top of page

Monthly Newsletters

October Issue

November Newsletter_Page_1.jpg

November Issue

Search

Photography is more than just capturing moments. It is a dance of light and shadow, a conversation between the lens and the soul. We gather inspiration from the world around us, letting it bloom into images that reflect our unique vision. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey to master the art of photography, blending timeless creativity with modern photography techniques that illuminate our craft.


Embracing Modern Photography Techniques


The world of photography is ever-evolving. Modern photography techniques open doors to new possibilities, allowing us to develop our skills and express ourselves in fresh, exciting ways. Whether you are just starting or looking to deepen your practice, these techniques help you see the world through a different lens.


  • Play with Light and Shadow: Light is the heart of every photograph. Experiment with natural light during golden hours or create dramatic effects with shadows. Notice how light reveals textures and colors, adding depth and emotion.

  • Explore Composition Rules: The rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing guide the eye and create balance. But don’t be afraid to break these rules to reveal your personal style.

  • Use Depth of Field Creatively: Blur backgrounds to isolate your subject or keep everything sharp for storytelling. This technique helps your images bloom with focus and intention.

  • Incorporate Movement: Freeze a moment or capture motion blur to convey energy and life. Movement adds rhythm and flow to your photographs.

  • Experiment with Perspectives: Change your viewpoint. Shoot from high angles, low angles, or eye level to reveal new stories and emotions.


These techniques are not just tools; they are invitations to grow as an artist and storyteller.


Eye-level view of a camera lens focusing on a blooming flower
Exploring focus and depth in modern photography

What do digital photographers do?


Digital photographers are visual storytellers who capture the world through their lenses, using technology to enhance and share their vision. Their work is a blend of creativity, technical skill, and emotional insight.


  • Capture Moments: They freeze time, preserving fleeting emotions, landscapes, and events.

  • Edit and Enhance: Using software, they develop their images, adjusting light, color, and composition to reveal the story’s essence.

  • Experiment with Styles: From portraiture to abstract, digital photographers explore various genres to express their voice.

  • Collaborate and Connect: They work with clients, models, and communities, building relationships that enrich their work.

  • Educate and Inspire: Many share their knowledge through workshops, tutorials, and exhibitions, nurturing a creative community.


Digital photography is a living art form, constantly evolving as photographers gather new experiences and insights.


Close-up view of a photographer adjusting camera settings outdoors
Hands-on approach to capturing the perfect shot

Developing Your Eye for Detail


Mastering photography means training your eye to see beyond the obvious. It’s about noticing the subtle interplay of colors, shapes, and emotions that others might miss. Here’s how to cultivate that vision:


  1. Slow Down and Observe: Take time to really look at your surroundings. Notice the way light falls on a surface or how shadows create patterns.

  2. Practice Mindful Shooting: Instead of snapping quickly, pause and consider your composition. What story do you want to tell?

  3. Keep a Visual Journal: Collect images that inspire you. Reflect on what draws you to them and how you can incorporate those elements.

  4. Experiment Regularly: Try new subjects, lighting conditions, and techniques. Each experiment reveals something new about your style.

  5. Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and listen openly. Constructive critique helps you grow and refine your craft.


By developing your eye, you learn to reveal the extraordinary in the everyday.


Tools and Techniques to Enhance Creativity


While creativity is the heart of photography, the right tools and techniques help bring your vision to life. Here are some essentials to consider:


  • Camera Choice: Whether you use a DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone, understanding your device’s capabilities empowers you to create confidently.

  • Lenses: Different lenses offer unique perspectives. A wide-angle lens captures vast landscapes, while a macro lens reveals tiny details.

  • Tripods and Stabilizers: These tools help you capture sharp images, especially in low light or long exposures.

  • Editing Software: Programs like Lightroom or Photoshop allow you to develop your images, enhancing colors, contrast, and mood.

  • Filters and Accessories: Polarizers, ND filters, and reflectors can transform your shots by controlling light and reflections.


Remember, tools are extensions of your creativity. Use them to experiment, play, and express your unique voice.


Growing Through Community and Practice


Photography is not a solitary journey. It thrives in connection and shared experiences. Join groups, attend workshops, and participate in photo walks. These moments of gathering spark inspiration and foster growth.


  • Share Your Work: Posting your photos invites dialogue and new perspectives.

  • Learn from Others: Observe different styles and techniques. Every photographer has a story to tell.

  • Teach and Mentor: Helping others develop their skills deepens your own understanding.

  • Stay Curious: The world is full of stories waiting to be told. Keep exploring, experimenting, and evolving.


Together, we create a vibrant community where creativity blooms and curiosity leads the way.


If you want to dive deeper into the craft and connect with others who share your passion, consider exploring digital photography workshops and experiences that nurture your growth and creativity.



Mastering photography is a journey of discovery. It invites us to slow down, observe, and reflect. It challenges us to develop our skills and express our inner vision. Most importantly, it connects us to a community that values creativity, play, and personal growth. So pick up your camera, step outside, and let your art bloom. The world is waiting to be seen through your eyes.

 
 
  • 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.



 
 

ree

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

 
 
bottom of page