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The Studio Journal

  • Oct 16
  • 2 min read
Monthly reflections, updates, and creative happenings from Lenses & Brushes

Fall is in full swing, and October is bursting with opportunities to create at Lenses & Brushes! From film portraits and photo workshops to pumpkin decorating and paint nights, our studio is alive with color, community, and creativity. Join us for one (or a few!) of our upcoming workshops and embrace the magic of the season.


BARBER PARK POP-UP PORTRAIT SESSION
BARBER PARK POP-UP PORTRAIT SESSION

October 19 & 26 | 10 AM – 2 PM Experience timeless portraiture with our Zone VI large-format camera at beautiful Barber Park. Each 20-minute session includes two 8x10 black-and-white prints developed in our darkroom—a true one-of-a-kind keepsake.Optional add-ons include extra prints and custom holiday cards—perfect for gifting or framing!

Reserve your spot early—space is limited!


Get Crafty This Fall! Join us on October 18th from 4 PM to 6 PM for a fun and festive Dried Flower Pumpkin Decorating Class! Bring your own pumpkin, or purchase one at the studio. We provide all the beautiful dried flowers and supplies to create a stunning autumn pumpkins.


Saturdays, October 18 – November 1 | 11 AM – 12:30 PM

A hands-on photography series for young creatives! Students will explore camera basics, lighting, and composition while building confidence and visual storytelling skills. Cameras are available to borrow if needed.


Saturday, October 25 | 2 – 5 PM

Ready to take your camera off “auto”? This crash course will help you understand aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition so you can confidently create the images you envision. Perfect for beginners or those needing a quick refresher.


Wednesday, October 30 | 6 – 7:30 PMLearn how to streamline your workflow and bring your photos to life with Adobe Lightroom. We’ll cover importing, organizing, editing, and exporting—ideal for anyone wanting to simplify their digital photo process.


Fridays | 6 – 8 PM

Join us for our signature Gather & Paint nights—fun, relaxed evenings of painting, community, and creativity.


Special Event: Celebrate Bob Ross’s Birthday with us! Special Event: Celebrate Bob Ross’s Birthday with us!

WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 29 6 - 8 PM

Follow along with one of his iconic episodes and create your own “happy little masterpiece.” Enjoy dessert and wine while you paint—it’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate art the Bob Ross way.

There’s always something new happening at Lenses & Brushes, and these are just a few of the creative experiences waiting for you this month!


Take a moment to explore the website to see all of our workshops, events, and ongoing programs — from photography and painting to darkroom and mixed-media fun.

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let me know which workshop you’re most excited about — or what you’d love to see next month.



 
 

From Lens to Brush: August Creations

  • Aug 19
  • 3 min read

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August at Lenses & Brushes: Three New Ways to Create

We’re shaking things up this month with fresh opportunities to explore your creativity. Whether you want to experiment with new techniques, relax into a mindful art practice, or transform everyday objects into works of art, there’s something waiting for you.


Mixed Medium Nights A creative playground for artists of all levels! Try your hand at collage, watercolor, acrylics, or even air-dried clay. You can follow one of our suggested projects or let your imagination lead the way. These evenings are all about exploring textures, colors, and unexpected combinations in a relaxed, social setting.


Wednesdays in Watercolor Midweek is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the gentle flow of watercolor painting. Each Wednesday, we’ll focus on different subjects and techniques—from soft floral washes to vibrant layered landscapes—perfect for beginners and seasoned painters alike.


The Painted Surface Explore the limitless possibilities of acrylic and mixed media every Thursday and Saturday afternoon. Each week brings a fresh focus—from building rich textures and bold surfaces to experimenting with creative layering and playful techniques. You’ll expand your skills, spark your imagination, and leave each session with a piece of art that’s entirely your own.


Guest Photographer Workshops at Lenses & Brushes

This August, we’re excited to welcome two incredible guest photographers to the studio, each bringing their own unique expertise and creative vision.


Aaron Poole Los Angeles-based photographer Aaron Poole—whose work has been featured by the Ansel Adams Gallery, the LA Lakers, the LA Kings, and the Academy of Motion Pictures—will be hosting three inspiring workshops: Smartphone Photography, Intro to Supplemental Lighting, and AI in Photography. Aaron will also be booking limited studio sessions for professional headshots and portraits, offering the chance to work one-on-one with a world-class photographer.


Max McGillis Boise-based photographer - whose work has been featured in Euphoria Magazine and who photographs for Phantom Light Media, capturing live music events in film and digital. We’re also thrilled to welcome Max McGillis, who will be leading two hands-on sessions designed to strengthen your technical and creative skills: a Portrait Photography Workshop, focused on capturing expressive, well-lit portraits, and a Low Light Photography Workshop, where you’ll explore techniques for working in night and dimly lit settings.


Whether you’re picking up your phone, your DSLR, or just new inspiration, these guest workshops are a rare opportunity to learn from industry professionals and take your photography to the next level. Stay tuned for dates and times.



Youth Workshops:

Starting this month, we’re excited to launch Teen Photography Workshops every Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. These hands-on sessions are designed especially for young creators who want to explore the art of photography in a fun and interactive way. Each week, teens will head out on a walkabout through downtown Boise and along the Greenbelt, practicing camera techniques while capturing the world around them.

Workshops run in 12-week cycles, giving participants plenty of time to build their skills, experiment with creative approaches, and develop their own photographic style. It’s the perfect mix of learning, adventure, and creativity!


Looking for a fun and enriching activity for your kids? Our Inspire & Create art sessions run Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 – 5:30 PM. Each class introduces a new art lesson, giving students the chance to explore painting, drawing, mixed media, and more in a supportive, hands-on environment.

These sessions are perfect for homeschool students or families seeking a consistent creative outlet after school. Flexible class packages make it easy to drop in or attend regularly. Students will gain new skills, grow their confidence, and most importantly—have fun making art!


Exciting News: Lenses & Brushes is Growing!

We’re expanding our creative space to bring you even more opportunities to learn and create. Construction is underway on a brand-new darkroom, designed to host group workshops in film development, printing, and alternative photographic processes. We’re also adding a professional studio space for headshots and portraits, which will be available for both in-house use and rental by local photographers. Plus, a dedicated education room will soon be ready for photography classes and workshops of all kinds.

Stay tuned for updates as these new spaces take shape—we can’t wait to share them with you!


August is full of creative opportunities at Lenses & Brushes! From painting and photography to youth workshops and guest artist events, these are just a few of the exciting sessions we have planned. You’ll find even more workshops and details on our website.


We invite you to join us in the studio this month—try something new, build your skills, and connect with a vibrant community of creators.

Thank you for being part of our journey.


I can’t wait to create with you!

— Heidi Cabrera

Lenses & Brushes

 
 

What’s New at Lenses & Brushes: Found Cameras, Film, and After School Workshops

  • Jul 18
  • 2 min read


As summer winds down, things are heating up in the Lenses & Brushes studio! Here’s what’s new, what’s coming, and how you can get involved:


The Found Camera Project
The Found Camera Project

The Found Camera Project

What happens when you release 10 disposable film cameras into the city—no strings attached? Magic, curiosity, and community connection.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve hidden cameras in plain sight throughout downtown Boise—each loaded with 27 exposure and a simple request: take a photos, return it. Each captured moments from strangers, layered into a shared visual story.


I am thrilled to invite you to a gallery showing of the results beginning, Thursday, August 7 from 5–8 PM during First Thursday. Come see what Boise saw — unfiltered, anonymous, and beautifully human.


Inspire & Create Studio: After School Art Workshops

Is it too early to start planning what the kids will do after school? I am excited to announce our after school arts program begins August 19, our Inspire & Create Studio returns for the school year! This after-school workshop series runs Tuesday through Friday, from 4 to 5:30 PM, offering a new creative experience each day.

Each day features a different art focus (painting, photography, mixed media, and more), and each week explores a new theme to keep young artists inspired, engaged, and growing.

Perfect for youth looking to express themselves, learn new skills, and build confidence in a creative space.

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We Develop & Scan Your Film — By Hand

Did you know we also offer film development and scanning services?

At Lenses & Brushes, we treat your negatives with care. Each roll is hand-developed, whether it's black & white or color (C-41). No machines. No shortcuts. Just classic darkroom techniques — a craft that's becoming harder to find, but we’re proud to preserve.

Scanning options include:

  • High-resolution flatbed scans using Epson scanners

  • Camera negative scans with macro photography and hand-edited tonal correction

You’ll receive beautiful, clean, and printable images — perfect for portfolios, archiving, or sharing your film journey online.





Stay tuned for even more exciting news, including day time art classes, new workshops, and community art opportunities. Until then, come visit the studio, develop your next roll, or simply say hi during First Thursday.


I can’t wait to create with you.

— Heidi Cabrera

Lenses & Brushes

 
 
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