Family picnic © Tim Pannell Photography

I’ve been a commercial photographer for over 24 years now, so It seems a little weird for me to be saying that I’m discovering the joys of photography all over again.

Over the course of my career I’ve worked with Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Phil Mickelson and shot all over Europe, Africa, South America, Greece, Canada and most of the states in the U.S.

I’ve worked on countless campaigns and with countless ad agencies and art directors.  I have to say that I always have a ball when I’m working.

But, out of everything I’ve shot, the one subject that is my hands down favorite, is kids.  They’re a blast!  I love their energy, I love the challenge of keeping them interested.  I love trying to understand what makes them tick.

I only started this blog a few weeks ago in the interest of sharing some of the things I’ve learned over the years with others.  I didn’t realize how much I’d benefit from it.

So, while I’m trying to come up with ideas for the blog, I’m remembering how I used to feel all those years ago when I was just starting out in photography.

I used to pour through magazines and books, searching for great images and I would always look in awe when I stumbled onto an amazing photograph.

I ate, drank and slept photography.  Writing this blog has reawakened those feelings inside me and it’s been a lot of fun reconnecting with that.

I have so many friends that are extremely interested in photography.  Several of them are into scenics and nature shots, but the vast majority are mostly interested in shooting better photographs of their children.

© Tim Pannell Photography

The “Photo Mommies” blog focuses exclusively on taking better photos of your kids.  It’s been fun sharing some portrait lighting ideas and photography tips, but I would like to get more in depth than I can in a “blog” format.

Since I want to share more and do more, I’ve decided to offer an online photography workshop to a select number of students.

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

The class will run 8 weeks.  The first class will start in October

There will be a limited number of students allowed in each class so that I have enough time for each person on an individual basis.  I will give everyone personalized feedback on their assignment images.

I’m having a website designed so there will be a forum specifically for these workshops.  I will be able to post daily lessons, images, videos, and screen captures.

At the end of each week, there will be an assignment that covers the daily lessons studied during that week.

Students will be able to post questions and upload some of their photos for critiques and feedback.  I haven’t settled on a fee just yet, but perhaps somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 – $400.

I do have a lot of questions at this time.  I know what I would like to learn in a photography class, but I don’t know what any of you might prefer or enjoy.

What would you be looking for in an online photography class?  What topics would interest you the most?  What would your expectations be for an 8 week class?

If any of you have already taken an online photography course, what did you like about it, what didn’t you like about the workshop?  What areas of child photography do you struggle with the most?

I’m open to any suggestions, no matter how big……or small they may be.

camping © Tim Pannell Photography

I’m really excited about teaching these workshops and I am looking forward to getting to know a lot of you better.  By the end of the class, I’m sure I’ll have a pretty good feel for who your kids are as well.

There’s nothing as cool as getting a great, timeless shot of one of your kids that will last forever.  Nothing is better at transporting us through time to a cherished moment or memory than a photograph.

Let me give you the photographic tools you need to capture the images of your kids  that you already carry around in your heart.