Description
Two days to step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in photography.
There is something special about spending time with people who get just as excited about beautiful light, a perfect location or a magical childhood moment as you do.
That is exactly what I want this weekend to be.
On June 26–27, 2027, I invite you to join me at Lakeside Photography Studio in Granbury, Texas for two days dedicated to children’s portrait photography – from finding inspiration and creating the image in camera to bringing it to life through editing.
This workshop is about learning, of course. But it is also about creating, experimenting, meeting other photographers and giving yourself two days to do something you genuinely love.
DAY ONE – From inspiration to the photograph
We will begin by exploring the ideas behind my photographs – how I find inspiration, recognize beautiful light, choose locations and create images that feel natural, emotional and a little magical.
Rather than spending the morning simply listening to technical theory, I want you to understand how I think before I press the shutter.
We will talk about working with natural and continuous light, composition, color, lenses and camera settings, but also about something I consider even more important: how to work with children without forcing moments and how to create an environment where real expressions and little stories can happen naturally.
After our morning together and a shared lunch, it will be time to take everything outside the classroom and put it into practice.
The photo session
In the afternoon we will photograph adorable child models in carefully prepared scenes.
This is where we create together.
You will have time to observe how I approach a scene, how I position myself in relation to the light, how I communicate with children and how small changes in perspective, composition or timing can completely transform a photograph.
And most importantly, you will photograph too – building your own collection of images to work with the following day.
DAY TWO – From RAW file to finished photograph
The second day is where everything comes together.
Using photographs created during our session, I will take you through my complete editing workflow and show you how I turn a RAW file into the finished images you know from my portfolio.
We will work primarily in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, exploring color, light, local adjustments, atmosphere, retouching and the finishing touches that help create my recognizable dreamy style.
This will not be about copying a recipe.
My goal is to help you understand why I make particular editing decisions, so you can take those ideas and use them in your own photography.
You will also have time to work on your own photographs from Day One and ask questions as we edit together.
What is included
Your workshop experience includes:
• two full days with me in a small group,
• creative and practical photography instruction,
• a styled photo session with child models,
• guidance while you photograph,
• a complete Lightroom Classic & Photoshop editing day,
• PDF materials from the presentation,
• a selection of my presets and overlays to use in your editing,
• lunch on Day One,
• snacks and drinks during the workshop,
• and, just as importantly, two days surrounded by people who share your love of photography.
Who is this workshop for?
You do not need to be a professional photographer.
This workshop is perfect for passionate hobbyists as well as professional photographers who want to develop their approach to photographing children, understand light better and discover new possibilities in editing.
You should, however, already know the basic operation of your camera and feel comfortable changing settings independently.
The group will be kept small so that everyone has space to photograph, ask questions and be part of the experience.
More than a workshop
You will leave Granbury with new photographs, new editing techniques and plenty of ideas to try at home.
But I hope you leave with something else too.
New inspiration. New connections. More confidence in your own creativity. And that wonderful feeling that comes from spending an entire weekend doing something simply because you love it.
Photography has brought some extraordinary people into my life over the years, and creating that sense of community has become one of my favorite parts of teaching.
I would love for you to be part of it in Texas.
Granbury, Texas | June 26–27, 2027
Places are limited.
Price & reservation
Full workshop price: $899 USD – all taxes included
You can reserve your place today with a $299 deposit.
The remaining $600 is payable in cash at the workshop.
I know that planning a trip months in advance can feel like a big commitment, so I want to give you flexibility if your plans change:
• cancellation by March 31, 2027 – 100% of your deposit will be refunded,
• cancellation between April 1 and April 30, 2027 – 50% of your deposit will be refunded,
• cancellation from May 1, 2027 – the deposit is non-refundable.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organizer, all payments made will be refunded in full.
Your place is confirmed once the $299 reservation deposit has been received.
Full price: $899 | Pay $299 now | $600 balance at the workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a professional photographer?
Not at all. Passionate hobby photographers are very welcome.
You should, however, already feel comfortable using your camera independently and understand basic settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO. This workshop is designed to help you develop your creative approach rather than teach the basic operation of a camera.
What equipment should I bring?
Bring your camera, your favorite portrait lens or lenses, spare batteries and enough memory cards for the photo session.
You do not need a particular camera brand or any specific equipment to participate. Bring the camera and lenses you already know and enjoy using.
For the editing day, please bring a laptop with Lightroom Classic and Photoshop installed and working.
Which lenses would you recommend?
There is no required lens. Bring the lenses you already enjoy using for portrait photography.
A versatile zoom or portrait prime will work perfectly. If you have several lenses, you are welcome to bring them, but there is no need to travel with your entire equipment collection.
Will I have the opportunity to photograph myself?
Absolutely. The photo session is not just a demonstration.
You will photograph the child models yourself and create your own images. I will be there to guide you, show you how I approach each scene and help whenever you need it.
These are also the photographs you can work with during our post-production session on Day Two.
Can I use the photographs I take during the workshop?
Yes. You are welcome to edit and use the photographs you create during the workshop in your portfolio, on your website and on social media.
When sharing your images online, I kindly ask you to tag or credit me, Iwona Podlasińska, as the workshop instructor and organizer. I always love seeing what participants create and sharing your work whenever I can.
Please note that photographs created during the workshop should not be submitted to photography competitions. The models, styling, locations and shooting situations are organized as part of a guided group workshop and are therefore not suitable as independently created competition entries.
The sessions are designed to give you an opportunity to practice, experiment, build your portfolio and leave Granbury with beautiful images you will be proud to share.
What software will we use for editing?
I will demonstrate my complete workflow using Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop.
Please make sure both programs are installed and working on your laptop before arriving at the workshop.
What is included in the workshop price?
The $899 workshop fee includes both workshop days, the organized photo session with child models, PDF materials from my presentation, selected presets and overlays, lunch on Day One, as well as snacks and drinks during the workshop.
Accommodation, travel and other meals are not included.
Where does the workshop take place?
The workshop will be held at Lakeside Photography Studio in Granbury, Texas.
The exact meeting details and all practical information will also be sent to participants before the workshop.
How do I get to Granbury?
For participants flying to Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the most convenient major airport.
Granbury is approximately 62 miles from DFW and the drive normally takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Because there is no convenient direct public transportation from the airport to Granbury, renting a car is the easiest option for most visitors.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is easy and available on the street near the studio.
Where should I stay?
Granbury has a variety of hotels and other accommodation options. I recommend staying in or close to Granbury so you can easily reach the studio in the morning and return after our evening photo session.
Accommodation is not included in the workshop price.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you cancel by March 31, 2027, your $299 reservation deposit will be refunded in full.
For cancellations between April 1 and April 30, 2027, 50% of the reservation deposit will be refunded.
From May 1, 2027, the reservation deposit is non-refundable.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organizer, all payments made will be refunded in full.
