2026 Click! Academy Workshops

Photography Workshop

Creating Images with Impact

with Pete Coco

Session 1: Sunday, October 4, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm

Session 2: Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:00pm-3:00pm

Session 1: Dramatic Portrait Lighting Made Easy In this workshop, Pete will show you how easy it is to create beautiful, dramatic portraits, using just a few continuous lights. This class will be light on the technical jargon, and instead focus on practical techniques that anyone can use, even if they are new to artificial light. Our emphasis will be on the lighting the face, and how to shape light, use angles, and expressions for captivating results.

In addition, this will be an interactive class, so bring your camera! You will have the opportunity to practice using the lights and photograph our model using the concepts we learn in the first half of the class.

If you’ve never taken portraits before, or if you’ve been shooting for many years, this class will be filled with education and inspiration that you can take with you and use to improve your photography and connection with your subject.

Session 2: Introduction to Outdoor Portraits In my second session, we are going to take our cameras and lights outside and learn how to use natural light and off-camera flash. I will show you how to balance your flash, the difference between feathered and direct flash, how color temperature affects exposure, how to find great natural light, and more. 

As with my first session, an emphasis will be placed on using practical methods that are easy for anyone of any level to learn and utilize. We will also spend time discussion how to connect with our subject, posing techniques, and finding outdoor spots that compliment our portraits.

Instructor Bio: Pete Coco is a New York-based portrait photographer known for creating bold, engaging images that defy convention. Pete strives to capture authentic emotion from his subjects, and loves using dramatic light and a cinematic approach. He works with a wide range of clients including actors, musicians, executives, and creatives who refuse to settle for an average portrait.

Pete’s passion as an artist and photographer also drives The Portrait Community, a mentoring group he runs for photographers where he helps them sharpen their craft, grow their businesses, and cultivate a mindset for success. 

Besides this, he shares his perspective with 30K+ subscribers on YouTube, where he talks shop about portraiture, gear, and everything in between. When he’s not working with clients or mentoring creatives, Pete can be found lugging his upright bass and camera around New York, playing with a variety of musicians and simultaneously documenting the music scene.

You can learn more about Pete and his work at: Long Island Headshots & Portraits

Photography Workshop

Wreck Your Polaroid

with Sarah Shea Roberto

Sunday, October 4, 2026: Time to be Anounced

Because of the very hands-on nature of this class, enrollment is strictly limited to 10 people.

Think Polaroid film is just for standard point-and-shoot snapshots? Think again. Welcome to a workshop where the rules are meant to be broken, and no cameras or tools are required!

In this hands-on, experimental workshop, we will push the boundaries of instant film far beyond the camera lens. You will learn to treat your Polaroid prints not as precious, finished products, but as raw materials for tactile, mixed-media art. This class is designed for photographers and visual artists who want to break out of a creative rut, embrace beautiful mistakes, and get their hands dirty.

No photography experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to play. Come solo or with friends and leave with unique creations and fresh inspiration.

The Best Parts:

• No Polaroid camera? No problem! We can print your images directly from your smartphone onto real Polaroid film using our instant printers. We’ll send detailed instructions prior to your class.

• You have a Polaroid camera! Great! You can create images in the days and weeks leading up to class.

• You’ll be attending the photo walk in the morning? Even better! You can create images, knowing what you’d like to do with them later.

• No prior photography experience or special skills required. This class is designed for photographers, visual artists, and curious creatives alike.

Workshop Details:

• Skill Level: Open to everyone! For photographers and non-photographers alike. From absolute beginner to seasoned pro.

• Duration: 3 Hours

• Cost: $95 (All materials, film, and tools included)

What to Expect

• Guided demonstrations of creative Polaroid manipulation techniques

• Hands-on experimentation with instant film

• Time to create personalized artworks

• Relaxed, social atmosphere

• Opportunities to share ideas and inspiration with fellow creatives

What to bring:

• Just a willingness to experiment and an open mind and creative spirit!

No rules. No pressure. Just art, community, and a little bit of instant magic!

PLEASE NOTE: The techniques demonstrated in this class WILL NOT work with Instax film. This is Polaroid ONLY!

Instructor Bio:

Photography Workshop

Click! Masterclass – The Fine Art of Digital Printmaking

Led by Eric Joseph from Freestyle Photo & Imaging

In-Person Learning

This class will be held in 2 sessions:

tuesday
 October 6, 2025
 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 

wednesday
 October 7, 2025
 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

More than just a how-to class, this course will emphasize the digital print as a unique art form in which the choice of inkjet paper to print on makes the difference between an ordinary photo and an extraordinary piece of artwork.

Both classes will be held at: A Photographers Place 5100 Lacy Ave. Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27609

The workshop will cover all of the technical jargon and vocabulary of inkjet papers and introduce you to the full range of inkjet media available on the market from standard Resin Coated Photograde papers up to handmade Japanese Washi papers. This course emphasizes the creative benefits of understanding and controlling your digital print results through hands-on printmaking sessions. Topics covered will include proper camera settings, color management, monitor and printer calibration, what type of printer to use and why, downloading and applying ICC profiles, preparing files for printing and everything else you ever wanted to know about digital printing. Eric will make sure the information is taught in an easily digestible and accessible format.

Students will be learning using the Canon PRO-1100 & 2600.

Details

• Two Sessions

• Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 7 & 8, 10 am – 6 pm

• Enrollment Limit: 10 students

• Skill/Experience Level: Experience working with Photoshop and Lightroom is helpful but not required. Students should be comfortable working with the Macintosh OS X operating system.

• Tuition: $500. Facility rental, paper and ink fees included. (APP Members enjoy discounts! Go to the APP website for details.)

• Location: A Photographers Place 5100 Lacy Ave. Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27609 (Parking is available both in front and back of building.)

• Nearby Lodging: If travelling from out-of-town there a number of affordable options near-by. (Go to: Raleigh NC Hotels. Search: Midtown Raleigh.)

• Not Included: Meals and transportation (to and from the workshop location). Students are encouraged to bring their own food or order from nearby restaurants. Ride share apps or public transit are recommended for those without transportation. Students will be notified of food and parking options in the area.

Two Sessions

Tuition: $500

save $50! Early bird special: $450 Until10/5/25

Limited to 10 participants

Note to students attending:

Students must bring files that are formatted as follows:

• Color Space = Adobe RGB (1998)

• Format = JPEG or Flattened TIF (preferred)

• Size = 17 inches on the long side

• Resolution = 300 ppi

If your files are smaller than this, do not make them bigger i.e. if it is already a JPG, don’t save it as a TIF.  If it is sRGB, don’t convert it to Adobe RGB (1998).