Leconte center | May 8 – 10, 2025
Pigeon Forge, Tn
Photography Workshop Information
Enjoy taking photos?! The Photo Class is a series of two interactive classroom sessions centered around learning practical photography skills regardless of what camera you have. Bring any camera! For any skill level. Let’s go in-depth and more hands-on than a regular convention presentation. With the theme of “Learning to See Light”, we’ll explore the 5 distinct times of day in the natural world so we can take full advantage of whatever lighting situation you are shooting under. At the end, we’ll pull up the photos everyone submitted for the Class Assignment and do some live photo coaching and critique. If you love snapping photos, you won’t want to miss these sessions! God has given us a love for art and beautiful things . . . let’s hone our photography skills for His glory!
Session 1:
Maximizing Natural Light In Photography
Have you ever taken time to simply observe what the light was like in the natural world around you? Would you have guessed that there are 5 distinct times of day? And each one offers a host of unique opportunities for the photographer to explore! With the insights discussed in this session, you’ll be equipped with the tools you need to get out and enjoy the outdoors, prepared to make the most of every photo op regardless of the time of day.
THIS WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE THURSDAY MAY 8TH IN SOUTH 3 FROM 1:20pm-2:30pm
Session 2:
Taking Your Photos to the Next Level
After shooting the Class Assignment given in the first session, we’ll come back to the classroom for some constructive coaching centered around the photos you submit! What makes one photo better than another? How would a professional have shot the exact same thing? What do you not know yet that could make your photos better? Now’s your chance to get some live photography coaching and take your photos to the next level!
THIS WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE FRIDAY MAY 9TH IN SOUTH 3 FROM 12:30pm-1:40pm
James Staddon is a former homeschool student, now professional photographer and full-time photography educator from West Virginia. With a background in graphic design, his endless preoccupation with photography and love for Christian discipleship eventually led him to start up Lenspiration in 2009 to provide a family-friendly place for young people to learn photography. Since that time, he has traveled to speak and host photography workshops all over the US, from homeschool conventions to the Lamplighter Guild. He and his family enjoy outdoor recreation, traveling when possible, and working together in business entrepreneurship.
Photography Workshops FAQs
These workshops are intended for anyone 12-18 years old
No. You just need to bring a camera that you know how to use.
Bring whatever camera you have. DSLR, mirrorless, “bridge”, point & shoot, GoPro, or cell phone or iPad camera can all be used for the assignment. If you bring a film camera, you will need to have a way to get the film developed overnight.
Lenspiration has equipment available that you can rent for the Photo Class on a first come, first served basis. A DSLR camera plus lenses, accessories and a bag can be rented for $30. Send a request via Lenspiration’s Contact page as soon as possible after you have registered for the event. Payment due at first session.
No. But bringing a pen and notepad for taking notes isn’t a bad idea.
The more familiar you are with the camera that you bring, the more you will be able to pick up from the sessions.
Yes. See the schedule to verify that anything else you want to do at the convention does not interfere with scheduled Photo Class sessions.
It is ok to share cameras.
Yes. As the photographer, you retain the copyright to all photos you take during the Photo Class. However, you may only use photos taken in the same way you would use photos taken at the Convention if you were not in the Photo Class.