If you have an idea for a program, an offer to come present, or a request for a specific monthly or extended program, please contact our Program Director (programs@austinppa.com)

Upcoming Austin PPA events

    • 15 Dec 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • The Oasis at Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin TX, 78732
    • 45
    Register


    • 19 Jan 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Precision Camera, 2438 W Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78757
    Register

    Headshots Without Headaches: Photography, Retouching & AI Wizardry

    Presenter will be the one and only Don Rogers!
    Master Photographer, Craftsman Photographer, Professional Headshot Wrangler

    After 42 years of photographing people—and surviving all 1,363 weddings he’s lived through—Don Rogers has somehow remained cheerful, sane (some might question), and still willing to photograph humans for a living. He now specializes in the one thing all clients need but often dread: the business headshot.

    Don photographs on average 1,500 headshots every year across Texas, proving that (1) he works way too much, and (2) he has developed an almost supernatural ability to make anyone look confident, approachable, and like they actually enjoy their job.

    In this 1.5-hour program, Don will start by photographing attendees live (come dressed for success)—don’t worry, he promises to only post the good ones. Then you’ll watch him break down his simple, lightning-fast Photoshop retouching workflow that keeps clients happy and keeps him out of editing jail.

    Finally, Don will explore the wild frontier of AI headshot magic: adding jackets to people who forgot one, growing beards for men who’ve always wanted one, changing backgrounds without Photoshop-induced migraines, and even building a polished, studio-quality headshot from a handful of casual photos.

    If you want to laugh, learn, and walk away with headshot secrets you can use immediately (plus maybe a flattering photo of yourself), this is your opportunity.

    • 31 Jan 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • 3434 Oxsheer Drive, Austin, TX 78732
    Register

    Studio Lighting for Professional Photographers

    Studio lighting skills are a necessity for today’s profession photographer. In this full-day (6-1/2 hour), highly-interactive workshop you'll learn the fundamentals of studio lighting including the following:

    - How studio lights work

    - Quality of light and how to use it to your advantage

    - Light modifiers (umbrellas, soft boxes, beauty dishes and more) how they affect the look of your images

    - Proper use of reflectors

    - How to properly meter to get predictable results

    - Understand different lighting patterns (loop, butterfly, flat, Rembrandt, horror, split, short, broad) and how to create them

    - Understand kickers, hair lights, grids and colored gels

    - How to approach images with white or black backgrounds

    - High-key, low-key, mid-key and how to match key

    - Understanding lighting ratios and how to set up lights to accomplish them

    - How to use light fall off to alter contrast

    - How to light for different client scenarios – headshots, drama, large groups

    You’ll work hands-on with top studio equipment to develop a solid foundation of studio lighting used by working professional photographers. Two different professional models will be on-hand (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for you to practice with. You’ll leave this class with a solid understanding of studio lighting opening up a world of creative possibilities.

    Your enrollment includes photo release for promotional/portfolio use so you'll not only learn about studio portraiture but you'll also have the opportunity to add to your portfoio.  

    PPA members will earn a continuing education merit for attending and completing this class.


                   


         

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