The Art of People - A Hybrid Photography Workshop Shootout Event
I’ve always loved teaching and helping others discover the joy of photography and art. There's nothing quite like watching people elevate their craft—it opens up new doors for creativity and exploration!
Recently, I was invited to be part of an incredible hybrid workshop event, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join in on the fun. There is such an outstanding lineup of talent. It’s one of those events that I know people are going to be sad if they missed!
What is this day about?
It’s a day dedicated to photographers who want to hang out, shoot, and learn! The theme is “Finding Your Missing 10 Percent,” and it offers the perfect blend of observing incredible artists at work, shooting your own images, and asking questions with guidance from all of us. From finding the right angles in each curated scene to maximizing the lighting and receiving posing tips with immediate feedback, it’s the ideal mix of fun and education. After the shoot portion, there will also be an editing session as well.
CS Visuals invited both Bella Kotak and me to participate in this experience in our own unique ways! Her with her fine-art photography, and myself with my passion for bring out the potential of each scene with lighting. The event is designed to be super affordable because we wanted to give back to the photography community! Keep reading to see who’s involved and what’s included. Trust me—it’s a deal you don’t want to miss. So even if you’re not in Houston, you’ll want to find your way here!
Let me walk you through what the day will look like!
What to Expect:
Three Unique Sets with Professional Floral and Set Design
Two Featured Photographers: Bella Kotak and CS Visuals
Lighting Design by Yours Truly
Feedback and Instruction on Your Shots
Floral and Set Design by Hannah M. Lowery and Triciajane Asuncion
Editing Workshop by CS Visuals and Bella Kotak
You’ll get the chance to shoot alongside the incredible CS Visuals and Bella Kotak, learning how they approach their respective sets and seeing firsthand how they work their magic!
I’ve been a fan of CS Visuals for years. Carissa and Sean, the dynamic duo behind CS Visuals, have a style that’s uniquely theirs—the way they use angles and poses to complement their scenes is nothing short of mesmerizing. They’re as amazing as their work, and their art truly reflects who they are.
And of course, we’re thrilled to have Bella Kotak with us! Bella is a master of fine art photography, with a keen eye for visual style and posing. Having her share her process with you is an incredible privilege.
About the Photographers
Behind The Set Design
These setups will be brought to life by the talented floral stylist Hannah M. Lowery (@edgeswildstudio) and the brilliant set and installation designer Triciajane Asuncion (@tricxajane).
I’ll be crafting the lighting for each setup to make sure we get the best out of every scene!
Hannah M. Lowery
Hannah is an interdisciplinary artist based in Houston, with a background rooted in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Her work explores the relationship between urban environments and natural ecosystems, particularly plant life, as metaphors for human growth and resilience. She incorporates a variety of mediums including florals, textiles, mixed media, and photography, with a deep interest in ecology, biomimicry, and the slow transformative processes of nature. Her work is a reflection on human flourishing and the interconnectedness of life.
Triciajane
Triciajane Asuncion is an architectural designer and interdisciplinary artist based in Houston. With a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston, she blends architecture, art, and design to create immersive experiences. Her notable works include "Pe-Tree," a sustainable urban park project, and her thesis "About Time: Redressing the Runway" exploring sustainable fashion through architectural design. Her installations have been featured in galleries, retail, and events, reflecting her passion for collaboration and innovative design.
Unlock the Magic of Lighting
One of the most exhilarating aspects of photography is the ability to shape light to reveal the true potential of every scene. In this immersive workshop, I'll be crafting three exclusive constant light setups tailored to our unique set designs above. But this isn't just a demonstration—it's a hands-on experience. You'll have the opportunity to modify these setups to match your creative vision and experiment in real-time. Plus, I'll be there every step of the way to answer your questions and share insider lighting techniques. Join me to elevate your work, harness the transformative power of light, and take your photography to new heights!
Here’s an example of some of my work:
Makeup Magic by Aleya Duncan
Aleya began her makeup career at the age of 16! She has collaborated with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Aleya's makeup artistry has appeared in commercials for Walmart and Sonic, on PBS television shows, and at major sporting events like Super Bowl 51! Passionate about embracing individuality, she approaches each client with the goal of highlighting their unique features and celebrating diversity. She is a superstar that we’re honored to have as our makeup artist for the event!
A Look Into the Editing Workshop
To round out the day, you'll get an insider look into how CS Visuals and Bella Kotak edit their work. It’s a chance to see the full process—from concept to final image—and understand how these creatives think and see their work through to completion.
Find your missing 10%!
The heart of this event is about bridging the gap between where you are and where you want to be in your craft. Seeing how others work can be empowering because it shows you just how close you are to mastering your skills. Along the way, you’ll learn those small, yet impactful, tips that can fill in the gaps for you. It’s a unique mix of fun and learning!
This hybrid event is the perfect combination of a shoot-out and a workshop—a chance to shoot beautiful imagery while learning from the best. It’s the ideal over-the-shoulder experience where you can ask questions, clarify techniques, and spark your creativity.
EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT FROM HOUSTON, WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN US!
Swim, fly, crawl, skydive, ride a unicycle. Whatever it takes, get here!
