If you have an idea for a program, an offer to come present, or a request for a specific monthly or extended program, please contact our Program Director (programs@austinppa.com)

Upcoming Austin PPA events

    • 31 Jan 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • 3434 Oxsheer Drive, Austin, TX 78732
    Register

    Studio Lighting for Professional Photographers

    Studio lighting skills are a necessity for today’s profession photographer. In this full-day (6-1/2 hour), highly-interactive workshop you'll learn the fundamentals of studio lighting including the following:

    - How studio lights work

    - Quality of light and how to use it to your advantage

    - Light modifiers (umbrellas, soft boxes, beauty dishes and more) how they affect the look of your images

    - Proper use of reflectors

    - How to properly meter to get predictable results

    - Understand different lighting patterns (loop, butterfly, flat, Rembrandt, horror, split, short, broad) and how to create them

    - Understand kickers, hair lights, grids and colored gels

    - How to approach images with white or black backgrounds

    - High-key, low-key, mid-key and how to match key

    - Understanding lighting ratios and how to set up lights to accomplish them

    - How to use light fall off to alter contrast

    - How to light for different client scenarios – headshots, drama, large groups

    You’ll work hands-on with top studio equipment to develop a solid foundation of studio lighting used by working professional photographers. Two different professional models will be on-hand (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for you to practice with. You’ll leave this class with a solid understanding of studio lighting opening up a world of creative possibilities.

    Your enrollment includes photo release for promotional/portfolio use so you'll not only learn about studio portraiture but you'll also have the opportunity to add to your portfoio.  

    PPA members will earn a continuing education merit for attending and completing this class.


                   


         

    • 16 Feb 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Precision Camera, 2438 W Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78757
    Register

    Paulina Gwaltney is a multi-talented creative professional photographer known for delivering high-impact visual results for photographers, studios, brands, and event organizers. With a strong reputation for producing striking imagery in small spaces and on efficient budgets, Paulina provides practical, results-driven solutions that elevate visual output without inflating production costs.

    Originally from Warsaw, Poland, Paulina immigrated to the United States in 2004 and has since built a successful photography and styling business centered on innovation, problem-solving, and resourceful creativity.

    Drawing from early influences in garment construction, Paulina specializes in creating custom wardrobe pieces using streamlined materials and methods—including full outfits built with nothing more than fabric and a stapler. This unique approach allows her to offer clients bespoke styling and creative direction with minimal overhead.

    Ready to elevate your creativity without elevating your budget?
    Join Paulina Gwaltney for an inspiring, hands-on presentation and learn how to create bold, high-impact images in small spaces using smart styling and resourceful techniques. Save your seat today and discover how to create more, impress more, and spend less.

    • 01 Mar 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Tim's Place 3434 Oxsheer Drive Austin, TX
    Register

    Certified Professional Photographer Exam Prep Class

    Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026

    Location: Tim’s Place – 3434 Oxsheer Drive

    Time: 9 am – 4:30 p.m. (See below for lunch break plans)  

    Cost: $99


    The Austin PPA supports the value of the PPA Certified Professional Photographer program. This class helps students prepare for the CPP examination. Topics include: 

    * Photographic equipment 

    * Exposure and metering 

    * Lighting 

    * Math formulas 

    * Color theory 

    * Composition 

    * Sample test questions 

    The class runs from 9 am – 4:30 pm with a break from noon – 1 pm for lunch. We will likely order pizza.  

    If you’d like to use study materials (optional), you can use Steve Kozak’s “CPP Study Guide” available at this link: https://passthecpp.com/membership-account/membership-checkout/.  

    PPA members who attend this class are eligible to receive one service merit from PPA. 

    The instructor for this class is Tim Babiak, M.Photog.Cr., CPP. Tim has served as a local CPP Liason as well as on the Austin PPA and Texas PPA Boards of Directors. 


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