CREATE WITH NICK

CREATE WITH NICK

A Month-Long Photography Intensive

Create With Nick is an intimate, month-long photography workshop for photographers who want to move beyond simply taking good photos and begin creating thoughtful, intentional bodies of work.

Limited to only four participants, this intensive provides hands-on experience, direct mentorship, styled shoots, independent assignments, portfolio development, and honest group critiques.

Throughout the month, participants will work closely with Nick to develop concepts, plan and conduct styled shoots, strengthen their visual identity, and become more intentional about the photographs they create.

This is more in-depth than Shoot With Nick. Instead of meeting for a single photo walk or shooting experience, participants will spend an entire month developing ideas, creating work, receiving feedback, and applying what they learn to their own photography.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This workshop is designed for photographers who:

• Understand the basics of using their camera
• Want to create more intentional and cohesive photographs
• Need direction, accountability, or creative structure
• Want experience planning and conducting styled shoots
• Are interested in developing their personal style
• Want honest, constructive feedback on their work
• Are ready to build or strengthen their portfolio

Participants may shoot film, digital, or a combination of both.

THE MONTH-LONG EXPERIENCE

WEEK ONE: FINDING YOUR DIRECTION

Our first meeting will focus on identifying your strengths, interests, and creative goals.

Each participant will bring a selection of their current work for an introductory portfolio review. Together, we will discuss what is already working, where the work could grow, and what each photographer wants to accomplish during the month.

Topics include:

• Developing a recognizable photographic voice
• Creating photographs with intention
• Finding inspiration without copying
• Building mood boards and visual references
• Turning an idea into a complete shoot
• Choosing locations, wardrobe, lighting, props, and film stocks
• Establishing individual goals for the month

Each participant will leave with a personal creative direction and their first assignment.

WEEK TWO: COLLABORATIVE STYLED SHOOT

The group will participate in a styled shoot planned and directed with Nick.

Participants will experience the complete creative process, including:

• Developing the concept
• Selecting a location
• Creating a mood board
• Planning wardrobe and styling
• Working with a model or subject
• Directing poses and natural movement
• Finding strong compositions
• Working with available light
• Making adjustments when the original plan changes
• Creating a consistent series instead of isolated images

Nick will work alongside each participant throughout the shoot, offering individual guidance and helping them make more deliberate creative decisions.

INDEPENDENT PROJECT

After the first styled shoot, each participant will create and conduct an independent shoot based on a specific set of goals and objectives.

Assignments will be tailored to each photographer but may include:

• Creating a cohesive series of 8–12 photographs
• Photographing a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end
• Working within a specific color palette
• Directing a portrait session
• Photographing consistently in challenging light
• Creating a series around a person, place, or personal idea
• Limiting equipment to encourage stronger creative decisions
• Recreating a specific mood without directly copying a reference

Participants will be responsible for planning and executing their own shoot. Nick will provide guidance during the planning process and remain available for questions and feedback.

WEEK THREE: PARTICIPANT-LED STYLED SHOOT

During the second styled shoot, participants will take a more active role in leading the creative process.

Each photographer will have an opportunity to direct the subject, make decisions about location and light, and create a short series based on their own interpretation of the concept.

This session will focus on:

• Communicating with models and subjects
• Giving clear direction
• Building confidence during a shoot
• Recognizing when a photograph is working
• Identifying what needs to change
• Creating variety without losing consistency
• Balancing preparation with spontaneity
• Knowing when a series feels complete

The goal is for participants to begin working independently while still receiving hands-on support.

WEEK FOUR: FINAL CRITIQUE AND PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT

The final meeting will be dedicated to reviewing the work created throughout the month.

Each participant will present photographs from the styled shoots and their independent project. The group will discuss the work in a supportive but honest critique environment.

We will cover:

• Selecting the strongest photographs
• Identifying repeated themes and visual patterns
• Removing images that weaken a series
• Sequencing photographs
• Creating a cohesive portfolio
• Understanding the difference between a favorite image and a necessary image
• Preparing work for Instagram, websites, submissions, or printed portfolios
• Developing goals for continued growth after the workshop

Each participant will leave with a refined selection of portfolio-ready photographs, personalized feedback, and a clear direction for their next project.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Four weeks of direct mentorship with Nick
• Four in-person group meetings
• Two planned styled shoots
• Individual portfolio review
• Personalized weekly assignments
• Independent project planning
• Group critiques and individual feedback
• Private group communication throughout the month
• Final portfolio selection and sequencing assistance
• Film processing and standard scans for up to four rolls per participant
• Models, styling, and creative planning for the group shoots

PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT

This is an active workshop. Participants should be prepared to attend each meeting, complete assignments between sessions, contribute to group discussions, and remain open to constructive feedback.

The small group format allows every participant to receive meaningful individual attention. Because of this, enrollment is limited to four photographers.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Participants should understand the basic operation of their camera and be comfortable controlling exposure. This workshop will focus primarily on creativity, visual storytelling, directing, project development, and portfolio building.

CLASS SIZE

Maximum of four participants.

DURATION

Four weeks, with one scheduled meeting each week and independent work completed between sessions.

FINAL OUTCOME

By the end of the intensive, each participant will have:

• Planned and participated in two styled shoots
• Completed an independent photography project
• Created a cohesive series of photographs
• Received detailed feedback on their work
• Strengthened their ability to direct and plan shoots
• Refined their portfolio
• Developed a clearer understanding of their photographic voice
• Established practical goals for their next body of work