Improve your photo skills
Do you want to be a better photographer? Then you’ve come to the right place. Toys are the perfect subject to slow down and practice basic photography skills. All the concepts we discuss in my workshops directly translate to all other photography genres.
In these skills focused workshops I help you take a step back and build a solid foundation of photography skills. Not only will I help you master the Basics of Toy Photography, but also Composition and Cinematic Lighting. Two skill that will help your photography really stand out.
In these workshops everyone works at their own pace. Which means that they are perfect for both beginner and experienced photographers. I will help you build a strong base to work from so that you can bring your ideas to life.
Let’s get serious and play.
How they work
Workshops are photography based, and are structured to support your individual journey in a group setting.
Where: Online via Zoom
Time: approximately 2 hrs/class
Frequency: Six sessions over 12 weeks
Size: 4–6 people/session, allowing for plenty of discussion of your work
Cost: $400 unless otherwise noted
Photo challenges: To explore and understand foundational photo skills.
Sharing: Participants share a final image, as well as behind-the-scenes setups.
Recorded sessions
Creativity Clubhouse!
Complimentary one-year Creativity Clubhouse membership—a casual and supportive monthly gathering via Zoom to connect, share images and learn new techniques.
Workshop Benefits
- Find and expand your tribe of toy photography enthusiasts for mutual support
- Strengthen your photography skill set for either personal and/or professional growth
- Rediscover your inner child and the mental health benefits of play
- Create a strong foundation for future visual storytelling.
Workshop Offerings
Any workshop can be taken independently of the others, but they do build on one another. Each one adds new layers of skills and ideas to carry forward.
Below are brief descriptions. Click on “read more” for details on that specific workshop.
Skills based workshops currently available for sign up.
The Basics
This information-packed workshop covers it all—from proper posing, toy supports, in-camera special effects, and more. I take you behind the scenes to show you how I created specific images. Each session you will be challenged to create an image based on one of the basic toy photo skills you will be introduced to. You can read more about this workshop here.
Join my mailing list to be notified when this workshop is offered next.
COMPOSITION I
You may have heard of the “rule of thirds” and leading lines, but in this workshop we will move beyond those basics and explore six compositional rules important to effective storytelling. From color theory to creative viewpoints, you’ll enhance your photo compositions for maximum impact. Composition II picks up where Composition I leaves off. Read more here.
Composition II begins February 3, 2026
COMPOSITION II
In Composition II we will pick up where we left off in Composition I. By focusing on six basic compositional ‘rules’ AND storytelling you will see how composition supports storytelling. Soon composition will become second nature as you create images with depth and additional interest. Read more here.
Composition II begins February 3, 2026
EXPLORING LIGHTING
Even though lighting is the corner stone of great photography, it often feels like a giant black box. In this workshop we will breakdown and explore six lighting styles appropriate for toy photography. In this workshop we will take the mystery out of lighting and expand your creative tool box. Read more here or register here.
Next session begins May 6th, 2026.
Where to start?
If you’re new to toy photography, I recommend starting with the The Basics. Here you will learn foundational skills which will help you tackle the challenges in other workshops. From there, dive into The Idea Factory I, II or III. (Each one acts independently as a series of challenges to give you ideas on how to create small stories with your toys.) Once you’ve completed any of the Idea Factory workshops, choose Composition, Exploring Lighting, Inside out, Archetypes, Finding the Red Thread or even the Myths and Metaphor workshops to keep growing your skill set.
Storytelling can be the most challenging workshop, which is why recommend taking this when you’re ready to put all your skills together. In this workshop you will write and photograph a multi-image photo story.
