January 25-26, 2025
January 25-26, 2025
Since 2011 Nick Fancher has been teaching photography workshops, taking them across the US and around the world. In the first few years his classes were more focused on lighting and/or color theory. The Creative Portrait— his latest course— isn’t specific to lighting or color, but rather focuses on equipping students with innovative camera techniques to better realize their own creative visions.
This class is offered several times a year and incorporates the latest techniques that Nick has been working on, meaning that this is an ever-evolving class. While many photography workshops are demo-heavy or operate with a step-and-repeat format, this workshop is kept small (capped at five students) so that each student has enough time to explore each technique in their own way.
Format:
The Creative Portrait workshop runs for two days and is held at his studio in Columbus, Ohio. The days run from 9-6 with an hour break for lunch (lunch is included in the price). Nick will introduce a technique and demonstrate a variety of different ways to use it. After the demo, each student will have 15-minutes to work with the model with Nick as their guide, as they learn how to execute the technique within their personal vision and style. Other students are encouraged to assist during this time, as a way of deepening their understanding of the techniques.
The format of day two will be similar to day one except that it will begin with an overview of images created on the first day (accompanied by a friendly critique) before moving into new techniques. There will be two models and four techniques taught each day, totaling four models and eight techniques by the end of the workshop. The days will end with a tutorial on how to color grade images in Lightroom, which is an equally important step for Nick in creating his signature looking images .
Coffee and lunch will be provided.
Skill Level:
This workshop is recommended for intermediate to advanced photographers. For the sake of time and because of the complexity of the techniques being taught in the workshop, camera and lighting basics will not be taught in this workshop. It’s highly recommended that students know how to use their camera in manual mode and have at least a basic understanding of how to work with strobes.
Required equipment:
Students should bring their camera, lenses, memory cards, and any other toys they may have (prisms, props, etc). A laptop with Lightroom/ Photoshop is also recommended. Lights and modifiers will be provided for students to use.
Refund Policy:
The refund policy is as follows: greater than six weeks notice, a full refund will be issued. Less than six weeks notice, no refund will be issued.
Cancellation Policy:
Workshops can be subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment. In the event of a workshop cancellation, students will be given a minimum of four weeks notice and a full refund will be issued.
Covid Policy:
State mask mandates at the time of the workshop will be enforced.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Nick was an awesome teacher, everything was very free flowing and not about doing things exactly his way. If you're looking for formulas and things like that, this might not be for you. But if you want to step outside the box and expand your knowledge of lighting and color and push boundaries then this workshop is for you."
“Nick Fancher doesn’t just teach lighting and concepts. He gently encourages you to explore, blending creativity, process and expression, and encourage you to find your own voice. They are, in short, the most productive workshops I have taken.”
-Michael Matzko
"I've been a professional photographer for 12 years and took Nicks NYC Workshop to get out of my natural light comfort zone & I feel this was achieved with flying colors. Nick is a wonderful teacher who openly & patiently translates his techniques to all levels of photographers, novice or pro without making anyone feel left out. What I especially love is his genuine encouragement of using minimal lighting, day-to-day objects, and small spaces to create mind-blowing in-camera effects. Unlike other studio photogs, he's not a mega-gear-head, which speaks to me greatly. He's the punk-rock, DIY, rebel of studio photography who uses gaff tape like no other. Because of him, I now look at the most random objects and ask myself how I can shoot through them to create images that Nick would be proud of. Take his class and buy his books, which are incredibly complementary to his workshops!"
“The workshop was extremely valuable to me in that it was probably 20% demonstration and 80% collaboration with Nick and very talented students. Their support could adjust from ‘I've got this’ to ‘all hands on deck.’ It was never about rote duplication of Nick's work but instead learning his techniques to express our vision. We had great latitude to experiment and remix techniques throughout the weekend. I appreciated the diverse and skilled group of models that know Nick and the setups and were intent on delivering portfolio images for the students. Logistically, it's a centrally located converted factory with easy parking and a comfortable studio with great character, unless you hate houseplants. I would recommend bringing a laptop or tablet to work on editing when not shooting or assisting.”
- Edward Hubbard
“Nick helped me unlock so much creative expression. After 25 years in the commercial advertising industry, I had gotten into a bit of a rut with reflexive ways of seeing and executing shots. Nick got me excited about experimenting again and gave me the tools I needed to shake up my work and make fresh waves. Absolutely loved every minute of it.”
“Despite your level of expertise coming to this workshop, you will most certainly leave with a high degree of MOTIVATION and REJUVENATION to just be creative again. Of course just like any profession with a high demand for quality and level of skill sets, “continuing education” is a must. What better way to invest in yourself than to treat yourself to a NICK FANCHER CREATIVE WORKSHOP! Just do it. You won’t regret it.”
“Nick's workshop opened up my mind to seeing my photography as art. Coming into the class as a commercial photographer, I learned how to expand what is around me and see more opportunities for color. The hands-on teaching greatly increased my ability to learn and retain these techniques to implement it on new shoots. Nick was a phenomenal teacher who pushed us creatively.”
“I had a bucket list adventure in meeting Nick Fancher. Mind blown, creative pallet overflowing onto the floor like a Dali painting. Generous, humble, and direct. Thank You Nick! “
“Nick is easily one of the most creative photographers I’ve ever seen, so imagine my excitement to not only find out he’s local, but also teaches his craft! I have taken 2 of his workshops, One Light and Color Theory, but will definitely sign up for more in the future. Nick does a great job of not only explaining how to create a style/look, but also why the lighting setup achieved the style/look. I can’t recommend learning from Nick enough!”
“It is truly a gift that Nick Fancher teaches his lighting and color theory techniques to others. Learning from him motivated me and expanded my mind to think about color and lighting in a new way. I wish I took this class even sooner than I did. I think I’ll look back at my career in photography and tribute this class to what got me to my next level. Thanks Nick for everything!”
“Undoubtedly the BEST workshop I’ve ever attended! Aside from the Mexican Food, creative lighting, hands-on learning, it was the practical advice about business and artistry that really made it worth the investment! Thanks again, Nick!!!”
