We’ve all heard the “rules” of photography: don’t center your subject, never shoot in harsh midday light, always keep your ISO low. But what if breaking those rules could actually lead to some of your most compelling and creative images?

In this refreshing and eye-opening presentation, Lisa Langell challenges conventional thinking and invites you to reimagine what makes a great photograph. She’ll walk you through five widely accepted “photography no-no’s” that, when used with purpose, can result in dynamic, emotionally powerful, and visually exciting work.

Through real-world examples, Lisa shows how ignoring traditional advice can open the door to fresh and artistic results. You'll see how bending or breaking the rules with intention can enhance storytelling, strengthen composition, and elevate the mood of your images.

This session is designed to inspire you to experiment more freely, step outside your comfort zone, and enjoy a more creative approach to photography.

There is a world of artistry waiting to be discovered when you move beyond literal representation and start seeing the visual potential in shapes, shadows, and motion. In this engaging and visually rich presentation, Lisa Langell introduces you to the creative possibilities of abstract photography and how it can transform the way you see and capture the world.

This session focuses on techniques that allow you to create expressive, artistic images from everyday subjects. You’ll learn how to use intentional camera movement (ICM), motion blur, light, shadow, and repetition to build images that are more about emotion and design than documentation. Lisa will guide you through concepts of abstract composition, color theory, and visual flow that help make abstract images feel complete and compelling.

The best part? You don’t need special gear or exotic locations. With just your camera and a curious mindset, you can find inspiration in ordinary surroundings—indoors or out. Whether it’s the curve of a flower petal, the shimmer of water, or the texture of tree bark, these overlooked moments can become your next piece of photographic art.

This session will encourage you to let go of perfection, embrace experimentation, and approach photography as a creative outlet. It’s perfect for anyone looking to grow beyond traditional image-making and discover new ways to express themselves through their lens.

High key photography offers a fresh, clean, and contemporary look that can elevate your nature images into something soft, elegant, and uniquely expressive. In this presentation, Lisa Langell introduces you to the beauty and simplicity of high key style, a technique that uses bright tones, minimal contrast, and soft backgrounds to create ethereal and artistic images.

You’ll learn how to recognize the right conditions for shooting in this style, including tips on lighting, subject choice, and exposure settings. Lisa will walk you through the process of capturing images both in the field and in controlled environments such as your own home or studio. From delicate birds and blossoms to subtle landscapes and textures, you’ll see how ordinary subjects can be transformed into modern photographic art.

In addition to in-camera techniques, this session includes simple post-processing tips to enhance your high key images without over-editing. You’ll discover how to fine-tune exposure, soften tones, and bring out the graceful, airy qualities that make this style so appealing.

Whether you’re looking to expand your creative toolkit, explore a new artistic direction, or create work that’s ideal for fine art prints and wall décor, this session will give you the inspiration and know-how to start seeing nature in a beautifully light and minimalist way.

Photographing hummingbirds is both a challenge and a joy. Their incredible speed, delicate beauty, and dynamic movement make them one of the most rewarding subjects in nature photography. In this engaging and educational presentation, Lisa Langell shares her proven techniques for capturing these tiny birds in ways that are sharp, artistic, and full of life.

You’ll learn how to approach hummingbird photography with the right mix of patience, preparation, and creativity. Lisa will guide you through essential camera settings, lighting setups, and background considerations that help you freeze motion and highlight each bird’s unique personality. She’ll also cover how to anticipate gestures, position yourself for the best compositions, and work with both natural and artificial light to create images that truly stand out.

This session is filled with practical tips for photographers of all levels, from beginners looking to get their first crisp shot to advanced shooters aiming to refine their technique. You’ll discover how to capture more than just a bird—you’ll learn how to photograph energy, elegance, and magic in a single frame.

Whether you're shooting in your backyard, a nature preserve, or a custom hummingbird setup, this presentation will leave you inspired and better equipped to create beautiful, memorable images of these remarkable creatures.

Alaska is a dream destination for nature photographers, and summer unveils a side of it that is vibrant, teeming with wildlife, and full of photographic magic. In this dynamic and inspiring presentation, Lisa Langell takes you behind the lens and into the heart of Alaska’s untamed beauty, sharing the tips, techniques, and strategies she uses to capture powerful images of the state’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes.

From bald eagles in flight to bears fishing in clear streams, from puffins perched on sea cliffs to otters floating in kelp beds, this session covers how to approach a wide variety of subjects with creativity, respect, and technical precision. Lisa shares her favorite shooting locations and lesser-known gems, as well as practical insights on how to read wildlife behavior, adapt to rapidly changing weather, and make the most of long daylight hours.

You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how to handle Alaska’s unique lighting conditions, deal with fog, glare, and contrast, and compose images that reflect the drama and serenity of this extraordinary region. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Alaska or returning for another adventure, this presentation will help you approach it with a sharper eye, a better plan, and more confidence in the field.

If you love nature photography and want to explore what makes Alaska so photographically rich in the summer, this session will give you the tools and inspiration to capture it in unforgettable ways.

The American cowboy remains one of the most enduring and iconic figures in our cultural landscape. But beyond the hats, horses, and dusty trails lies something deeper—a way of life rooted in resilience, tradition, and a quiet connection to the land. In this visually rich and emotionally grounded presentation, Lisa Langell takes you behind the scenes of her work photographing real working cowboys and cowgirls across the American West.

Through captivating images and storytelling, Lisa shares how she captures this world with authenticity and artistic intent. You’ll learn how to move beyond posed portraits and staged moments to photograph genuine interactions, dynamic action, and the subtle gestures that reveal the character and spirit of her subjects. From sunrise cattle drives to quiet moments in the barn, Lisa demonstrates how to use light, motion, and thoughtful composition to create images that feel timeless and honest.

This session also includes tips on how to photograph in fast-moving ranch environments, work respectfully with subjects, and build a visual narrative that honors the people and culture behind the image. Whether you’re photographing on a ranch, at a rodeo, or anywhere the cowboy spirit lives on, you’ll leave with practical techniques and creative inspiration to guide your approach.

More than just a lesson in camera settings or gear, this presentation is a tribute to the people who carry on a storied tradition—and an invitation to tell their stories with empathy, artistry, and respect.

Contrast is one of the most powerful tools a photographer can use—but it’s often misunderstood or underutilized. It’s not just about the difference between light and dark. Contrast can also be found in color, texture, shape, subject matter, and mood. When used thoughtfully, it has the ability to guide the viewer’s eye, create depth, and add impact to your images.

In this enlightening and practical session, Lisa Langell explores the many dimensions of contrast and how you can use them to enhance your photography. She’ll show how contrast works in both natural and controlled environments, helping you identify opportunities for stronger composition and more dynamic storytelling. You’ll learn how to recognize contrast in the field, work with it intentionally in-camera, and fine-tune it during post-processing to bring out the best in your images.

From bold, high-impact scenes to subtle, moody frames, Lisa will demonstrate how varying degrees and types of contrast can dramatically affect the emotional tone and visual clarity of a photograph. You’ll also explore the balance between contrast and harmony, and how to use both to elevate the artistry of your work.

Whether you're capturing landscapes, wildlife, abstracts, or portraits, this session will help you create images that pop off the screen and resonate more deeply with your audience. If you’ve ever looked at a powerful image and wondered why it worked so well, this presentation will help you understand how contrast played a central role—and how you can make it work for you too.

Editing is more than just moving sliders or applying presets. Truly effective post-processing starts with understanding why each adjustment is being made and how those decisions shape the final image. In this unique and highly interactive session, Lisa Langell takes a deep dive into the psychology, strategy, and intention behind strong edits—while working live on photographs submitted by members of your own camera club.

Using real images from participants, Lisa will demonstrate how small but thoughtful adjustments can dramatically improve composition, storytelling, and visual impact. She’ll explain how visual psychology affects the way viewers experience an image and why certain edits guide the eye more effectively than others. More than just showing “how” to adjust contrast, color, sharpness, or cropping, Lisa explains “why” those choices matter—and how they change the emotional tone and message of an image.

Throughout the session, she’ll work in real time using a range of tools and techniques to enhance your club members' photos. This hands-on approach provides valuable insight into creative decision-making and shows a variety of editing styles that can be applied across genres, from nature and wildlife to portraits and abstracts.

Whether you're just starting to explore editing or you’ve been processing your work for years, this session will give you fresh ways to think about your post-processing choices. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of how to make your images not only look better—but feel more intentional, impactful, and complete.

A great photograph can speak volumes, but the right words can take it even further. Whether you're titling your work, adding a thoughtful caption, or writing a short story to accompany an image, combining visuals with words can create a deeper emotional connection and give your photography new meaning.

In this creative and interactive session, Lisa Langell guides you through the process of pairing text with your images in ways that are meaningful, authentic, and expressive. You’ll explore how to title your work with intention, craft compelling quotes, and even write brief stories or reflections that enhance the viewer’s experience.

Lisa shares examples of how photographers, artists, and writers use text to elevate their imagery, and she’ll offer practical tips on finding your voice—even if you don’t consider yourself a writer. This session includes guided exercises to help you generate ideas and experiment with language in a playful and supportive environment. You’ll leave with new techniques for developing titles, writing with emotion and clarity, and using your own words to enrich your visual storytelling.