The gypsy guide to creatively mastering photography with Liz Labianca
Learn how to predict your settings so that you
can start focusing on your art
READY, SET, SHOOT!
Does reading your manual give you anxiety? Do you find yourself going cross-eyed over terms that just don’t make sense as it just seems to run into even more terms that don’t make sense? Do you fumble between settings – not knowing the whys behind them and then end up missing the shot because your settings were wrong – or you were too late to capture the shot once you figured out your settings? Do you want to throw your manual away and just go back to shooting automatic?
Learning your camera doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. The reality is that YOU are smarter then your camera – (you just may not know it yet). Finally learn the FUNdementals of photography and your camera in a way that breaks free from the overwhelming technical terms and teaches you to see the world in an entirely different way. Learn to tie it all together in a simple world that steps away from technical and quickly enter into a world of shooting that becomes fun again.
In this 6 week online workshop (with a break during week 5), Liz will teach you how to become in tune with your surroundings in a way that helps you prepare your camera to shoot. She will help guide you through the “whens” and “whys” of choosing what lens you want to shoot with. Finally, once we have answered all of those questions we will finally figure out what focus systems works best with what you are trying to capture. You will be challenged to shoot in a way that will help you find your own unique creative voice as you step away from focusing on the technical and focus more on what moves you as an artist.
Participants in this workshop will receive the following:
– A 450 PAGE PDF THAT WILL GUIDE YOU AS YOU MASTER YOUR CAMERA ALONG WITH A VIDEO WALK THROUGH OF THE PDF (available to all students)
– A PRIVATE PERISCOPE GROUP WHERE IMPROMPTU LIVE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE WORKSHOP (available to all students)
– WEEKLY IN-PERSON WEBINAR SCHEDULED AND RECORDED (available to all students)
– OPEN CHAT ROOMS WHERE QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED IN PERSON WHEN NEEDED (available to all students)
– SPECIFIC SHOOTING ASSIGNMENTS AND VIDEO CRITIQUES DURING WEEKS 1-3 (for assignment students only)
– A PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP (available to all students)
Course syllabus
This is an online interactive workshop where students work at their own pace within the allotted workshop dates. With all Bloom Workshops, students are not required to log in at specific times of the day so no worries if you reside in another country, people from all over the globe participate in our workshops.
Getting familiar with the forum, periscope and webinars
TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED:
-Introduction PDF and videos shared
-Receive pre-assignment
Predicting your settings so you are ready to shoot
TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED:
-Learning to identify the primary environments that we shoot in
-Understanding the building blocks that create up the exposure triangle
-How aperture, ISO, and shutter speed effects your story
-Learning the rules of shooting in manual so that you can break them when you are ready
-Understand the effect of light and how quickly it can change your settings
-Learn the “safe-zones” of shooting so that you can better guide your artistic vision
-Asking the questions to predict your settings
-Metering and the reasons why you can’t trust it
-When I choose to underexpose and when I overexpose and what I am risking by choosing one to lead my artistic vision
-Raw vs. Jpeg
Predicting your lens choice and understanding focal distance
TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED:
-Breakdown of lenses and focal lengths and understanding how your lenses effect the light
-Understanding how your focal length can change your story
-Learn how to make the lenses you have work for you
-Understanding the 3 ways you can enhance your portraits or your storytelling image
-Understand the difference between primes and zoom / crops and full frame and the benefits of both
-Learn how to make wide-angle lenses work for you – its not as easy as you would think
Predicting your focusing systems and the other things that make you go hmmm
TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED:
-The 5 different focus systems that I use and the whens and whys behind them
-Learn how to predict your focus systems before you need to use them
-In-depth coverage of BBF (back button focus) and if its right for you
-White balance and shooting in pre-sets and Kelvin
-Learn how your focus systems can help with how you compose your story
-Learn my tips on how to shoot from the hip (now that you don’t meter)
-Trouble shooting | different lens issues
-Diopter, m-up, self-timers, and bracketing
-Shooting speeds
-iPhone tips and tricks
Now what (video only)
TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED:
-Lightroom culling and editing tips (video)
-Learn how to recover highlights, remove lens vignetting, and remove grain
-How I save my personal images vs client images
-How to back-up your images
-Intro to business tips
-Creating albums
Break week
BREAK WEEK:
-This class has a floating break week and it will be scheduled accordingly by the needs of the class. With all the information that is being received, the break week is the week where students can truly digest it all and continue to ask questions while it sinks in.
Workshop details
The workshop details are stated below. Please read them carefully as each workshop may be different.
Workshop dates
TBD.
Next scheduled run date: TBD.
Pricing information
Assignment seats | $350
Non-assignment seats | $300
Alumni seats | $150
Assignment seats offer the full benefits of the online workshop: students get to participate within the workshop section, ask questions, email Liz and get critique on their assignments where applicable.
Non-assignment seats receive all the benefits of assignments seats except rendering critique on their assignments.
Alumni seats are past students (both assignment and non-assignment) that have taken a previous The Gypsy Guide To Creatively Mastering Photography workshop. Please note: you will be required to show proof of payment for a past workshop if you sign up for an alumni seat.
Registration details
Check back soon.
Prerequisites
In order to participate in this workshop, you must be a member of the Bloom Forum. However, you do not have to be a forum member during the time of registration.
To truly get the most out of the class, it is important to own a DSLR. Liz STRONGLY encourages all students to have a prime lens to take the course. This will help students control their camera’s settings and shoot in low-light. If you don’t know if you have a prime lens – you most likely do not. Feel free to email Liz directly if you are unsure – ADMIN@LIZLABIANCA.COM
Listed below are links to two of the cheapest lenses for your Canon or Nikon Camera:
CANON
NIKON
If you aren’t ready to commit to a lens – try renting one for the class.
BORROW LENSES
Please know this online course utilizes various social media platforms (Instagram, Persicope, Facebook and webinars) during the workshop dates.
The only other prerequisite Liz has is that you are willing to dedicate your passion to a full month of constant shooting. Liz can teach you how to predict your settings but you have to be willing to shoot in order to truly learn. She encourages daily shooting and a commitment of at least 4 hours a week dedicated to the course. This is a very intensive workshop.
Policies
In order to participate in this workshop, you must be a member of the Bloom Forum. However, you do not have to be a forum member during the time of registration.
Once you register your PayPal receipt will act as your confirmation to the workshop.
If your Paypal email address is not your daily contact email, please contact Liz at ADMIN@LIZLABIANCA.COM and let her know. The only email she will have on file is your Paypal one and that will be the one she will use to contact you unless otherwise noted.
No refunds are given once a seat is purchased, however, you can sell your seat on your own. If you do, please get in touch with the teacher and advise her/him of the seat transfer.
The workshop will be open for two months after the workshop ends for students to gather and save information. Please note that the teacher will not be available to answer questions during this period.
If you have any questions regarding the content of the workshop, don’t hesitate to email the teacher. For all other questions, please feel free to send us an email at EVERYTHINGBLOOM@GMAIL.COM.
Assignment Participation | $350
Non-Assignment Participation | $300
Alumni Participation | $150
I don’t know that I can find the words to do justice to how amazing this experience was and how much of an impact Liz has had on my life. I call it an experience, not a class, because that’s truly what it is when it comes to Liz. I have taken a lot of photography workshops and while I’ve really loved most of them, none of them hold a candle to the level of involvement and passion Liz pours into The Gypsy Guide. I took this class because I admire Liz’s free-spirited way of shooting and the passionate and creative way she sees and documents the beauty in her world. I have been shooting for several years; I thought I knew manual, I thought I knew my camera, but I learned things I never knew I didn’t know. I am leaving this class a much, much more intentional and confident shooter. I have a newfound passion about documenting my world, and a clearer vision of where I want to go with my photography. People throw the term “game-changer” around a lot when it comes to photography workshops. I see it so often that I don’t trust the term anymore. But I can say with all my heart and soul that this experience and Liz are an absolute GAME-CHANGER. I have never met anyone who cares so deeply about other’s learning as Liz. There were times I didn’t understand something, or was having a bad day or had a disappointing shoot, and Liz would jump into an open chat or a Periscope and talk me through it. She is more than a teacher, she is a life coach and a strong support that cares so deeply about seeing her students succeed. Liz has built a phenomenal class, and an entire supportive and amazing Gypsy community, that I truly recommend to anyone. I will sign up for anything Liz offers in the future.
Laura Boggs
Anything I write here won't be able to adequately explain how amazing this workshop is. Liz pours her heart and soul into this class and gives SO MUCH of herself. You know how there are some people in life who were just born to teach? Liz is one of them. This class delivers on everything that it promises and MORE. So much more. In the end, it's the things I didn't see coming that have made this experience priceless; more genuine connection and engagement with my kids, allowing myself to let go of the idea of perfection and stay true to my heart, capturing family memories while staying in the moment, and friendships made in a supportive and safe community. It's unlike anything else out there. Liz sets herself apart in so many ways. You won't regret your decision to purchase this workshop and you will grow as a photographer in ways you can't begin to imagine.
Rachel Ambroson
I cannot recommend this workshop enough! It has truly changed everything for me from my perspective to my business, knowledge of my equipment and settings and even my confidence in my work! My passion for photography has been ignited like never before. Liz teaches with her heart, soul and an infinite depth of knowledge and passion. She goes far above and beyond in her ways of teaching. She answers ANY and ALL questions so thoroughly and almost always gives examples in multiple ways which leads to so many eye opening moments. She provides such guided critiques and actually helps your growth each week with her engagement and genuine interest and passion for each student and their journey. I learned so much about my camera and the way that I shoot that has been invaluable and I am sure I would have never learned without this workshop. This has been a true transformation for me as a photographer and also for my personal passion projects and for my business. This workshop is an absolute must!
Tiffani Cascadden
I have taken many online workshop’s and Liz’s is by far the best I have ever experienced! In fact, her workshop was so much more than a workshop….it was an incredible journey! Liz put her heart and soul into every minute of our time together. She went above and beyond!! What I love most about Liz is her authenticity. With her periscopes, videos, webinars and student critiques, she shared herself….her beautiful and authentic self!! Her passion for photography as well as her extraordinary photographs and PDFs are truly inspirational and empowering. I am walking away from the Gypsy Guide not only inspired and empowered but also with SO much photography knowledge, tools to take my business to the next level and an amazing community group of like minded Gypsies. I am so grateful for Liz and the time she gave us on this journey. I hope I will be able to take her next Gypsy workshop!
Kim Hecht
I wish I could convey to you how much this class has affected the way I shoot, and my new overall confidence in my photography. This is not only a business confidence - but a newfound belief in the real reason I started this journey. Liz literally peeled back the layers of her photography life and let us see every facet - teaching us literally how to think when picking up our camera straight through to how to package the final product. It has made all of the difference. I think about my business - and my passion - with an assuredness that I never would have had before. Her coaching and these weeks I spent following her are the best I’ve ever felt about my work.
Jill Richardson
I LOVED THIS CLASS AND LIZ!!! This was a truly amazing class and experience, and my short recommendation is to just buy the class and take it!! My longer review: This class was so much more than just understanding your camera in manual mode. It's learning a whole new way to shoot in manual, combined with Liz's energy and passion that encourages you to love your photography and embrace your own journey and style. The weekly lessons are very organized and there is a theme that you are learning each week. But on top of that, Liz teaches everything about photography, and you will come away with so much more knowledge and confidence, and a desire to keep learn more! The amount of time Liz puts into this class is just out of this world. There are many impromptu periscopes and open chat webinars -- you always feel like she is there to answer questions, give you real-life examples of putting the lessons into use, and to help you talk through your photography goals and dreams. I gained so much confidence shooting in the gypsy way, and have a renewed energy and love for photography!
Molly Andresen
I'm so impressed with this class! I've been shooting and in business for a couple of years now, and was hesitant in signing up for a what seemed like a beginner manual user class. Well this class has more than exceeded my expectations. I'm using my camera differently, I have a ton of new and detailed information that is keeping me busy for days. Not only that, Liz is present during the entire duration of the class. I really love that she's reaching us through webinars, periscopes, etc. It's like she's in my house with me the whole time, and really making sure this stuff sinks in. I am forever grateful that I took this class. A definite turning point technically and internally speaking.
Leah Vazquez
The Gypsy Guide is transformational in terms of teaching and learning. Excellent use of different media to communicate and teach which builds a real course community. This course was worth at least 5 breakouts in 1! It's often hard to justify the cost of courses but if you can only take 1 this should be it... and it is all you need to either get you started or to refresh. Liz is an excellent teacher... so committed, authentic and full of energy. We had a blast on this course and have an active group to keep the momentum going. Thanks Liz for putting everything into this.
Geraldine Slegg
to me This was my first class on the Bloom Forum and it definitely won’t be my last, I just can’t decide what to take next!! I’m not sure this review will do Liz’s class justice but I’ll try. I’ve taken other classes before but never had a teacher who put so much of herself out there, I was amazed at how much time she devoted to answering questions and making sure she went over things again if anyone was confused. I will miss her periscopes and open webinars which were always packed with additional information which is so helpful to us visual learners out there. I loved the video that she would do that would the accompany the pdf for that week, that was helpful to have her kind of walk through the pdf with additional thoughts or information. I’m so grateful to have the pdf’s and videos to go back to and rewatch when needed. I also think that the information Liz provides regarding predicting your focusing systems is really the "missing piece” in mastering photography that you just can’t find in other classes. This class helped me to get out from behind the viewfinder and stop being so obsessed with my camera meter. I’m now engaging more with my kids and generally enjoying photography more. Thank you so much Liz, I can’t to see what you come up with next!
Maria George
I was completely blown away by Liz Labianca's Gypsy Guide To Creatively Mastering Manual Photography. I learned more about photography in this four week on-line workshop than from all the other photography classes or workshops I have ever taken. Not only is Liz a brilliant artist, she is a passionate and compassionate teacher who went above and beyond to impart to us everything she knows about photography, both the creative and technical aspects of shooting and the business side. I learned to shoot in a new way that has given me confidence, ability, and inspiration. I am not a slave to my light meter and I am having more fun taking photos! My only regret is that this workshop isn't longer - I want to keep learning from Liz!!!
Michelle Dean
This is by far THE BEST photography class I have taken hands down. Liz Labianca has an incredible passion for photography and teaching, and she goes above and beyond in teaching this class!!! She pours her heart and soul into her students. She makes us rethink some of the "rules" or habits we've learned when first starting out that actually hold us back. Instead she breaks down manual settings, light, and focusing systems in a way that make intuitive sense, and teaches us to predict our environment before we even start to shoot. As a result, I now shoot much more confidently (no longer fumbling endlessly with my settings!) and creatively, and have started shooting for other people than our family. The community of gypsies around this class is also unparallelled and lives on beyond the dates of the class. Liz also brings in other accomplished photographers via webinars to share their journey with her students. RUN to grab one of the full participation seats (they go fast), but if you don't get one, you will learn just as much by being a non-homework student because Liz is accessible to all students - whether via the forum, facebook, periscope or webinars!
Olesya Alferenko
Liz’ workshop was over the top amazing! She is not only an incredibly talented photographer but a terrific teacher! Her passion is contagious! The topics she covered were so informative and the PDF’s were awesome. The weekly webinars and frequent Periscopes we’re the BEST! She made us ALL feel important and worthy of our journeys. The time and effort that she gave to all us was just unbelievable! She’s so laid back, kind and wanting to help you learn in so many ways. How she found the time for us and her family was crazy! What a great mom and wife she is as well! I am beyond grateful not only for taking this workshop, but for getting to know Liz and all of the other Gypsys! We have become a very tight knit group and it’s so great to have a circle of women who constantly support you. I attribute that friendship to Liz and her infectious spirit! I have taken a handful of workshops in the past, but I can honestly say that this one hit it out of the ball park! I learned so much and have been inspired to keep moving forward!
Gay Haggin VanMeter
Liz Labianca’s The Gypsy Guide to Creatively Mastering Manual is easily the best creative class I have ever taken, photography or otherwise. Liz is a phenomenal teacher with a genuine love for photography. She has an incredible ability to turn difficult concepts into simple ideas that are easily understandable. Her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious and you can’t help but smile when she gets excited about a student having an a-ha moment! Before taking The Gypsy Guide, I had been shooting in manual as a hobbyist for over a year. Having previously participated in a breakout session where Liz was one of the group leaders, I discovered how much I enjoyed her teaching style and decided to sign up for this class. The Gypsy Guide exceeded my expectations by a mile. By learning how to predict my camera settings and focusing system before I start taking photographs, I am able to get out from behind my viewfinder and participate in the moments that I am trying to capture. As someone who is always documenting the lives of those around her, this is an incredibly welcome and freeing concept! If you are a beginning or intermediate level photographer, I can’t recommend this class highly enough. The workshop is dynamic, reflective, and it is constantly changing to fit the needs of the students. There wasn’t a day during the workshop (including weekends!) where Liz didn’t pop into Periscope to show a quick tutorial on how to use a gorgeous pocket of light that she found or open a webinar to answer students’ questions. I wish that this class had been available when I bought my first DSLR camera. Seriously, take this class and learn to “shoot from the hip”!!! Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Mary Kaminsky
Liz Labianca’s class The Gypsy’s Guide to Mastering Manual has been such a dramatic change in my photography. I am a self taught photographer who has been shooting for about 4 years, always relaying on the meter in my camera. I have taken classes, and yes I have had mentors but no one has taught me what I have learned in just the first week of Liz’s class. She is an amazing and inspirational photographer who has forever changed the way I will now photograph.
Ann Mangum
You can not go wrong with taking the online photo workshop from Liz Labianca! She is PASSIONATE about photography and generously shares that passion in this class. She truly wants all her students to learn the necessary technical knowledge and skills to take professional photos of their own that they will love. I have taken several photo classes and have never had a class that is as comprehensive as this one. You will learn all about your camera, which lenses to use in different environments, and how to use light to bring an artistic aspect into your images. A PDF is provided for learning and for reference but she is also available for group discussions on webinars, Facebook or email. Liz breaks the rules of photography and shows you what is possible!
Nancy Popiolek
From the first day of the Gypsy Guide workshop, I could tell this class was going to be something that would change my photography journey. Liz has poured her heart and soul into this class and it makes every student want to do the same! Her passion is contagious and she is our biggest cheerleader!! From the PDFs, videos, webinars, and periscopes, Liz makes sure that every student understand every concept she is teaching. I love that she will explain the answer to questions on video. It has been a game changer for me to understand confusing topics. I also LOVE the video critiques. This feedback invaluable to my growth. I am shocked at how comfortable I feel picking up camera and shooting anywhere and everywhere! Once you understand her way of shooting, you feel so free. She doesn’t strive for perfection, instead for moments! If I decide to go into business, it will be because Liz has given me the tools and confidence to do that. Yet what I am truly thankful for, is that Liz has opened up my eyes to the everyday moments and how to capture them in a way to tell MY STORY! Liz will never really know the impact this month has made in journey. I am a completely different photographer than I was a month ago, for that I am so grateful. Thank you, Liz!
Angie Wynne
I can not count the number of ah ha moments I have had during this class. Liz's teaching style is so comforting that you know you can ask any question and not feel like its a dumb question. The class is taught in such a hands on manner that you can sit with your camera while she's talking and there it is again, another ah ha moment. Her PDFs contains so much more useful information than the manual that my camera came with that I often refer to her PDF first. Everyone and anyone be it beginner or experienced photographer should take this class. If you don't you are seriously missing out on an amazing class and a teacher who truly cares about you understanding the photos you can achieve. I just love Liz and am so thankful for her willingness to share her knowledge.
Annette Southworth
Enlightening, inspiring, personal, fun - so many words can be used to describe this workshop. Liz’s passion for not only photography, but teaching photography is palpable. Her warm, inviting, “gypsy” style takes this class far beyond simply getting to know your camera and guides you to finding your art. I was blown away by how available Liz was throughout the workshop. From her impromptu check-in’s through periscope, open chat rooms and scheduled webinars, she was so giving of her time and made an effort to have a personal connection with each student. I recommend this workshop for any level of photographer, from those just learning their camera, to those that are looking to push their photography to another level. Liz’s personal approach allows all levels to leave the workshop feeling inspired. I am just sorry my time in the workshop is coming to an end because I will miss the daily check-ins when Liz pops in with something inspiring to share. On the other hand, it feels good to know that this is just the beginning… because of Liz’s dedication to providing the best content for this course, I am leaving the workshop with a new clarity, ready to take on new challenges and new perspectives. What a great feeling!
Summer Geismar
Simply put Liz Labianca and the Gypsy Manual class is amazing! I have taken many other photography classes both online and in person, but none of the others have clicked with me as much as this Gypsy class and the Gypsy techniques. Before the class, I considered giving up on trying to figure out manual and was thinking photography was too challenging for me. Since this amazing class, my camera has been set to manual and I am having FUN with creative and documentary everyday photographs of my family. My camera is now always within reach. Liz has taught me how to predict the camera settings before any scenario and adjust from there. Liz teaches with such infectious passion and lays it out in real and relatable terms! She is the most accessible teacher. She answers every student question via webinar or periscope and the student critique homework is personalized and invaluable. There's always nuggets of AHA! moments whenever Liz speaks. Fall in LOVE with photography again and take this class.
Lizette Kyman
I took a class with Liz last year because I was determined to take my camera off automatic and start shooting manual. I have always loved photography and even more so photographing my children. I wanted to learn how to use my "fancy" camera and allow it to create what I knew it was capable of achieving. Liz helped me learn how to do just that. It took practice and patience on my part but each time I used my camera and applied her lesson, I felt like I was able to achieve my goals. I would say the highest compliment was taking a photo of my daughter and sending it to family and my dad asking me what professional took the picture. I've taken a few friends pics and their friends ask the same question which only inspires me to shoot again. If it weren't for Liz's class, my camera would still be sitting on a shelf with an occasional automatic function use. Liz is truly remarkable and her work continues to inspire me on and off the photographic field.
Marissa Mullens
When I first met Liz I had the simple expectation that she would show me how to use the mechanics of my first DSLR. Little did I know that she would rock my world by teaching me so much more. She wanted me to grow and to succeed, and I learned early on that she was as invested in my passion for photography as she was for her own. Learning from Liz, I can honestly say that the world around me has come to life. I have developed a heightened appreciation for light...all kinds of light...and how it can illuminate a moment in time and make it unforgettable. Liz has taught me to seek connection within the families I work with, and she has inspired me to see beauty worth capturing in everyday mundane moments. I can’t say enough good things about Liz and her workshops. She is a gifted teacher, and she shares her talents with an abundance of generosity, encouragement and heart. My life as a budding photographer has been infinitely enriched by her mentorship and I am forever grateful that our paths came together.
Lisa Siegel
The gypsy guide to creatively mastering photography alumni
It's not just a class, it's a jumping off point.
Meet Liz
Liz LaBianca is a mom of 3 who is married to a rule maker and she prides herself as the rule breaker. She is also a woman who decided in October 2010 to start a photography business – a business that if she is totally honest, she was totally under qualified to start. She is a photographer who stopped planning book club parties and started planning photo shoots. Liz lived, breathed everything photography. Fast forward 6 years and here she is, and not a day goes by that she is not grateful for this journey. A journey that has allowed her to embrace this passion – but it opened another passion that she could have never imagined. She has been teaching for the last 4 years, running workshops, breakouts, and mentoring sessions. She is completely self-taught and therefore she has made a number of mistakes along the way (feel free to look at her earlier work from 2010 – she keeps it there to keep it real) – but those mistakes became her a-ha moments and those a-ha moments have helped her create a class to the struggling photographer in a world that could only make sense to the creative mind. Join Liz in her workshop as you make sense of all the components, learn how to tie them all together so that you can finally bring your artistic vision to life.