**PreCon Workshop - march 6th**  Kelly & Kalina schneider

From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience

 Step beyond snapshots and workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control.

Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online.

Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery.

Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results.

Bring your camera and creativity and leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire. 

This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad.

Register at the Pre Con event page at 

 Register here for Precon

PHOTOMAX

Kelly & Kalina Schneider (2nd day lecture): Stylized Storytelling:Building Emotion through Creative Design

Class Description

Storytelling in photography doesn’t start with the click of the shutter—it begins with intention, design, and the bond between photographer and subject. In this focused workshop, you’ll learn how to build compelling scenes that carry narrative weight without relying on heavy gear or post-production tricks.

We’ll explore how to design a scene that feels intentional, use color and styling to set mood, and communicate with subjects to bring out authentic emotion. The last 30 minutes will be a hands-on session where participants will apply the concepts, practicing subject direction and emotional storytelling in real time.

This is the workshop for photographers who want their images to move beyond posed portraits and into memorable visual experiences.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Develop Story-Driven Concepts: Build a visual scene that begins with narrative, not equipment.
• Design with Intention: Use wardrobe, props, and environment to strengthen story impact.
• Harness Color for Mood: Apply color theory to infuse emotional undertones into storytelling.
• Guide Subject Emotionally: Direct subjects in ways that unlock expression, authenticity, and vulnerability.
• Communicate Effectively: Build trust and connection so the subject feels safe to give honest emotion.
• Apply in Practice: Use hands-on exercises to translate scene-building and communication into real portraits.

Kip Shawger: Drops, Props, and Stuff: A How to for Studio Photographers

Have you ever gone to the Theatre and seen a play or musical, looked at all of the beautiful scenery and wondered, "How'd they do that?" This is a look at and demonstration of how the magic of theatre is made. Did you know that what you see on stage isn't real? It's all an illusion... It's all fake. The presentation will explain how scenery is made and embellished mostly with paint. You'd be surprised at how much theatre scenery technology can actually apply to the photography business. Learn how backdrops are made. the simple way. You might want to save your hard-earned dollars and make your own studio backdrops. Learn how a stone wall can be made out of simple Styrofoam. See how faux textures can enhance your photographic backgrounds. Learn how to find, or make, or repair "props" you can use for photo shoots in your studio. All you have to do is to use your imagination... grab some paint... and have fun!