Share your thoughts!
Let us know what you think...
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Log in now
3 Day CREATEography Workshop @ Shirk Photography Studio
2022 Dates just released — Accepting only 12 attendees per workshop… don’t miss out!
Photographers from around the world have been asking for it… Now is YOUR Chance!
Many photographers struggle to stand out above the crowd… NOW is the time to step into the realm of Createography! Join international award winning photographer Ben Shirk in his very own studio for a 3-day action packed journey to creating amazing composites.
CLICK THE DROPDOWNS FOR MORE DETAILS:
Agenda & Timeline
- Optional Meet & Greet 7 pm – 9 pm
The night before the workshop begins we will meet up for a few drinks and a chance to get to know each other a little bit and to discuss what you will be learning over the next few days. - 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 trick that he uses to extract his subjects. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience creating perfect extractions 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)
Bring your laptops! 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. A sports team is scheduled for the afternoon and we will prepare an idea for them and then you can watch while Ben poses, lights and photographs a team for a poster. We will end the day with a group dinner. - Day 3 8 am – 2 pm
You will work on creating your own masterpiece as Ben guides you and demonstrates more cool techniques to ensure that you will be able to create awesome images for your clients. We will also spend some time on pricing and sales because creating pretty pictures isn’t enough to run a successful business.
BONUSES Included
After the workshop:
You’ll receive the following BONUSES…. all YOURS to keep!
Immediate Download (upon payment in full):
Green Screen Extraction Action ($149 value)
Smoke & Fog Brushes ($149 value)
(if you already own these… simply let us know and you’ll receive credit towards any other products on our site!)
At the workshop:
Texture Brushes ($59 value)
Many unique backgrounds/elements (priceless!)
After the workshop:
Discount Code for 33% OFF everything on our website!!! (one time use – unlimited savings!)
Lifetime Access to ‘Createography Alumni’ Facebook Support Group (PRICELESS!)… the education never ends with continuing support from Ben and all other past workshop attendees.
Lunch & Refreshments Included
For added convenience and extra time learning, lunch & refreshments will be provided daily and are included in the workshop cost.
Location
Shirk Photography Studio located at 323 Cedar Street in Wilton, IA 52778.
Travel
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, IA (approx 50 min drive to our studio). A rental car is recommended for attendees. Rental cars can be reserved at both MLI and CID.
Lodging
The only lodging located directly in Wilton is Motel Wilton – a very small, budget-friendly motel that only accepts reservations by phone at (563) 732-2349. More lodging options are available in Muscatine (approx 15 minutes from our studio) – such as AmericInn, Strawberry Farm Bed and Breakfast, or Best Western – all of which offer free breakfast.
Workshop Terms
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.
Laptop or Desktop with Photoshop CC required. A trial of the current Photoshop CC version can be downloaded for the workshop.
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! (For those new to photography or Photoshop, please inquire about the possibility of a beginners course.) We do send out a tutorial with basic Photoshop shortcuts, tips & tricks before the workshop to help speed up your workflow.
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 camera equipment insurance.
Cancellations by attendees are non-refundable unless your spot in the workshop is transferred to another person. A $100 administrative fee to transfer your spot will be deducted from your refund, in addition to any fees for products already received.
We do offer Payment Plans for our workshop. The Payment Plans are basically INTEREST FREE loans and all 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.
Thank you for your understanding & please let us know if you have any questions!
Three full days of one-on-one instruction would be $7500. Lunch and refreshments included. Value of BONUS Products included is over $500. Plus a one time use Discount Code for 33% off everything on our website. And Lifetime Access to ‘Createography Alumni’ Facebook Support Group … Total value of well over $8000… and now you can attend for just $1745!
In order to offer the best instruction and hands on learning ONLY 12 ATTENDEES WILL BE ACCEPTED… DON’T MISS OUT!!!
Kris –
I took the class in June of 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.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
lisandro22rivera –
Loved the workshop, Ben is detailed and takes lots of questions. You will get more out of it if you understand PS at least at a basic level. It is intense and it’s like everything else, you must practice what you learn or you will start forgetting the steps.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
finkaniephoto –
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!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Lana Mrksa Akin –
Easy to figure out how to use, and help composites look incredible.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
fmindtphotography –
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!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Greg Loll –
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.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
hoeyluc –
One of the best workshops I’ve attended! 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!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
j_reyman –
The list of great things I can say about Ben 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!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
grahambo85 –
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.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
SamIAm –
So much to absorb from one of the rare few…..and truly a point of the spear figure in the industry!!!! 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…..
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
ray1 –
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…
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Sophia.Johnsen.Photography –
This is by far the best workshop that I’ve ever taken. You will not be disappointed with what you learn in this class!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
mbpix –
Love these smoke and fog brushes. There will be a learning curve to using them, but what an assortment of realistic brushes!!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
kacey –
I took Ben’s workshop in March of 2018. 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.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal