Photography Classes & Workshops

This class is a practical, hands-on introduction to creating strong, dramatic portraits using a single light source. We’ll be working in a small studio environment with one model and one light, focusing on how light placement, distance, and modifier choice completely change mood and shape. This is not a lecture-only class—you’ll see the setup demonstrated and then rotate through shooting time yourself. What we’ll cover • How to shape dramatic light with a single source • Light placement for short light, broad light, and high-contrast looks • Controlling shadow depth and falloff in tight spaces • Using minimal gear to create intentional, cinematic portraits • Directing a model efficiently while lighting stays simple What to expect • Small group (10 photographers max) • One shared lighting setup, adjusted live so you can see cause and effect • Time to shoot the model and ask questions as we go • Emphasis on decision-making, not presets or gimmicks Who this is for • Beginner to early-intermediate photographers • Anyone who feels overwhelmed by multi-light setups • Photographers who want stronger, more intentional portraits What to bring • Any camera (DSLR or mirrorless) • A lens in the 35–85mm range is ideal • Fully charged batteries and memory card Lighting gear and model are provided. You just focus on shooting and learning.

## **Floral Fantasy: Experience Designing a Fine-Art Portrait for Your Portfolio** For one afternoon, step out of routine shooting and into a world built entirely for creation. This is a small, immersive fine-art portrait experience where flowers, light, and human expression come together in a fully realized set. Think less classroom, more of a creative process—a space where photographers gather, ideas are exchanged, and something beautiful is built collaboratively. You’ll photograph a professionally styled model in a custom floral environment designed in collaboration with a professional florist. The set, wardrobe, and makeup are intentionally crafted to support a painterly, fine-art aesthetic, giving you images that feel elevated, cohesive, and portfolio-ready. Throughout the shoot, I’ll guide you through the creative process in real time: * How fine-art portraits begin as ideas, not lighting diagrams * How to shape light for softness, texture, and depth * How to direct and pose a model to create emotion and flow * How to think creatively about building stylized scenes without large budgets This is a hands-on experience. You won’t just observe—you’ll shoot, adjust, experiment, and refine, while also connecting with other photographers who value creativity and craft. To keep the experience personal and focused, the day is divided into **small, timed shooting sessions**. The space is intentionally intimate and will accommodate **5 photographers per session** (with a maximum of 6), along with the model, florist and make-up artist. Sessions will run between **12:00 PM and approximately 5:00 PM**, with each group receiving **about 1.5 to 2 hours** of dedicated shooting and instruction. This structure ensures: * Ample shooting time without crowding * Direct access to the set, lighting, and model * Space for questions, experimentation, and refinement *Time slots will be selected or assigned closer to the event date to ensure a smooth flow throughout the day.* The entire experience will be professionally recorded. After the event, attendees will receive access to the edited recording, allowing you to revisit the creative direction, lighting decisions, and included editing guidance at your own pace. ### **Who This Is For** This experience is designed for photographers who are comfortable with the basics and ready to explore something more creative. This is a good fit if you: * Know how to operate your DSLR or mirrorless camera * Own a camera that can connect to studio lights and a tethered setup * Want to create more artistic or fine-art work for your portfolio * Are curious about lighting but don’t feel confident designing it alone * Enjoy collaborative environments and meeting like-minded creatives You do **not** need advanced lighting knowledge. The guidance is intentionally approachable and focused on learning through doing. **You are welcome to message me if you have any questions before signing up at 571-422-8066 or email at jberg@photoberg.io** ### **Who This Is Not For** This event may not be the right fit if you: * Are brand new to using a camera and manual controls * Are looking for a purely technical or lecture-based lighting class * Prefer rigid instruction over experimentation and creative flow This experience prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and exploration over technical perfection. **Early-bird pricing is available at $149.** *Your ticket directly supports the creation of this experience—helping fund the professional styling, set design, and dedicated time needed to deliver a meaningful, high-quality creative environment that elevates your skills.* You’ll leave with portfolio-worthy images, a clearer creative framework you can adapt to your own work, and new connections within the local photography community.

Northern Virginia Photographer’s Coffee Chat is a monthly Saturday morning meetup for photographers, videographers, and creators who want to meet more local talent, swap ideas, and leave with new connections (and better shoots). We’ll keep it simple: coffee, quick intros, what you’re working on, and time to network. No pitching, no awkward formal panel, just real people building creative momentum in NoVA. Hosted at The Studio by Nonagon Productions in Falls Church. Every month at 9:00am on Saturday.

**Class will meet on Monday – Friday for two weeks beginning on Monday, February 2nd – Friday, February 13th Unlock Inner Peace and Power: Join Our Raja Yoga Intensive - Discover Meditation, Self-Realization, and Spiritual Wisdom!** Raja Yoga is an ancient system of meditation and spiritual understanding. It enables us to return to a state of inner peace, personal power and self-worth through re-kindling the soul's original qualities and virtues. At its deepest level, Raja Yoga Meditation is taught as a method of self-awareness, leading ultimately to self-realization. **This in person meditation course Includes:** * Thought Process Connecting to the Soul * Understanding the nature of the self and God (Supreme Soul). * The philosophy of karma and the cycle of time * The 8 Spiritual Powers **Advance Registration is Required** Mon., Feb. 2nd, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/ZcRkE](https://shorturl.at/ZcRkE)

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques The composition of a photograph is the single most important element a photographer uses to convey an artistic statement. What’s included, excluded and the arrangement of elements within the frame is all part of composition. This class will teach you techniques to improve the composition of your photos with hands-on shooting experience coupled with feedback. Join instructor Michael Koren as you learn about composition in the Postal Museum and Union Station. The class begins with a lesson and viewing examples of compositional techniques from master photographers to help you when composing your own photographs. We'll then go to specific locations to practice those composition techniques. Afterwards, participants will have free time to photograph all the museum has to offer. We’ll follow up with a gentle critique and feedback of your best work of the day. This class is about "seeing" stronger images. Any camera will do from DSLRs to mobile phones. If you *are*bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses in the range of 18-135 would work well. No tripods allowed for this class. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-10 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques

Ed and Gail's Third Sunday Dance With ERICA SMITH 4:00-5:00 West Coast Swing Lesson with Erica 5:00-7:00 Dance (West Coast Swing, Two-Step, East Coast Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha, Hustle, and more!) $15 \*\*JT Swing Team will perform for us around 5:30!\*\* Lots of fun dancers at this event! Please join us!

Meeting in the big room at George Mason Library in Annandale, VA, for a get-together to celebrate this Meetup group being 11 years old! We will have food and drink. Bring your favorite prints (2 max and any size) that you took in 2025, and bonus points if they were taken at a Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup. This year we will have three prizes: for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Please review the Meeting Room Terms & Conditions. Only light refreshments, such as granola bars and bottled water, are permitted. Additionally, the meeting room must be cleared no later than 5:55 p.m. Users are responsible for room setup, including arrangement of tables and chairs, and cleanup, including returning furniture to its original placement. Setup/cleanup time should be included in the reservation. Groups are expected to leave rooms in an orderly condition promptly at the conclusion of the reserved time.