Courses and Workshops
with Whitney
Photography becomes far less intimidating when you understand not only what to do, but why it works. Drawing on my background in robotics, programming, and the physics of light and color, I teach both the art and science of photography—from camera fundamentals, Photoshop, portraiture, and styling to foundational, advanced, and creative studio lighting. Most instruction is offered through customized, one-on-one training built around your equipment, experience, and goals, with hands-on group courses and workshops offered periodically. Explore my current offerings below, or contact me to create a private course around exactly what you want to learn.
Studio Lighting
Beginner
Designed for photographers who understand manual camera settings but are new to studio lighting, this hands-on course demystifies both the art and science of light. Learn essential lighting gear and terminology, exposure, modifiers, and simple one- and two-light setups, then put those concepts into practice while photographing.
Intermediate
Designed for photographers who understand basic studio lighting and want to work with greater intention, this hands-on course explores purposeful light placement, composition, posing, and two- to four-light setups. You’ll learn how to build and refine more complex lighting arrangements, then apply each concept while photographing a model.
Advanced
For photographers ready to move beyond familiar setups, this hands-on course connects advanced lighting theory with precise creative control. Explore lighting ratios, the inverse square law, multi-light arrangements, snoots, gels, and advanced techniques for shaping dimension, mood, and impact—then put the science into practice while photographing a model.
Creative
Break beyond traditional lighting and explore what happens when color, movement, and experimentation take over. This hands-on course uses gels, shutter drag, optical spots, specialty modifiers, filters, and unexpected tools to create dramatic effects in camera. You’ll learn why these techniques work and how to use them intentionally while photographing a model.
Photoshop
Beginner
New to Photoshop? Build a clear, practical foundation without feeling overwhelmed. Learn to navigate the workspace, use layers and masks, make selections, perform essential corrections and retouching, and save files properly. The course emphasizes nondestructive editing habits that give you greater confidence and control over every image.
Intermediate
For photographers comfortable with the fundamentals, this course develops a faster, more intentional editing workflow. Explore advanced masking and selections, blending modes, color correction and toning, portrait retouching, object removal, and actions. You’ll learn how Photoshop’s tools work together so you can edit more efficiently and solve problems independently.
Advanced
For experienced Photoshop users ready to tackle more complex work, this course explores precision compositing, advanced masking, realistic background replacement, detailed retouching, color grading, and modern editing tools. Bring your own challenging images or follow a guided project designed around the techniques, creative effects, and workflow improvements you want to master.
SPECIALIZED COURSES
Portrait Photography
Great portraiture requires more than correct exposure. This course explores the choices that turn a photograph into a compelling portrait, including lens selection, lighting, composition, posing, expression, and connection. Learn to direct subjects confidently, recognize meaningful moments, and create images that feel flattering, intentional, and emotionally engaging.
Styling Photo Shoots
A successful photoshoot begins long before the camera comes out. Learn how to build a cohesive visual concept through mood boards, color palettes, wardrobe, props, backgrounds, hair, makeup, and location choices. This course shows you how to turn inspiration into a practical plan while keeping every element purposeful and visually connected.
Camera Basics
Take your camera off Auto and finally understand the settings that shape your photographs. This practical course covers aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus modes, metering, lens choice, and exposure. Through guided practice, you’ll learn how these controls work together and gain the confidence to make intentional decisions in changing conditions.
Upcoming Workshops
THE SCIENCE & ART OF STUDIO LIGHTING
Learn why light behaves the way it does, then put that science into practice with exposure, falloff, modifiers, lighting patterns, and one- to multi-light setups. This full-day WPPA workshop includes live demonstrations and guided hands-on shooting.
workshop details
DATE: Sat., Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9:30 AM–4:00 PM
WHERE: Whitney Minten Photography - 2320 N. Pleasant View Rd. Ste. 100, Middleton, WI