Mastering Shutter Speed: Controlling Time in Photography
Sunday 19 April
Southwest Houston park area - 6pm - 2 Hours
Hesam Rezaei
Shutter speed is one of the most powerful tools in photography—it allows us to control time, movement, and energy within a single frame. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to intentionally use shutter speed to freeze motion, suggest movement, and create dynamic visual effects. The focus is not on technical formulas, but on understanding when and why to choose a specific shutter speed based on what you want the photograph to communicate.
This workshop is suitable for photographers who are comfortable using manual or semi-manual camera modes and want to gain more creative control over motion in their images.
What We Will Cover
Freezing Motion in Photography
How to use fast shutter speeds to capture sharp, decisive moments and stop action completely.
Stop in Photography
Understanding the visual impact of stopping movement and how it affects storytelling and emphasis in an image.
Capturing Motion Blur (Smearing)
Using slower shutter speeds to allow movement to blur, creating a sense of speed, rhythm, and flow.
Panning
Learning how to follow a moving subject with the camera to keep it sharp while blurring the background for dynamic results.
Zoom Burst (if the camera is capable)
Experimenting with zoom during exposure to create radial motion effects and expressive visual distortion.
Long-Exposure Photography
Exploring extended shutter speeds to record time—light trails, smooth water, and atmospheric movement.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Choose shutter speeds intentionally based on subject movement
Control motion instead of reacting to it
Use shutter speed as a creative tool rather than just a technical setting
Create photographs that clearly communicate stillness, motion, or time passing
Drawing for Beginners
Saturday 25 April
Mission Bend - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Gary James
In this class, we will explore the basics of drawing and equip you with the skills needed to create beautiful and expressive artwork.Our experienced instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of drawing, including perspective, proportion, shading, and composition.We will also be practicing various forms of Mark Making techniques and hopefully will make an empty page less daunting to fill up. Perfect for complete beginners.
Adobe Lightroom Editing Workshop (Online)
Sunday 03 May
Online / Remote workshop (participants can join from anywhere). - 9am - 3 Hours
Hesam Rezaei
Learn how to edit and enhance your photographs using Adobe Lightroom. This online workshop will cover essential tools and techniques for improving exposure, color, contrast, and overall visual impact in your images.
Spring Colors
Saturday 09 May
Next to the Science Museum - 9:30am - 2 Hours
Arthur Deatly
Join us for a relaxed spring watercolor meetup where we'll paint seasonal blooms, fresh greenery, and soft light together. Bring your favorite watercolor kit and a reference photo or two, then enjoy a casual session of painting, chatting, and sharing tips. All skill levels are welcome, whether you're trying watercolor for the first time or just want a gentle creative reset.
Floral and Nature Painting
Saturday 23 May
Southern end of the Museum District - 9:30am - 2 Hours
Arthur Deatly
Join us for a two-hour session on floral and nature painting in the garden. You'll select references, take photo references, and complete studies of plants and flowers. Learn traditional and contemporary composition methods. Perfect for nature enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Bring your watercolor travel kit, including paints, brushes, paper, pencil, eraser, and water containers.
Anime and Cartoon Drawing Class
Saturday 23 May
Mission Bend - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Gary James
Ever wanted to draw out your thoughts and ideas as a comic? In this workshop, we'll cover beginner cartoon creation. We'll learn skills for building your character, facial expressions and poses, as well as comic panel drawing. This workshop is great for anyone looking for an introduction to cartoon and anime drawing, no experience is necessary!
Adobe Photoshop Editing Workshop (Online)
Sunday 31 May
Online / Remote workshop (participants can join from anywhere). - 9am - 3 Hours
Hesam Rezaei
Learn the fundamentals of editing photographs in Adobe Photoshop. In this online workshop, participants will explore essential tools and techniques for improving images, making adjustments, and understanding layers and non-destructive editing.
Painting in the Park
Saturday 06 June
Museum District - 9:30am - 2 Hours
Arthur Deatly
We will look at our Park in the City as our theme.
The focus will be on nature in the foreground with a backdrop of architecture.
Painting in the Garden
Saturday 20 June
Near the Montrose district - 9:30am - 2 Hours
Arthur Deatly
This outdoor plein air session is in a neighborhood park that prides itself on its hardy variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Best to bring an easel (standing) or a portable chair to this one. Intermediate to advanced will feel more comfortable although beginners are always welcome.
10-12
Drawing for Beginners
Saturday 20 June
Mission Bend - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Gary James
In this class, we will explore the basics of drawing and equip you with the skills needed to create beautiful and expressive artwork.Our experienced instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of drawing, including perspective, proportion, shading, and composition.We will also be practicing various forms of Mark Making techniques and hopefully will make an empty page less daunting to fill up. Perfect for complete beginners.
Beginner's Watercolor Class
Saturday 11 July
Chasewood Park Drive - 10am - 2 Hours
Arthur Deatly
Are you wanting to learn more about watercolor painting? Join this beginner-friendly class with a professional instructor. You'll learn fundamental watercolor techniques, color theory, how to mix paint, and turn your knowledge into a finished piece. Please bring your own watercolor supplies. Note: This is an outdoor session. Please dress for the weather and bring water, sun protection, and a hat.
Drawing for Beginners
Saturday 18 July
Mission Bend - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Gary James
In this class, we will explore the basics of drawing and equip you with the skills needed to create beautiful and expressive artwork.
Our experienced instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of drawing, including perspective, proportion, shading, and composition.
We will also be practicing various forms of Mark Making techniques and hopefully will make an empty page less daunting to fill up.
Perfect for complete beginners.