The best decision I ever made for my photography business was taking Ben’s CREATEography workshop.
The money I spent to learn from Ben has come back to me in thousands of dollars worth of profits. I never thought people would ask me, “How did you do that?”, but they do. I owe Ben so much! I’d recommend you making it a priority to learn from him if you’re wanting to take your business and skills to the next level.
WHY CREATEOGRAPHY?
- Don’t spend another year just getting by…
Start creating powerful composites that get noticed & SELL! - Don’t waste hundreds of hours, weeks, months or even years trying to figure out compositing on your own…
Ben has already done that for you. He has spent 16 YEARS perfecting the compositing process in order to create more powerful images in less time. Along the way, he has invented time-saving techniques & tricks to streamline the process — visualizing, gathering digital elements & backgrounds, green screen, lighting, posing, Photoshop — and he’s willing to share it all with you! - Don’t waste hundreds of hours, weeks, months or even years trying to figure out how it is possible to earn average senior sales of $9000+ and a single sale as high as $54,128.65 (and yes… it is possible… even in a tiny rural town with a population of only 2800!)…
Ben has already done this for you too! He has spent years perfecting both the portrait experience and the sales process to achieve sales higher than he ever dreamed possible.
— DON’T WAIT —
Register now to learn (in just 3 DAYS!) step-by-step how to visualize, light, pose & composite to create images that get noticed (& SELL)!
WORKSHOP DETAILS
click each dropdown below to view the details
After viewing the workshop details click one of the ‘Register Now‘ buttons to view upcoming workshop dates.
First choice workshop already full? We recommend joining the waitlist just in case a spot happens to open up – and if you are registered for a different workshop we can easily switch you at no additional cost 🙂
(Notice! Ben is willing to work as much as everyone wants — so sometimes we may start earlier and/or go later!)
- OPTIONAL Meet & Greet 7 pm – 9 pm
The night before the workshop begins we will meet up at the studio for a chance to get to know each other a little bit and to discuss what you will be learning over the next few days. Feel free to bring along your computer to get it set up and tested so you are ready to roll on Day 1! - DAY 1 8:30 am – 6 pm (Group Dinner 6:30 pm)
Start the day by learning how Ben begins his creative process and the specific elements he looks for to create dynamic images. You will learn how to begin creating your very own stock library of elements that will assist you in creating unique portraits. Next you will begin learning the steps for planning a creative shoot and talk about the important details that you need to prepare before shooting for a composite. Models will arrive. Ben will demonstrate his approach to working with clients and how to give them a fun experience all while also preparing them to invest in his artwork. You will get to experience first hand how Ben creates dynamic light that enables his subjects to fit seamlessly into a scene. The class will focus on photography skills using both studio strobes and constant light. Then Ben will demonstrate his techniques and tricks that he uses to extract his subjects. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience creating perfect extractions with the images we just photographed while Ben guides you with suggestions. The day will finish with dinner as a group, talking over the days events and all of the skills that you have already gained. - Day 2 8:30 am – 6 pm (Group Dinner 6:30 pm)
We will delve deep into the world of extracting and compositing. After you have mastered the extraction process we begin the work of compositing. We will start out with a pre-made background and concentrate on the little details necessary to make your subject blend seamlessly. After you have gained valuable experience blending your subject into a scene we will get into more advanced compositing scenarios and techniques. We will work on creating Montages, Motion Series, and other composites that create huge wow factors and clients love. A real sports team is scheduled for the afternoon and we will prepare an idea for them. You can watch while Ben poses, lights and photographs a team for a poster. Then you will use your newfound skills to extract athletes and create a poster while Ben guides you. We will end the day with a group dinner. - Day 3 8 am – 2 pm
Each workshop and each composite that we create is unique. We typically spend some time finishing up any projects that we haven’t finished. Ben then demonstrates more cool techniques and spends some time going over any specific images or techniques you are interested in to make sure everyone learns all the skills they wanted. We then spend some time on our pricing structure and how Ben conducts sales sessions. The skills you have just learned are valuable and knowing how to price and sell these art pieces is extremely important! We end the day by 2pm to allow time to catch flights back home.
For added convenience and extra time learning, lunch & refreshments will be provided daily and are included in the workshop cost.
Shirk Photography Studio located at 323 Cedar Street in Wilton, IA 52778. Nearest airports are the Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) in Moline, IL (approx 40 min drive to our studio) and the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids (approx 50 min drive to our studio). A rental car is recommended for attendees. Rental cars can be reserved at both MLI and CID. If you’d like, you can check into carpooling with other attendees once you are added to the Facebook group. (p.s. when arranging your travel don’t forget about the meet & greet the night before the workshop starts!)
The closest lodging options are available in Muscatine (approx 15 minutes from our studio). Just to name a few for you – AmericInn, Strawberry Farm Bed & Breakfast, and The Merrill Hotel.
You’ll receive the following BONUSES…. all YOURS to keep!
Upon Registration:
Green Screen Extraction Action
Smoke & Fog Brushes
At the Workshop:
Texture Brushes
Many Unique Backgrounds & Elements
We’ve created a few tutorial videos to help speed up your workflow and get everyone on the same page before class starts! Basic Photoshop tools, commands, quick keys, tips & tricks… Links to the tutorials will be included in your confirmation email so that you can get started immediately!
After the workshop you will receive a one time use discount code for 33% OFF everything on our site — offering you unlimited savings on all the products you’ve been wanting!
The education never ends with continuing support from Ben and all other past workshop attendees in the ‘CREATEOGRAPHY ALUMNI’ Facebook Group!
We do offer Payment Plans for our workshop. Initial $395 secures your spot. An invoice with a link to pay will be emailed to you when each monthly payment is due.
Cancellations are refundable as long as your spot is transferred. A $100 administrative fee to transfer your spot will be deducted from your refund, in addition to any fees for products already received.
All payment plan payments are due unless your spot is transferred to another person. Unfortunately, if we are unable to find a replacement on short notice we would be out the full amount of the workshop not just one payment.
- Basic understanding of DSLR cameras and Photoshop REQUIRED. If you are unsure if you will have sufficient knowledge for this course please give us a call or send us an email!
- Computer – laptop or desktop… there will be plenty of room for your desktop so if you are able to bring it then please do! The bigger the screen and faster your computer the better. Also, if you are unsure if your computer can handle Photoshop, here’s a link to Adobe’s recommended minimum system requirements: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html
- Laptop Tracking Pads NOT ALLOWED – Creating detailed art doesn’t work using a finger and tracking pad. A mouse is required as a minimum. Ben personally prefers the Wacom Intuos Pro Small tablet. This exact model is not necessary but smaller is better. If you decide to buy one then keep in mind it does take some time to get used to. It will take you a solid couple weeks to feel comfortable with it. Hide your mouse and just force yourself to use it. They are amazing tools for art – and once you get used to it you’ll never want to go back!
- Photoshop CC REQUIRED – because it has a few new options that Ben will be teaching that older versions don’t have. You can buy a subscription for it for only $9.99/mo (which we highly recommend) or you can download a free trial of the current version just for the workshop. If you decide you only want to do the trial then WAIT until just a few days before class because the trial is only for one week! Get Adobe Photoshop CC
- Camera Not Necessary – You can bring one if you want, although typically in the past attendees have opted out of shooting and just watching during the live sessions.
NOTICE!! Ben holds nothing back and shares everything he knows with his Createography Workshop attendees… therefore to maintain the uniqueness and creative edge that our clients desire, this workshop is not available to photographers located in Iowa or within 200 miles of our studio (Wilton, IA 52778). Please contact us for other learning opportunities regarding sales, pricing and the client experience.
Images photographed during the workshop may not be used for publication or competition entries.
Shirk Photography LLC reserves the right to vary or alter the program content or cancel the workshop due to unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation by Shirk Photography LLC will ensure a full refund of all amounts paid to Shirk Photography LLC less the value of any product already received. In the event of a workshop cancellation airline tickets, car rentals and hotel reservations associated with participation in this workshop will not be refunded. We recommend you purchase refundable airline tickets and make refundable car and hotel reservations. We also recommend you carry travel and equipment insurance.
Thank you for your understanding & please let us know if you have any questions!
For the best hands-on instruction each workshop is
LIMITED TO ONLY 12 ATTENDEES…
Don’t Miss Out!
This workshop is a GAME CHANGER, it will pay for itself!
Loved the workshop, Ben is detailed and takes lots of questions.
If you are sitting on the fence about signing up for the workshop. I’ll be the first one to tell you to get off the fence and sign up.
Ben holds nothing back at these workshops and is willing to share his knowledge and techniques that he uses. He shows you step by step on how to take your images to the next level. This is by far the best money I’ve spent.
Ben truly holds nothing back!
He makes himself available after as well! A wise investment and one you will not regret!
Worth every penny!
Best workshop I have attended! It was worth the trip to Iowa. Ben did an excellent job teaching and sharing his creative process and Photoshop tips and tricks. James was great too! I learned so much and met some great people from all over the place. Highly recommend taking the time to invest in this workshop and yourself! Glad I finally did!
Had a great time at the class and learned a TON.
When it says he will share everything, it’s not a joke. Ben was open to any question asked and did his best to make sure we left with no further questions. Money well spent.
Awesome 3 day class!
I took the class in June 2021 and was totally impressed with Ben and James. The class walked through every step of the process on how to create great composites for your clients. Not only did you learn the photoshop side of things but we were exposed to the whole process from beginning to end including client interaction and the actual photoshoot. At times the class was real intense, but not to worry as Ben and James took the time to help you along with hands on help. This 3 day class will be a pivotal event in my career as a photographer.
Was the best money spent.
Ben spent so much one on one time with us and taught us such amazing things. Would highly recommend to everyone.
You learn so much at this workshop!
Ben and James are amazing at what they do, and they hold nothing back! Not only do you gain knowledge and support during the workshop, but after, they are there for you with questions, help with vendors, CC, and you gain access to an alumni group full of amazing photographers from around the world. It really is priceless information that you learn, and any creative photographer will gain from attending this workshop. Highly recommend!
Your workshop was beyond amazing!
Learned so much in such a short period of time. So glad I was able to take part!
Totally Worth The Investment!
The workshop was worth every penny! Not only do you get to spend three days at Ben’s beautiful studio space, but you get some insight into how his creative mind works and it’s fascinating! He and his staff were down to Earth, patient, willing to answer every question, and willing to share an enormous amount of both Photoshop and business knowledge. If you are looking to take your creative work to the next level, this is definitely worth checking out.
Ben is genius at what he does and a very smart business man.
I came away from the course with so much new photoshop knowledge and many great ideas on running my business.
This workshop will take you to the next level.
I knew I would learn a lot about compositing, but this workshop is so much more than that. Ben literally covers every facet of his business. IPS, Shooting, Compositing, phone consults, etc. He’s very fun to learn from, and answers every question patiently and thoroughly. The whole group went to dinner each night, which was great for those of us who came solo and made it feel like a team. You will learn more at this workshop than at 4 classes at a huge conference. I could not be happier with the investment.
Amazing Instructor! The list of great things I can say can’t fit in this box!
Ben is amazingly talented, PATIENT, humble, friendly, easy going, chill, knowledgeable and happy to share all of it with you if you simply ask. He manages to pack in a whole lot of information, while juggling many different levels of experience and inexperience (me). I thought I had a pretty strong grasp of PS, and I was humbled by how much I didn’t know. You will leave with a working knowledge of lighting and shooting on green screen, applying that image to a template, as well as template construction to make your own creations. Another reason why I LOVED this class above all others, is that he wasn’t a walking commercial for anything. He offered information about products he uses if asked, but NEVER does it turn into sales. Ben also was available the entire 3 extended days of the class, as well as arranging and attending social/dining events each night. I think we usually started around 7:30 and was back at the hotel around 10-11 if you wanted. That means you are getting like 5 days of a typical class into 3. Even on the breaks (which are kind of at your own need) he would stay in the class to help anyone with anything. Also, meals and snacks were included as well as many helpful files that you can use in your production. The last benefit are the connections and friends you make with other amazingly talented photographers that attend. Everyone in our class was incredibly helpful during the class, and continue to help well after. Best money you will spend!
This is by far the best workshop that I’ve ever taken.
You will not be disappointed with what you learn in this class!
So much valuable information packed into 3 days that it should be way more expensive than it is.
A rare opportunity to work next to one of the most humble and approachable figures in the field!!!! Highly recommend if you are wanting/needing to take your game to the next level! Would do it again in a heartbeat…..
this workshop rocked and Ben made everything so easy.
LOVE his teaching and he is an OPEN book. Ask anything and he will share his knowledge… Thanks Ben for everything…
Three days packed full of learning from the best!
Ben is so laid back and helpful, willing to answer any/all questions you may have. I don’t want to forget James also, another instructor. James was right there if we had issues or trouble understanding the assignments. He made it simple to understand and follow. I can understand why others come to this workshop multiple times! It’s a fantastic learning experience! Plus it’s soooo fun! Dinners out with the group really let us get a chance to know all about each other! Do you think I loved it? Absolutely!
Worth every penny!
If this is on your “to do” list, DO IT!!!
It’s time to step up your game.
If you want to do composites and creative portraits, then this class is for you. I learned more than I can even mention here, and the things that I already knew, I learned new or better ways to accomplish them. The real selling point is the one-on-one time with Ben. He takes his time with the class, and individuals, to share his knowledge and solve problems. If you think you need this class or that it has a benefit to you, then you are right, and should attend as soon as possible.
If you are on the fence on going, JUMP!!! you need to go! Best 3 days money can buy!!!
Ben and his staff are AWESOME!!! you will learn a lot in this short time! Class act all the way!
I’d been compositing on my own for quite some time, but knew that there was something missing that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. After taking Ben’s class, things “clicked” and I’ve been able to create amazing things for my clients that I never would have attempted before.
It was the little tips and tricks that made it so worth it to me, along with the inspiration. I’ve become a more creative photographer and met a great group of people in the process. Ben is a great teacher, very down to earth and easy to learn from. My senior business is booming after people are seeing the awesome things I can do now. Sign up!
It brought my sports photography to a whole new level….I am rocking my new skills and making so many clients happy!
Can’t thank Ben enough…if you are on the fence, you won’t be disappointed, it was sooooo awesome!
Absolutely worth traveling to Iowa to learn from Ben in person.
Ben teaches well, has an incredible studio, and shares lots of tips and tricks for creating composites in Photoshop, not just using his templates. Ben shares many technical methods as well as his creative process. Very inspiring and educational.
This workshop was AMAZING! From the moment we arrived we were digging in deep to the material we wanted help with. Ben listened to us and what we needed, and because of that I got so much out of this workshop.
From designing composites, to shooting action on green screen, every minute of this workshop was helpful and informative. Ben’s studio is beautiful, and it was a very welcoming environment. I would recommend this to anyone who is ready to take their skills to the next level!!
Ben’s workshop ABSOLUTELY changed my business and renewed my passion for cutting edge sports images!
I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this class to anyone. This class is worth a penny and more. If you are able to only make one investment this year in your business and yourself, consider Ben workshop. You won’t be disappointed! Thanks for your willingness to share your knowledge, Ben!
Hands down the best money I have spent on my photography journey!
Ben is amazingly talented. The way he is able to create elaborate scenes and images from scratch is mind-blowing. He was able to teach us his techniques step-by-step so we would be able to incorporate them in our own work. I had so many ah-ha moments! Not only is he a talented artist, but his client workflow, communication and sales techniques are top notch! I am already implementing some big changes in my business based off the information that I learned from him this past week. I have nothing, but wonderful things to say about Ben and his team. If you are looking to take your work to the next level and separate yourself from the competition you NEED this workshop!
Make the time! AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!
There were some many “blurt out” moments from the techniques, and skills taught…I probably sounded like I had Tourette’s. Ben Shirk is a generous host, a skilled master at his craft, and holds back nothing. He is patient, kindhearted and a inspirational instructor, and encourager. You know you are in a great class when the instructor says “If anyone wants to take a break” and the class refuses to get up. One day we forgot to eat lunch we were so enthralled in learning, looked up and it was 3 p.m. and nobody even cared 
Learned more than I could have expected (even if my basketball poster turned out a bit different than everyone else )… with a desire to learn more… Ben has a willingness to give like very few… hands on learning, great education, small teach/student ratio….EXCELLENT all around!!!!
I’ve attended dozens of classes and conventions and I can say that this was one of the best investments I’ve EVER made for myself and the studio in my 29 years as a studio owner!
Thank you Ben!
It was amazing! I seriously would re-budget to be able to go again….if you do only one thing all year for professional development, THIS should be it!!!
By far the best money we’ve invested!
We learned so much more than we expected and it has completely transformed our photography business. Ben covered everything and didn’t hold anything back. Since taking the workshop our bookings and sales have doubled!
I came from Detroit to attend Ben’s class and it was worth every mile and every penny!
Learned a ton!! Can’t wait to show off some new skills in the next print competition! Excellent workshop!! Time and money well spent!! Bravo Mr. Shirk!
I take workshops every year to help me improve or learn something new and I enjoyed everyone of them — but Ben’s workshop changed everything for me.
It is the one workshop I would attend again hands down and I can’t believe the info I learned. I have already started to book more seniors. Thank you!!!
If you are on the fence, take this workshop!
The most influential workshop I have gone to in all my years of photography…
GO!!!!!
Accepting only 12 attendees per workshop
What are you waiting for? Claim your spot before it’s gone!
Register now