T A P A S

OVER 22 HOURS OF RECORDED CONTENT

This 8 week class will explore all the different aspects of storytelling photography, especially within the documentary family genre. Kirsten will not only share her photos, workflow, thought process and business tricks but work with other photographers examining their businesses, portfolios and completed sessions.

WEEK 1 - A Full Session

Kirsten will share a full half day session from the 1st edit to the final slideshow. This includes sharing her entire contact sheet (minus any nudity), toning, slideshow sequencing and social media selects. She will even share how she uses Smart Albums to build her books.

WEEK 2 - A Business Review

Kirsten will spend time working one on one with a photographer whose in need of a business review. She will talk a look at their website, social media presence, pricing, products and goals both short and long term.

WEEK 3 - How'd You Do That?

This week Kirsten will dissect 10 different pictures she has made that are successful and talk through the thought process behind making each one using the contact sheets that lead up to the final picture.

WEEK 4 - Portfolio Review

This week we will highlight the work of a fellow photographer. The volunteer will provide around 200 pictures for Kirsten to review, edit down and reference to identify the photographer's strengths, weaknesses and personality. She will provide critique as well as insight regarding the themes running through their collective body of work.

WEEK 5 - Session Review

Kirsten will take a look at the RAW contact sheet from a full session provided by a volunteer. She will edit it down to it's strongest pictures, provide feedback on individual pictures and and discuss ways to increases the chances for success not only capturing but anticipating moments.

WEEK 6 - Personal Projects

This week will feature stories completed during Kirsten's Year Long Mentoring programs Virtual Storytelling and The Photographer's Narrative. She will be inviting several current and past students to join in a group discussion regarding Personal Projects, Creative Ideation, the logistics of completing them and what to do once they are finished.

WEEK 7 - Open Critique

Let's see your pictures! Kirstencritiques around 30 pictures and will select them based on originality, visual variety and universal challenges all moment photographers face. All subject matters are welcome.

WEEK 8 - Open Q&A

Students were invited to submit questions to Kirsten ahead of time so she can organize the questions into different topics including business, personal, inspiration, picture making and creativity. This will be the final week so it will be the last opportunity to ask Kirsten anything.


Your Instructor


Kirsten Lewis
Kirsten Lewis

Kirsten is a photographer based in Denver, Colorado however her work takes her around the world annually for photo commissions, speaking engagements and teaching opportunities. It was her 3 classes on Creative Live that ignited a global interest in her documentary approach to photographing families, specifically Day In The Life sessions as an alternate to the family portrait. From India to Colombia, Australia to Kazakhstan, Italy, Mexico, Turks and Caicos and London, Kirsten has brought her love of real life moments to over 30 countries in the last decade. Throughout her career beginning in 2001, she has worked as a photojournalist, wedding and family photographer, documentary photographer, branding and advertising photographer and personal photographic conceptual artist. Of all the accomplishments she's experienced, it's been Kirsten's role as mother that brings her the most pride and joy.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Can I actively participate?
This class is running LIVE October 2nd - November 15th, 2019. You can actively participate during this time, after the last live class these sessions are only available ON DEMAND.
Is this an advanced class?
This class is meant for photographers of all levels both hobbyists and professionals alike who particularly have an interest in using photography as a means to story tell. While the majority of the work we will be looking at is documentary family photography, the lessons are applicable to a variety of disciplines.

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