Albany NY Fine Art Portrait Photographer » family, couples and individual portraits that reflect heartwarming genuine interactions

Two weeks ago I taught my first photography workshop: Spirit Session, at Squam Art Workshops in New Hampshire.

I am so pleased with how things unfolded. I was astounded by the bravery and courage my students showed up with. They were open about their passions, fears and desires and stayed willing to learn despite the inevitable technical challenges and frustrations. I was so honored to walk them through gaining more freedom in using their cameras. At the end of the class each person was using manual mode and experimenting with their settings!

Spiritually I was deeply moved learning about each of my students and seeing them more fully embrace photography as a creative outlet that helps connect us with others and our surroundings.

I hope they learned a fraction of what I learned from them.

I was so caught up in taking individual portraits at the end of class, I didn’t think to take a group photo of the class!  I did my best to search out my students n the dining hall…to at least get a photo with them… unfortunately I missed getting a picture with 2 of them:(

Some feedback from my students:

“Thursday was my photography workshop, titled Spirit Session, with Thea Coughlin. It just might be one of my all time favorite life experiences.” – Diane

“I walked out of class floating because I felt so empowered to start learning how to take great pictures now that I understood how to use my tools.” – Jenn

Spirit Session Class Description:
Shift that camera dial off Auto and learn to tap the creative light inside you.

In this class we will explore and develop your photographic voice through playful, easy-to-understand exercises. The result will be pictures that make your spirit sing. My goal will be to help you take your photography to an entirely new level. No longer will you be limited to your camera’s Auto mode!

This is a low tech class for ALL levels. You’ll receive simple, practical tips on lighting, composition and your camera’s settings. We will experiment with both natural and off-camera lights and learn how lighting can be coaxed and accentuated using simple reflectors. We will explore lighting for creative portraiture and still life subjects. You can choose to focus on one or the other, or try a bit of both.

I will share the process I use to center myself before a photo shoot and how I connect with my subjects. And, during the class you will have an opportunity to have me capture your shining light in a personal portrait.

This workshop will leave you with a photo toolbox full of lighting techniques and tricks that will enable you to get images that really light you up inside as well as a personal portrait taken by me!