April 2nd 2024 || 9:30am-5:30pm~ish
***This is the workshop you’ve been looking for***
At least, I hope so. I’ve hosted many workshops all over the world, but I’m excited to visit Fredericksburg VA for the first time.
My workshop is very intensive and practical. You’ll learn about my current business, workflows, equipment, and process for effortless creative portraits and documentation of wedding days. Other topics include – the inner workings of my “company of one,” preset development, how to nurture sustainable creativity, and a live shoot with a real couple. All photographs I make during the day will be presented and edited from start-through-delivery in front of the group. You will also have plenty of opportunities to make photos for yourself!
Key takeaways include:
- Insight into my current business operations and workflows
- Understanding my equipment and process for seamless creation of couples’ portraits
- Insight for fostering sustainable creativity
- A live photo-shoot with a real couple
- A demonstration of my editing process, from raw image to final delivery
The workshop is designed to be a highly interactive session, offering you the opportunity to not just observe, but also create and refine your own photographs.
Strict limit 12 attendees, no exceptions. Select Klarna or Affirm at checkout for payment options
SOLD OUT
$850 USD / person, and includes lunch.
Use code EPICTEAM for $150 off if you’re a studio/duo
You will leave confident; able to make magnetic photos in any location, with any couple.
My workshops are 100% sponsored by you & not affiliated w/ any companies.
- business // marketing. SEO. pricing. ads. socials.
- equipment // lighting (natural, bounce flash, LED), lenses, all the gear.
- workflow // import & LR optimization. beginning-to-end process. AI culling & editing.
- epic portraits // the who. the why. the how.
- live shoot // real awkward couple. real shooting situations. real creativity.
- techniques // freelensing. ring of fire, prisming. color spreading, all the -ing.
- post-processing // lightroom & LUT-based camera calibration profiles. how i do it all while keeping it consistent.
He teaches specific techniques, down to breaking down individual images in his portfolio and how to use those skills in our own work. He teaches high level ideas just as strongly as he explains specific techniques. His “in class” portion of his workshop was interesting and kept everyone engaged, which isn’t an easy task for multiple hours. His instructional photo session with a real couple was impactful and left me really excited to see locations, light, and overall “scenes” in an entirely different way.
I would attend another workshop of his in a heart beat because I’m sure even if it was the same content I’d still leave with new knowledge and even more inspired to work harder.
Thank you Sam – you’re the best.
Sam is an amazing photographer well-known for his distinctive aesthetic, and his workshop is a great place to learn about the techniques he uses to achieve that. But the less-obvious way in which Sam’s instruction is worthwhile is the really solid procedure and workflow he uses. He’s refined his system at every stage of the process, from initial contact and leads to back-up to delivery, and it’s a level of professionalism that’s worth trying to imitate. A+, would recommend. Joaquin Sam, thank you for sharing us your knowledge and techniques, and to be open to all our questions during all the workshop! I recommend it to anyone!!
I would strongly suggest taking detailed notes throughout the workshop, no matter how good you think your memory may be. I would also I’m not a dedicated wedding photographer, but I still love Sam’s style and workflow. If you are a fan of Sam’s work, this is a must attend event.
Not trying to criticize other reviewers, but this was definitely not a “beginners” workshop. I believe the content he covers can be applied to anyone intermediate to expert. I left the workshop with a greater level of confidence in my own work and a fresh set of new ideas to test out.
To be honest, there is only one thing I would recommend from a business point of view for Sam. When he announces his workshops, he says the workshop is limited to like 12 or 15 people. In the end there was closer to 17-20 people that attended. That being said, I did NOT find that significantly interfered with the day nor did it bother me. The only time I think it remotely became overwhelming was during the live shoot. Everything went totally fine and in the end it did not interfear with my questions being answered, but maybe it would be better to be more transparent about that when the workshop is announced. I can see how it can bother others.
Overall, I would highly recommend attending his workshop. Not every great photographer is also a great teacher. Sam is both. If you’ve been self taught for awhile and feel you need an extra boost of confidence and direction, look no further!
I thought Sam was a very open, honest and very down to earth guy. Rather than talk at you, he talks like a friend you’re having a chat with over a drink.
The presentation and sharing of knowledge was extremely insightful and somewhat inspiring. Amazing how such simple things can enhance a photographers output.
Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and would recommend it for anybody wanting to try new techniques.
Lot’s of new inspiration, not to copy but to merge into my own workflow and style.
Worth every penny!
I stumbled upon Sam Hurd’s work and was an immediate fan. When I found out he was having a workshop in my city, I was very excited but also on the fence about spending the money. I had studied Sam’s work, read a bunch of blog posts, even listened to several of his podcasts. I thought to myself, “I probably already know a lot of what he might teach but should check it out. If anything, I just want to be INSPIRED. If I don’t learn anything, I’ll know to never take another workshop again.”
After the workshop, not only was I beyond inspired, my mind was blown. Sam, the magician, shared his secrets with us!! He was open and honest about all his techniques. Not only that, it has completely CHANGED the way I shoot. I walked away thinking that this was one of the best decisions I have EVER made for my career, and I would do it again in a second. His workshop was worth every single penny.
I have no doubt that if you go in with an open mind, pay attention, take lots of notes, and really understand the way he does things, you cannot go wrong.
If Sam has The Epic Workshop v. 2.0, you can COUNT ME IN. I am sure he will continue to learn and create new techniques & magic tricks I will marvel at.
THANK YOU SAM!!!
My expectation from a workshop is that I walk away from it with new inspiration for my work and an abundance of practical tips and knowledge I can execute right away. Sam over-delivers on both accounts.
Sam is a huge inspiration and so great to learn from. If you’re on the fence, just sign up now and thank me later. Thanks again Sam!
Sam is personable and very approachable. A mark of who he is as a photographer is sharing his techniques and how-tos. This he did throughout the day and was open to any questions we had. It is always very helpful to hear the reasoning behind why someone does things the way they do and Sam shared a lot about this.
A key for me was a lot of what he shared re-instilled in me a reminder to be more adventurous about trying things. So a definite boost to confidence!
The FIRST thought I had after the class was that I would have paid double for that information! I am SO glad I took the workshop! I learned so many new and fantastic techniques- and while practicing shooting, I picked it up immediately! Thank you SO MUCH Sam! I couldn’t be happier!!
During the workshop: Not only is Sam super creative, he is just a great person. No matter what the skill level, he took the time to answer questions and found reasons to have another sentence with them. Normally, I feel like many people would have answered quickly and moved on. He was very engaging, and he goes over everything that he does! Everything! I had a list of things to ask – covered.
Working with the couple: I made sure I followed him closely bc this is what I was most looking forward for. I love his posing style, so I was analyzing and writing stuff down while others were shooting. You see how he gets the expressions that he does from couples, and he goes over strong fundamentals. It was wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for more instructions, and I definitely asked a bunch; like, pretty much, what’s going through your head right now:) Questions answered.
My first sessions after his workshop, I felt so confident. I analyzed my work after the workshop, and knew exactly where there was room for improvement. I’m so excited to (cliche warning) start this new chapter of my career.
I have taken so much from Sam that he was so willing to give. And am so very, very much thankful for that time.
He is really the true definition of an open book photographer. Down to earth, laid back, and hands on in helping give immediate feedback when shooting.
Heck – I’d love to attend again!
I learned so many little techniques that build up into amazing quicker workflow, better posing, and overall I think a better end product!
Thank you again Sam!
Dan Morris Photography
He is extremely knowledgeable and is always striving to learn new things and teach us his ways in a very open and selfless way. From how he got his start to business strategies … shooting with intent and pushing the boundaries, Sam’s workshop covers it all and will leave you feeling recharged and ready to elevate your business in every way imaginable. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone looking to expand on their techniques in a creative manner.
He is extremely knowledgeable and is always striving to learn new things and teach us his ways in a very open and selfless way. From how he got his start to business strategies … shooting with intent and pushing the boundaries, Sam’s workshop covers it all and will leave you feeling recharged and ready to elevate your business in every way imaginable. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone looking to expand on their techniques in a creative manner.
With that out of the way, let me get to the heart of it. I took Sam’s Epic and Epic Praxis workshops on successive days in Kitchener. I signed up after discovering his candid portraits of celebs on the web, not to mention his wedding images.
Even a casual glance at Sam’s online archive makes it clear that he is an innovative photographer who specializes in weddings and portraiture. In addition to having a signature style of composition, he constantly tries to bend light differently to create novel looks for his subjects. He literally has *bags* of tricks in his gear pack. Just a fine exemplar of how photography is at the intersection of art and technology, not to mention how creativity and experimentation go hand-in-hand.
Sam generously shared his inventive ways in his workshops. Unlike some mentors, he did not even mention restrictions on how workshoppers might use or share learned techniques. During the two days I spent with him and others in Kitchener, his primary concern was trying to impart his knowhow as much as possible. There wasn’t enough a hint of insecurity or concern about competition arising from those he informed. Such a refreshing perspective and perhaps the best way to succeed in today’s world where content protection is an increasing challenge. If you are constantly looking for new paths, it doesn’t matter how many follow and how precisely they do so.
Sam is simultaneously creative and down-to-earth, confident and humble, deliberate in his methods but not at all inflexible. His easygoing manner belies passion and commitment.
Whether you are a wedding photographer or not, whether you are already good at what you do, a day spent with Sam will inspired new avenues of creativity. Money and time so well spent.
I was very happily wrong, I not only learned Sam’s methods but his thinking and motivation behind the incredible shots he takes. Sam is a great teacher and his enthusiasm rubs off on you and I felt really excited to get hold of my camera, like he’d unlocked some secret circle to this inner knowledge. I will be forever grateful for this feeling of being like a big kid ready to explore with my camera!
I knew I wanted to do one workshop this summer but was undecided between a one-on-one or a group experience. I’m so glad to have chosen the Epic Workshop because, in addition to all the fantastic insights and inspirational words from Sam, what happened was an alchemy of sorts – when an intimate group of like-minded spirits are gathered and working together; all inspired by the same words and motivated by the same ideas.
I can’t recommend the workshop highly enough.
I had hoped to learn about the techniques Sam uses, some I had already tried and wanted to gain a better understanding of, some I had no idea how he acheived his results and was dying to know. He didn’t hold anything back, answered every question in detail and spent time with each attendee to really demonstrate and explain what to do. When I say Sam was completely open about everything I mean it, nothing was off limits and it was a mind blowing experience.
My background is teaching so I know how to impart knowledge to people, what makes a good teacher and what is required to inspire people… Sam is THE best teacher I’ve ever come across. He’s patient, funny, engaging and 100% passionate about his work and photography in general. To spend 2 days with him was a real honour and privilege.
Sam also integrated with the group brilliantly and at times it felt like he was just another attendee, there was no ‘us’ and ‘him’, just a group of people having fun, chatting and sharing stories and knowledge.
I will always be grateful to Sam for the way he conducted the workshop, for the knowledge he passed on and the way he inspired me. I can’t wait to put everything in to practice over the next 12 months!!!
By far my favorite part of the workshop was the editing and workflow section. It gave me plenty of foundation to start building my own workflow and business sense up correctly.
All in all an extremely worthwhile class. I would seriously consider going back, and most likely will, just to polish up techniques and pick his brain some more.
Sam Hurd, is one of the few photographers I follow regularly. His body of work and his vision is nothing short of exemplary.
After so much time in the industry, I struggle to find new knowledge that I didn’t previously learn in the past. If anything, most workshops I attend serve as reminders to things I have forgotten and should probably put into practice (again?).
Sam’s techniques are original for our time. While other lensmen may have tried similar “tricks” in the past, Sam is able to pull them together in wonderfully organic way. Despite his relatively young age and young career, I clearly see the beginning of one of the great Wedding Photography masters of this, and the next decade.
While you can glean the basics of his methods from his blog, seeing an artist put them into action and having the 1-on-1 interaction to clarify their vision is invaluable.
I think that Sam’s workshop is definitely for the intermediate to advanced photographer looking to take their work to the next level or incorporate a few new tricks. It should be avoided by the newbies. It will probably be a little over their heads.
Sam is all about the “why” and does an excellent job keeping it informative and informal all at the same time.
5★ all the way.
This is how I came to admire Sam Hurd’s work. It is unique, creative and unabashedly his own. It is evident just through his Facebook and blog postings that he is constantly trying to outdo himself. Fast forward to the day I decided that *maybe* there is a chance he’d want to hold one of his Epic Workshops down here…a girl can dream. But, for some reason, that day I did more than dream, I emailed him. I figured the worst that could happen was that I didn’t get a response, oh well! I was in shock when only a few hours later Sam had emailed me and not only said SURE, he’d love to come down here (I suggested Charleston because I love it there and it is very close!) and that I could help set it up!
That email taught me one thing. ASK. Reach out and just ask…it can’t hurt! I’m so happy that I sent that tiny email. The days that I spent down in Charleston were just, epic, to steal Sam’s words. He makes it look so easy. And not in a “I’ll never be able to do that” way, but, in a positive enlightened way. It isn’t rocket science and he doesn’t pretend that it is. He also isn’t holding his cards tight to his chest. He showed us all of his “tricks” plus some. I got to watch him work his “magic” with a couple each day (I was there for both days!!!!). This was my favorite part and has probably left the biggest impression on me. If you’ve seen his work, you know his posing seem effortless. A goal that I’m assuming we all strive for. This is where my eyes were thoroughly opened! No, he doesn’t do those crazy cheesy poses that fill many pinterest boards and wedding blogs. What he gets is genuine emotion and intimate reactions. It is amazing. Put that together with an amazing light seeking missile of an eye and you have got one helluva portrait! I cannot wait to infuse some of the new bits of knowledge I gained into my work!
Sam is a fantastic mixture of entertaining, personable, passionate, approachable and incredibly knowledgeable. He’s very open during his workshop and allows the students plenty of opportunity to ask questions throughout not only the lecture portion but also the hands on portion.
The flow and structure of the workshop is wonderful. Sam explains his concepts step by step and makes sure to stop and help individuals understand before going on to the next topic. Many of the skills he introduces (prisming, etc.) are entirely new concepts for many of the attendees and Sam absolutely facilitates a nurturing atmosphere of learning.
Of all the workshops I’ve attended, The Epic Workshop has to be one of my faves. 5-Stars, totally work it, and an AMAZING value for what you take away from it.