SUMMER CAMP
Thursday July 30th | 5-7pm
Present your ceramic work with clarity, confidence, and professionalism in this focused photography workshop designed specifically for ceramic artists. Clay in Focus is all about learning how to create clean, compelling, professional-level images of your current and past ceramic pieces - whether for websites, social media, grant applications, exhibition submissions, or portfolio documentation.
In this hands-on class, we’ll concentrate on product photography techniques tailored to ceramics. Students will learn how to properly light three-dimensional forms to highlight texture, surface detail, and silhouette without harsh glare or distracting shadows. We’ll explore backdrop choices, creating seamless backgrounds, controlling reflections (especially on glossy glazes), and composing images that clearly communicate scale and craftsmanship.
Technical instruction will include understanding aperture for depth of field, ISO for image clarity, and shutter speed for sharpness - along with how these settings work together to produce crisp, well-exposed photographs. We’ll also discuss camera positioning, shooting angles for functional ware versus sculptural forms, and how to create consistent, cohesive image sets suitable for professional use.
The first portion of the class will include demonstration and lighting setup walkthroughs, showing how to build an effective and affordable home studio setup. Students will then photograph their own ceramic pieces with guided feedback and individualized support throughout the session.
This course is ideal for ceramic artists at any level who want to elevate how their work is documented and presented. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with practical skills, a repeatable setup strategy, and professional-quality photographs that truly represent the integrity and beauty of their ceramic work.
Digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless preferred; adjustable settings required)
Fully charged battery
Memory card with available space
2–3 ceramic pieces to photograph
Laptop and or tablet (for reviewing images + editing) - need something other than a phone, along with any type of toggle that students may need to get images off of a camera card and or phone.
Any preferred backdrop materials (optional)
The first 45 minutes to 1 hour will include a full demonstration covering lighting setups, camera settings, and composition strategies. The remainder of the session will be dedicated to hands-on photographing and real-time critique.
This workshop will run for approximately 2 hours to ensure ample time for setup, shooting, and refinement. We may run over just a bit…
BYOB Policy
We can’t provide beer or wine, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you’re 21+ and sip responsibly.
Camp Patches
Each camper will receive a limited-edition patch designed by the featured workshop artist. Each one reflects the spirit of that class, and the techniques explored. Sew them onto your apron, tote, or camp hoodie, and start a collection! I mean… that’s pretty sweet, right?!
Camp Loyalty Perks
• Buy 1 Get 20% off! After paying full price for one workshop, you will receive 20% off your next workshop of equal or lesser value.
• Attend all workshops and you’ll receive your Buy 1 Get 20% off discounts, a limited edition 2026 Summer Camp Claypron (complete with logo and room for your patches!), along with an Official Camp hoodie and Clay Nerds Unite Camp Tote.
What’s a week at summer camp without a closing ceremony and ribbon awards? If you attend just one workshop, you are invited to display your favorite pieces from your week at camp to share with everyone, and for the chance to earn a ribbon. Tried something new? Mastered a tricky technique? Created a masterpiece? Survived kiln drama? There’s likely gonna be a ribbon for that. We’ll cheer. We’ll clap. We may ooooh and ahhh….
Patches will be proudly displayed. Stories will be told. This is our moment to celebrate the beautiful community that forms when we gather to create with one another… and play in the mud.
A Quick Camp Policy Note
All workshop sales are final — no refunds or credits. We operate Summer Camp with built-in discounts to make it accessible, and we plan carefully to create something truly special. Our guest artists travel to be here and are paid for sharing their knowledge with our community. Thank you for understanding and supporting that commitment.
SUMMER CAMP
Thursday July 30th | 5-7pm
Present your ceramic work with clarity, confidence, and professionalism in this focused photography workshop designed specifically for ceramic artists. Clay in Focus is all about learning how to create clean, compelling, professional-level images of your current and past ceramic pieces - whether for websites, social media, grant applications, exhibition submissions, or portfolio documentation.
In this hands-on class, we’ll concentrate on product photography techniques tailored to ceramics. Students will learn how to properly light three-dimensional forms to highlight texture, surface detail, and silhouette without harsh glare or distracting shadows. We’ll explore backdrop choices, creating seamless backgrounds, controlling reflections (especially on glossy glazes), and composing images that clearly communicate scale and craftsmanship.
Technical instruction will include understanding aperture for depth of field, ISO for image clarity, and shutter speed for sharpness - along with how these settings work together to produce crisp, well-exposed photographs. We’ll also discuss camera positioning, shooting angles for functional ware versus sculptural forms, and how to create consistent, cohesive image sets suitable for professional use.
The first portion of the class will include demonstration and lighting setup walkthroughs, showing how to build an effective and affordable home studio setup. Students will then photograph their own ceramic pieces with guided feedback and individualized support throughout the session.
This course is ideal for ceramic artists at any level who want to elevate how their work is documented and presented. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with practical skills, a repeatable setup strategy, and professional-quality photographs that truly represent the integrity and beauty of their ceramic work.
Digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless preferred; adjustable settings required)
Fully charged battery
Memory card with available space
2–3 ceramic pieces to photograph
Laptop and or tablet (for reviewing images + editing) - need something other than a phone, along with any type of toggle that students may need to get images off of a camera card and or phone.
Any preferred backdrop materials (optional)
The first 45 minutes to 1 hour will include a full demonstration covering lighting setups, camera settings, and composition strategies. The remainder of the session will be dedicated to hands-on photographing and real-time critique.
This workshop will run for approximately 2 hours to ensure ample time for setup, shooting, and refinement. We may run over just a bit…
BYOB Policy
We can’t provide beer or wine, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you’re 21+ and sip responsibly.
Camp Patches
Each camper will receive a limited-edition patch designed by the featured workshop artist. Each one reflects the spirit of that class, and the techniques explored. Sew them onto your apron, tote, or camp hoodie, and start a collection! I mean… that’s pretty sweet, right?!
Camp Loyalty Perks
• Buy 1 Get 20% off! After paying full price for one workshop, you will receive 20% off your next workshop of equal or lesser value.
• Attend all workshops and you’ll receive your Buy 1 Get 20% off discounts, a limited edition 2026 Summer Camp Claypron (complete with logo and room for your patches!), along with an Official Camp hoodie and Clay Nerds Unite Camp Tote.
What’s a week at summer camp without a closing ceremony and ribbon awards? If you attend just one workshop, you are invited to display your favorite pieces from your week at camp to share with everyone, and for the chance to earn a ribbon. Tried something new? Mastered a tricky technique? Created a masterpiece? Survived kiln drama? There’s likely gonna be a ribbon for that. We’ll cheer. We’ll clap. We may ooooh and ahhh….
Patches will be proudly displayed. Stories will be told. This is our moment to celebrate the beautiful community that forms when we gather to create with one another… and play in the mud.
A Quick Camp Policy Note
All workshop sales are final — no refunds or credits. We operate Summer Camp with built-in discounts to make it accessible, and we plan carefully to create something truly special. Our guest artists travel to be here and are paid for sharing their knowledge with our community. Thank you for understanding and supporting that commitment.
