Upcoming Live Classes

All live classes feature real time Q&A directly with the instructor

Meaning, Not Megapixels: The Why of Photography with Chris Weston

Tue, May 19, 4–5:30pm ET Live Online

This seminar is for CreativeLive subscribers only. Not subscribed? Start here! Meaning, Not Megapixels: The Why of Photography with Chris Weston is a reflective class that explores the deeper reasons behind photography, using the Hand, Eye, Heart framework as a way of working. In this session, you’ll consider what separates a photograph that stays with you from one that doesn’t, and how paying closer attention to your subject, your instincts, and your intentions can change the images you make. The class moves through the three elements of the framework: Hand (craft, repetition, physical skill), Eye (perception, composition, timing), and Heart (intent, emotion, meaning). Rather than treating these as stages to pass through, the session explores how they exist in constant conversation and what happens when one dominates at the expense of the others. By the end of the class, you’ll have a clearer sense of what it means to photograph with intention and how to bring more care and connection to your practice. This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A directly with Chris Weston. What You'll Learn Why photography is about attention and intention, not equipment. How to understand and apply the Hand, Eye, Heart framework to your own work. How imbalances between the three elements show up and what to do about them. Why intention changes a photograph, and how viewers feel it without being told. How to slow down, listen visually, and photograph with care rather than habit. Who It's For Photographers at any level who feel their images are technically fine but somehow empty. Anyone who has been shooting for likes and wants to reconnect with why they started. Creatives curious about the philosophy and ethics behind the practice. Lightroom and Adobe users who want to think more deeply about what they’re making, not just how. Anyone ready to treat photography as a practice of attention rather than a pursuit of gear. How to Join This class is available exclusively to CreativeLive subscribers. Not a subscriber? Join here. The class will be delivered via Zoom Webinars. You’ll need access to Zoom through a web browser or the Zoom app in order to participate. To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited. A unique Zoom join link will be sent to the maximum number of participants per class. You’ll receive this link one hour before the class start time. About the Instructor Chris Weston became a professional wildlife photographer in 2001, changing his career to follow instead his passion for what he describes as “the extraordinary behaviour of animals.” He has written over 20 books on photography, and his commercial credits include the BBC, ITV, The Times, The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Independent, and Guardian newspapers; and Outdoor Photography, Practical Photography, Amateur Photographer, N-Photo, and Digital Photography magazines. He is an ambassador for Fujifilm and is a renowned speaker and teacher, leading multiple safaris, workshops, and seminars around the world. He is currently represented by The Marylebone Gallery in London, and his fine art prints are collected by international private clients. In 2018, he won the ArtHaus Gallery and Manhattan Arts International awards. His contemporary approach to photography led Amateur Photographer to describe him as “one of the most dynamic wildlife photographers working today.” A committed advocate for the environment, Chris was listed in Outdoor Photography as “One of the world’s 40 most-influential wildlife photographers.”

Watercolor Lettering and Loose Florals with Jade Scarlett

Thu, May 21, 7–9:30pm ET Live Online

This seminar is for CreativeLive subscribers only. Not subscribed? Start here! The Watercolor Lettering and Loose Florals seminar blends expressive brush lettering with soft, organic floral painting. This session focuses on creating fluid, imperfect compositions where painted letterforms and loose botanical elements work together harmoniously. Rather than aiming for rigid precision, participants learn to embrace movement, transparency, and layering to create modern, airy designs suitable for cards, prints, and decorative artwork. Through guided demonstrations, this seminar covers watercolor lettering techniques, simple floral brushstrokes, and composition strategies for combining text and illustration. Participants will practice controlling water and pigment for clean letterforms, painting intuitive floral shapes, and building balanced layouts with contrast and negative space. By the end of the session, attendees will complete a cohesive piece that integrates lettering and loose florals with confidence. This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A directly with Jade Scarlett. What You'll Learn Balance structure with looseness by combining lettering and florals. Create thick and thin watercolor letterforms using controlled water and pigment. Build simple floral shapes using brush pressure and wet-on-wet blending. Layer once dry to add depth without overworking the piece. Use a limited palette (2–4 colors) to create cohesion. Balance florals around lettering using contrast and negative space. Add finishing details and deepen shadows through glazing. Recognize when to stop to preserve softness and movement. Who It's For Students with basic watercolor or lettering experience Creatives interested in handmade cards, prints, or decorative artwork Brush lettering artists looking to incorporate painted elements Watercolor hobbyists wanting to add text to their compositions Anyone drawn to soft, modern botanical design styles Required MaterialsWatercolor paints (basic primary set or floral-friendly palette with pinks, greens, blues)Round brushes (sizes 2, 6, and 8 recommended)140 lb cold press watercolor paperWaterproof black fineliner (optional for outlining)Pencil and kneaded eraserTwo water containersPaper towels or cotton clothPalette for mixingOptional: white gel pen for highlights How to Join This class is available exclusively to CreativeLive subscribers. Not a subscriber? Join here. The class will be delivered via Zoom-style live sessions through CreativeLive. To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited. A unique Zoom join link will be sent to registered subscribers prior to the class date. About the Instructor Jade Scarlett is a watercolor artist, modern calligrapher, educator, and confessed craftaholic. It is her deepest belief that people can be happier and more fulfilled when expressing themselves creatively, and she's intensely passionate about teaching and making art accessible to all. Her desire is to uplift and encourage everyone to live their best creative lives. Her motto in life is “Make art, feel happy!"

Wood Burning with Jade Scarlett

Wed, Jun 3, 7–8:30pm ET Live Online

This seminar is for CreativeLive subscribers only. Not subscribed? Start here! The class introduces beginners to the art of pyrography, the process of decorating wood with controlled heat. Wood burning combines drawing skills with temperature control and patience to create detailed linework, shading, and texture. In this session, participants learn how to safely operate a wood burning tool while developing foundational techniques that produce clean lines and dimensional effects. The lesson also covers tool setup, surface preparation, line control, basic shading, and simple design transfer methods. Participants will practice creating consistent strokes, adjusting pressure and speed for tonal variation, and building contrast through layered burns. By the end of the session, attendees will complete a small finished design and feel confident continuing their exploration of pyrography.This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A directly with Jade Scarlett. What You'll Learn Understand what pyrography is and how wood burning works as controlled drawing with heat. Set up tools and surfaces properly, including temperature settings, tip choice, and wood preparation. Practice line control and basic strokes using steady speed and pressure for consistent results. Create shading and value through gradual build-up and layered burns. Transfer designs and plan simple compositions for beginner-friendly success. Finish pieces safely and understand basic tool care and storage. Who It's For Beginners who have never worked with a wood burning tool DIY enthusiasts interested in handmade home decor or gifts Artists looking to expand drawing skills into a new medium Crafters curious about adding texture and detail to wooden surfaces Anyone interested in learning a creative, hands-on skill safely and confidently Required Materials Wood burning tool with adjustable temperature (beginner-friendly kit recommended) Assorted interchangeable tips (universal, shading, and fine point tips) Smooth, unfinished wood surface (basswood plaques or panels recommended) Pencil and eraser Fine grit sandpaper Heat-resistant surface or protective mat Safety gloves (optional but recommended) Mask or proper ventilation setup Optional: graphite paper for transferring designs, ruler, stencils How to Join This class is available exclusively to CreativeLive subscribers. Not a subscriber? Join here. The class will be delivered via Zoom-style live sessions through CreativeLive. To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited. A unique Zoom join link will be sent to registered subscribers prior to the class date. About the Instructor Jade Scarlett is a watercolor artist, modern calligrapher, educator, and confessed craftaholic. It is her deepest belief that people can be happier and more fulfilled when expressing themselves creatively, and she's intensely passionate about teaching and making art accessible to all. Her desire is to uplift and encourage everyone to live their best creative lives. Her motto in life is “Make art, feel happy!"

In-Camera Creative Artistry - Gels, Smoke and Shutter Drag with Alain Martinez

Thu, Jul 9, 1–2:30pm ET Live Online

This seminar is for CreativeLive subscribers only. Not subscribed? Start here! This creative portrait class shows how to transform ordinary shoots into bold, memorable images using practical in-camera techniques. In this session, Alain Martinez demonstrates how to use colored gels, smoke, shutter drag, rear-curtain flash, and other tools to create portraits with more drama, movement, and visual impact. Through multiple live scenarios, you’ll see how these effects come together in real time, from initial concept to final execution. The class focuses on achievable techniques that can be used on a wide range of shoots, helping photographers create images that feel more stylized, dynamic, and client-ready without relying on heavy post-production. This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A with Alain Martinez. What You'll Learn How to combine video light and flash in the same image. How to freeze motion with flash for sharper, more intentional results. How to create more drama and atmosphere in a portrait. How to use simple tools to produce striking in-camera effects. How gels, smoke, shutter drag, and rear-curtain flash can add creativity and energy to your images. Who It's For Intermediate photographers who want to add more creativity and stylized effects to their portraits. Advanced photographers interested in combining flash, continuous light, and motion techniques. Portrait photographers who want to create bolder, more memorable client work. Creatives looking for practical in-camera effects that can be applied on real shoots. How to Join This class is available exclusively to CreativeLive subscribers. Not a subscriber? Join here. The class will be delivered via Zoom Webinars. You’ll need access to Zoom through a web browser or the Zoom app in order to participate. To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited. A unique Zoom join link will be sent to the maximum number of participants per class. You’ll receive this link one hour before the class start time.

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