to capture an image, and a mind ready to problem solve.
Whether you’re photographing memories of your child’s birthday party, documenting a trip, or taking photos of friends and family, you’re telling a story.
Join me as I share what I’ve learned throughout my years of experience photographing people and telling stories with photographs. Photography excites me and I can’t wait to share the excitement with you!

“Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.”
| Anonymous |
Intro to DSLR Photography
for ages 12+
Online Class | 9 weeks | $160 per student
(This class is not currently on the calendar. Stay tuned! If you would like to receive updates as to when this class will be offered next, click “register” below, fill out the form, and select “Intro to DSLR Photography”. You will not be invoiced, just added to our email list for the class.)
A class designed for you to understand the basic components of what makes a good photograph and to comfortably be able to use your DSLR camera to achieve making great photographs yourself.
Classes will be held twice a week with each meeting lasting approximately an hour. In this time there will be presentation of the material, time for me to answer your questions, and hands-on activities tailored to enhance knowledge and experience in the topics discussed.
For those of you who live in the Charleston, SC area, I will be organizing a few days and times to go out on location to practice applying what we are learning in the class and take photos right alongside you.
What you’ll learn…
Various types of camera equipment, how they work, and their purposes. This includes lenses, camera bodies, tripods, shutter releases, and more.
The three ingredients needed to make a great photograph.
How to properly expose images using ISO, shutter speed, and aperture as well as what kinds of light to look for.
Seeing well. Seems simple, right? Just wait. There’s a bit more to it than that.
Workflow, organization, and editing techniques.
Genres of photography and the thought processes behind them. These include people, events, travel, low light, and more.
The photo essay and how to tell a story using photographs.
And so much more!
Workshops
Workshops are the perfect option for those looking to learn about a specific photography topic or just want to whet their appetite for photography without committing to a 9 week class. Each workshop is about one to two hours of Ellen covering a specific photography topic. Examples, tips, practical application, and more will be presented as well as a time for you to ask questions and practice what you have learned. See workshops offered below.
The Three Key Ingredients to Photography
(This class is not currently on the calendar. Stay tuned! If you would like to receive updates as to when this class will be offered next, click “register” below, fill out the form, and select “The Three Key Ingredients to Photography”. You will not be invoiced, just added to our email list for the class.)
$30 / person
Good photographs don’t just happen. They are made. It takes intentionality and problem solving techniques to create good photographs. This workshop will present the three key techniques required to make a good photo. Whether you’re using a DSLR camera with lenses or your phone’s camera, these three techniques can be applied and will instantly turn okay photos into great photos.
Requirements: at least 13 years of age and familiar enough with your camera’s settings to take a photo without guidance.
Intro to Lens Types
(This class is not currently on the calendar. Stay tuned! If you would like to receive updates as to when this class will be offered next, click “register” below, fill out the form, and select “Intro to Lens Types”. You will not be invoiced, just added to our email list for the class.)
$25 / person
You have a DSLR camera but you have no idea which lenses to buy or use when you pick it up to take a photo. This workshop will not only present what types of lenses to use in various circumstances and how to use them properly to make your photos better, but it will also cover the mechanics of how a DSLR camera lens functions so that you can better understand your gear as you’re using it. And a little bonus: Tips on how and where to purchase lenses at a great price will be covered too!
Requirements: at least 13 years of age.
Travel Photography
(This class is not currently on the calendar. Stay tuned! If you would like to receive updates as to when this class will be offered next, click “register” below, fill out the form, and select “Travel Photography”. You will not be invoiced, just added to our email list for the class.)
$25 / person
Whether you’re traveling to a relative’s home, the neighboring town, or a foreign country halfway around the world, you want to capture this new place in all its unique beauty. This workshop will cover how to use techniques and perspective to capture new places in a beautiful and comprehensive manner. Not only that, but tips and tricks will be shared and expanded upon from Ellen’s own travel photography experiences to give real life examples and advice on the subject.
Requirements: at least 13 years of age.
The Three Key Ingredients to Photography
In person workshop
(This class is not currently on the calendar. Stay tuned! If you would like to receive updates as to when this class will be offered next, click “register” below, fill out the form, and select “The Three Key Ingredients to Photography”. You will not be invoiced, just added to our email list for the class.)
(full address will be given once you have registered)
$35 / person
Good photographs don’t just happen. They are made. It takes intentionality and problem solving techniques to create good photographs. This workshop will present the three key techniques required to make a good photo. Whether you’re using a DSLR camera with lenses or your phone’s camera, these three techniques can be applied and will instantly turn okay photos into great photos.
*Bonus in-person perks: You will have the opportunity to practice what you have learned during beautiful golden hour light outside with direct, hands-on instruction and guidance from Ellen.
Requirements: at least 13 years of age and familiar enough with your camera’s settings to take a photo without guidance.
Can’t make any of those workshop dates fit in your calendar?
Purchase access to the recording of the workshop(s) here and watch at your own convenience!
Meet your instructor.
FAQs
Classes
What if I miss a class?
It’s totally understandable that life gets crazy and you might have to miss a class here or there. That’s why I will be recording every class held and archiving it for you. If you miss a class and want to catch up on what was covered, reach out to me and I would be happy to get you the recording so you won’t miss a thing!
Will you be available for questions outside of class time?
Absolutely, yes! I will have a day open each week where I will be “in the office” and available for you to jump on a Zoom call with me one-on-one to discuss a topic, answer questions, or dive into an area of interest further. I also have Marco Polo and love to keep up with people and answer questions there. And I will always be an email away!
Do you offer photography classes in person?
At this time, I do not offer in-person photography classes. If you know of enough people interested in the Charleston area, I would happily consider offering this option! Just reach out to me and let’s get the conversation started.
Workshops
What if I can’t fit any of the workshop dates in my calendar?
You can purchase a recording of the workshop(s) you’re interested in and watch at your own convenience.
How long does a workshop last?
A workshop will typically last about one to two hours. But you are welcome to stay longer and ask questions!
Do you offer photography workshops in person?
Yes! I am currently offering one of my workshops in person. See workshop dates above.
