Storytelling Focused

Become a better storyteller

Almost all photography has a storytelling element. Whether its an image of a lone tree, a closeup of a stunning flower or a family portrait…storytelling is always present. Using toys as a primary subject, we can approach storytelling from visual and metaphorical perspective. 

Add in our childhood and personal memories to certain toys, and we have a powerful subject. One we can play straight or turn on its proverbial head. The possibilities for abstract and direct storytelling are endless. 

The workshops in this tract are designed to help you be a better storyteller. With each challenge we will explore all types of storytelling while also continuing to work on the basic fundamentals of photography. 

If you’re not sure which workshop is right for you, please get in touch.

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 expand your photographic toolbox

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
  • Expand your storytelling skills.  
  • Discover your unique visual voice. 
  • Become a visual storyteller. 
  • Understand the power of visual storytelling and the impact on the viewer

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.

Workshops currently available for sign up. 

If you’re interested in taking a workshop with me, please fill out this short survey so that I know what to offer. 

CHARACTER ARCHETYPES

While Myths, Metaphors and Symbols (see below) focuses on storytelling, Character Archetypes focus on the personas in your story. Archetypes can relate to your own life story or personas that intrigue you. This course lays a solid foundation for exploring visual storytelling. Read more about this workshop here. 

Join my mailing list to be notified when this workshop is offered next. 

Finding the Red Thread

Do you want to create a meaningful series of images?  Have you heard the saying ‘the sum is greater than the whole’? Welcome to Finding the Red Thread. The concept that will help you create a body of work where each image supports your idea, story, or specific photo technique. You’ll finish this workshop understanding how to create a compelling visual narrative and a finished project you’ll be proud of! Read more here or sign up here. 

Next Session Begins May 6th, 2026

The Idea Factory I, II and III

Photo challenges are at the heart of this series of three workshops (six sessions each), pushing you to explore out of your comfort zone and bringing your skills and ideas to the next level. We’ll explore all aspects of toy photography and get a taste of visual storytelling. Read more here. 

Join my mailing list to be notified when this workshop is offered next. 

Inside/Out

Emotions define the human experience. What better way to connect with (your) audience than tapping into universal emotions? We’ll explore the six basic emotions through weekly challenges that reinforce composition, symbols, color theory and more. Read more or register here.

Next session begins February 7th, 2026

MYTHS, METAPHORS & SYMBOLS

Add impact to your toy photography by imbuing your images with layers of meaning and symbolism. Six challenges will deepen your work and enhance your storytelling skills using mythology and key symbols such as animals, flowers and more. Read more here. 

Join my mailing list to be notified when this workshop is offered next. 

STORYTELLING

Learn the basic elements of storytelling—character development, context, conflict, climax and closure. We’ll explore character archetypes, two-sentence stories, the hero’s journey, story arcs, transformation and more. Read more about this workshop here. 

Storytelling begins February 1st, 2026

Creativity Challenge Roulette

This workshop is for any toy photographer who has taken three or more of my workshops and loves a good challenge. I will be pulling from four plus years of workshops and endless community challenges to keep you motivated and your skills growing. Read more here or sign up here. 

Sessions begin:

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.