Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Photo Events, Mentoring, Tips

Read to the bottom for TIPS and for a free sky image file.

We have a plethora of photo classes, photo tours. and photo workshops planned for 2024...

  • Birds
  • Lightpainting
  • Night photography
  • Landscape photography
  • UrbEx
  • Macro
  • Macro Immersion Sessions
  • Macro Retreat (with SIX OM SYSTEM ambassadors) (September 6th -9th)

  • February 2024
  • March 2024
  • Mentoring 
    • Set aside some time in 2024 for YOU. You deserve it. You do so much for others, make some time for yourself in 2024. Googling and watching videos has its place, but there are thousands of answers, versus with a mentor you get the ONE answer that is best for YOU.  it is hard to decipher the good from the bad, the antiquated from the current, the useful from the useless. 
    • We can meet in person and/or on Zoom and you will not have to share your lessons with anyone else, no other students not at your level, no other participants asking questions that don't apply to you, just your agenda. ​These one-on-one sessions are scheduled for your convenience. That means mornings, afternoons, or evenings. 
    • The topic possibilities are endless since the sessions are tailored specifically to what YOU want to learn.
      • Get inspiration or overcome creative block
      • Master Manual mode
      • Use and really understand your camera’s buttons, and dials, and customize it.
      • Long Exposures
      • Night photography 
      • Portfolio review 
      • Image critique
      • Create a website
      • Bring your artistry to the next level
      • Obtain quick instruction or refresher for an upcoming trip or event
      • Learn selective editing in Adobe Camera RAW
      • Learn layers and Masks
      • Shorten your Macro photography learning curve
      • Create macro and/or close-up photographs 
      • Be creative with light painting
      • Learn how to see and create Wabi Sabi images
      • Managing your artistic time
      • Make your images have more impact 
      • Start a personal project 
      • Master the art of creating dynamic images of ordinary objects.
      • Put together a portfolio of your favorite photographs.
      • Learn off camera (portable) flash
      • Take better photographs of your pet
      • Take better photographs of your child/grandchild
      • Take better photographs of people 
      • Take better street portraits 
      • Learn advanced post-processing
      • Take pictures at the location of your choosing
  • Sessions are $100 per hour, any topic. Email us the topic you are looking to master and we will arrange a time. 
  • Make 2024 your year of growth -- purchase 20 one hour sessions and get four additional sessions included $2000. We can do 1-2 sessions per month and by the end of 2024 you will be in a different place photographically and artisitcally. http://tinyurl.com/LisaTom2024 



We have a plethora of photo classes, photo tours. and photo workshops planned for 2024...
  • Birds
  • Lightpainting
  • Night photography
  • Landscape photography
  • UrbEx
  • Macro
  • Macor Immersion
  • Macro Retreat (with SIX OM SYSTEM ambassadors)

Our Birds in Flight Workshop (this is our fourth visit to this magical place) -- check it out https://www.lisatom.photos/photo-events/raptors523






Glad that you made it to the bottom ;-)
  • Tips:
    • Bird photography, especially BIF (birds in flight) is hard. It requires a lot of practice. Just acquiring the bird in your viewfinder is hard, then keeping it in your viewfinder as it moves is hard, and that is without even talking about focusing and exposing. Find some gulls (or pigeons) and spend time practicing. You don't even have to download them at first, just practice and watch your acquisition rate increase) and then work on exposure and focusing after you can easily acquire and follow the birds. 
    • In the winter months, take your memory cards out of your camera before heading home, you want your camera gear to gradually warm up once you are inside so you should not open the camera bag and risk condensation.
    • When it's cold outside roll deodorant on the soles of your feet so that they don't sweat (because when your feet sweat they get damp, and then cold). 

Take some high res images of clouds, skies, and sunsets. You can enjoy them alone, but you can also use them when you want to be creative in your photography or want to make a Holiday card. 
  • Visit our gallery here photographybylisaandtom.com/Other/LisaTomphotos-free-images to receive our free sky image.
    • Download the sky (download password WI3e6iTbNp) and add it to your skies (Edit, sky replacement, gear, get more skies, import)(see screen shot below)
    • We are going to provide a complementary texture or sky or such to some of our newsletters. 
For our nature work neither Tom nor I replace skies very often, and when we do, we use our own skies. Since we are primarily nature photographers and teachers/mentors we usually identify a sky replacement if we post on social media. We identify images that have been composited as such because we are so we want viewers to understand a composited image. Most of our Nature images are SOOC (straight out of the camera). However, we do enjoy Photoshop and Compositing and we do occasionally create ART for clients, art shows, etc. where the creative end product is the goal. For a good view on Art check out https://www.dailytexture.com/blog/call-your-art-what-it-is-art  








Lastly, if you are looking for a mirrorless camera, or are currently using an Olympus or OM SYSTEM cameras...the OM1 markii might be for you. Email us or message us and we are happy to discuss the cameras we use. We just received the cameras late Friday. We will be doing a review of the camera soon, but we are very happy with it! 

Today OM System has announced some new additions (camera and two lenses) to the OM SYSTEM family. As most of you know Tom and I are OM SYSTEM ambassadors. While any camera make/model is welcome on our workshops the computational technolgies in the OM SYSTEM gear along with the light sharp lenses are the perfect fit for us.
Based on the features and our conviction in the improvements we ordered the OM1 mark II cameras for ourselves early this morning. http://tinyurl.com/LisaTom-OMGear
We love creating images with the OM-1 and feel that the OM1 mark II body is for us because of the new features (and the fact that it has the same battery and menu). We are especially looking forward to the larger buffer, the improved wildlife tracking, 14 bit high res (Tom loves high res!), 8.5EV stops of image stabilization, and some new computational capabilities including in-camera 8 stops GRADUATED live neutral density and ND128 added to Live ND.
Order the OM1 mark II from our link and receive a complementary one-hour mentoring session http://tinyurl.com/LisatomOM1M2
We offer this complementary one-hour mentoring session on many purchases from our link http://tinyurl.com/LisaTom-OMGear. FYI, Early orders get a free extra battery with purchase (ships February 26th). Not sure which OM SYSTEM camera body (or lens) to purchase? Message us, we are happy to chat via messenger, phone, zoom to help you decide which is best for your photography.
The new OM-1 Mark II is designed for the outdoors, this new camera has remarkable high-speed sequential shooting, improved autofocus accuracy and reliability, and the world’s first in-camera Live GND – or Graduated ND. This advanced graduated ND filter, minimizes the need to pack extra gear while ensuring you still have all the creative tools you need. The Live GND (Graduated ND) shooting function, a groundbreaking technology that utilizes computational photography to replicate the effects of using a half ND, accurately controlling brightness and darkness within the image to create stunning output. Through Live GND shooting, users can seamlessly adjust filter steps (GND2, GND4, or GND8) and types (Soft, Medium, or Hard) in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD. This innovative approach allows for precise customization of the effect’s position and angle, empowering photographers to craft their envisioned images effortlessly. Without the need for physical filters attached to the lens, this feature enables photographers to leverage half ND effects, even with lenses lacking filter threads, significantly expanding creative expression in genres such as landscape photography. Elevating capabilities further, the OM-1 Mark II enhances the upper limit for step numbers in the popular Live ND shooting to ND128, allowing the camera to handle scenarios requiring larger step numbers.
This gear is able to withstand the most rugged outdoor conditions2, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II boasts an IP53-class splash & dustproof design, coupled with a robust body built to withstand freezing temperatures down to -10°C. http://tinyurl.com/LisatomOM1M2
The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600 F5.0-6.3 IS lens has powerful image stabilization for handheld shooting and a focal length of up to 1200mm equivalent; up to 2400mm equivalent when paired with the M.Zuiko 2x teleconverter MC-20. This new lens from OM SYSTEM is designed for bird and wildlife photography, making it effortless to photograph small birds and remote nature subjects – while its compact, weather-sealed construction ensures reliable performance in any environment. http://tinyurl.com/LisaTom150600
Also new to the OM SYSTEM family is an updated version of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II, the lightest and most compact option of the three M.Zuiko Digital ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses.

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Saturday, December 30, 2023

The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book waiting to be written -- Treat yourself to something wonderful!

Treat yourself to something wonderful!

This gift has your name on it. You do so much for others, make some time for yourself in 2024. Watching YouTube has its place, but it is hard to decipher the good from the bad, the antiquated from the current, the useful from the useless. 

"The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book waiting to be written"

Topic possibilities are endless as the photography session will be tailored specifically to what YOU want to learn.

  • Obtain quick instruction for an upcoming trip or event
  • Get inspiration or overcome creative block
  • Learn selective editing in Adobe Camera RAW
  • Learn layers and Masks
  • Use and really understand your camera’s buttons, and dials, and customize it.
  • Shorten your Macro photography learning curve
  • Create macro and/or close-up photographs 
  • Be creative with light painting
  • Master Manual mode
  • Portfolio review 
  • Image critique
  • Create a website
  • Bring your artistry to the next level
  • Learn how to see and create Wabi Sabi images
  • Managing your artistic time
  • Make your images have more impact 
  • Start a personal project 
  • Master the art of creating dynamic images of ordinary objects.
  • Put together a portfolio of your favorite photographs.
  • Learn portable flash
  • Take better photographs of your pet
  • Take better photographs of your child/grandchild
  • Take better photographs of people 
  • Take better street portraits 
  • Learn advanced post-processing
  • Take pictures at the location of your choosing
We can meet in person and/or on Zoom and you will not have to share your lessons with any other students not at your level or particioants asking questions that don't apply to you. ​These one-on-one sessions are scheduled for your convenience. That means mornings, afternoons, or evenings. 

  • Sessions are $100 per hour 
  • Special (ends 1/15) for 2024....purchase ten sessions and get two additional sessions $1000, in person and or Zoom... 



We have a plethora of photo classes, photo tours. and photo workshops planned for 2024...
  • Birds
  • Lightpainting
  • Night photography
  • Landscape photography
  • UrbEx
  • Macro
  • Macor Immersion
  • Macro Retreat (with SIX OM SYSTEM ambassadors)

Our Birds in Flight Workshop (4th time running this) is on sale for a few weeks -- check it out https://www.lisatom.photos/photo-events/raptors523




Tom created these images below today using his TG7. http://tinyurl.com/lisatomTG7
He utilized the underwater toughness to place the camera in the flooded road at sunset.
The Ultra Resilient TG-7 is built to perform in harsh conditions:
-- IPX8-rated waterproof for underwater use to depths of 50’
-- Freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14°F
-- Shockproof to drops from as high as 7'
-- Crushproof to withstand pressure up to 220 lbf
-- Dustproof to protect the internal components of the camera
-- Anti-fog design prevents condensation from forming inside the lenses
Tom also loves using the Expansive Macro System of the TG7 which has four macro shooting modes for capturing scenes up close. "Select Microscope mode to capture images with an incredibly short minimum focusing distance of 0.39". To zoom up to 44x closer, switch to Microscope Control mode. Utilize Focus Stacking mode to merge multiple images and create one photo with great depth of field. Focus Bracketing allows you to capture up to 30 images at various focus points which can then be composited in post-production. Having these macro capabilities at your disposal makes it easy to capture the finest details of your subject and visualize creative perspectives that are unfamiliar to the naked eye."








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Friday, November 17, 2023

Blessings, Workshops, Mentoring and a little Wabi Sabi

May your blessing be more abundant than the fall leaves! 

This Wabi Sabi sunflower with morning frost image was focus-stacked in-camera (8 images, taken handheld using the 40-150mm lens on the OM1.

Join us at some of our upcoming photography events. See six upcoming events below.

We also offer both in-person (Hamden CT or on-location with travel costs)and Zoom remote mentoring on a wide variety of in-camera and post-processing techniques, as well as camera setupup, subject-specific mentoring (like birds, night, macro, etc.) image critiques, portfolio reviews, website creation, and more. 

  • Mon Nov 20th
    • Eagles, Herons, Cormorants, Vultures, etc.
    • https://www.lisatom.photos/photo-events/eagles112023

  • Sat. Dec. 9th 

  • Sun. Dec. 10th 

  • January 2024
    • Photograph and Lightpaint Old Cars and more at Old Car City 
    • Registration opening soon 

  • January 27 2024 Steamposh Portrait Event
    • Photography Pirate and Steampunk models at our Hamden CT 
    • Registration opening soon 

  • May 2024 

    • Tell your loved one that you want some "TLC" (Tom & Lisa Cuchara, lol) for your holiday gift.  We offer one hour mentoring sessions up to 40 weekly mentoring sessions. Email us at PhotographyByLisaAndTom  @comcast.net. 

       We also offer gift certificates and one-on-one mentoring (camera and/or Photoshop). Our books “Create Fine Art Photographs from Historic Places and Rusty Things” http://tinyurl.com/lisatom-urbex  and "The Frog Whisperer: Portraits and Stories" www.tinyurl.com/lisatom-frogs also make good gifts. LisaAndTom.com

    Don't have time or the money right to support us right now, there are other ways to support us as Artists:


    Happy Thanksgiving! 

    May your blessing be more abundant than the fall leaves! 

    Tom and Lisa
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Monday, October 23, 2023

Workshops and Online presentations and Nature Oh My

Join us at some of our upcoming photography events, here are details regarding ten upcoming events: Two online presentations, one conference, two workshops and five photo events! We also offer both in-person (Hamden CT or on-location with travel costs)and Zoom remote mentoring on a wide variety of in-camera and post-processing techniques, as well as camera setupup, subject-specific mentoring (like birds, night, macro, etc.)image critiques, portfolio reviews, website creation, and more. 
  1. Oct 28  (Saturday) Huntley Meadows
    1. October 28, 2023 6:45-10:45am EST
    2. https://events.eao.omsystem.com/workshop-huntley-meadows--with-Lisa-and-Tom-Cuchara 
  2. Oct 29 (Sun.) Experience the Calm and Magic of a National Wildlife Refuge 
    1. October 29, 2023 6:45-10:45am EST
    2. https://events.eao.omsystem.com/workshop-experience-the-calm-and-magic-of-a-national-wildlife-refuge-with-Lisa-and-Tom-Cuchara
  3. Oct 30 (Monday) Online Presentation: Birds, Birds Birds with OM SYSTEM Ambassador Lisa Cuchara 
    1. October 30, 2023 2-4 PM EST (UTC/GMT -04:00 - America / New York) 
    2. https://events.eao.omsystem.com/birds-birds-birds-with-lisa-cuchara
  4. Nov 2  (Thursday) Online Presentation: Wabi Sabi 
    1. November 2nd, 6-8pm EST 
    2. https://events.eao.omsystem.com/wabi-sabi-workshop-with-lisa-cuchara
  5. Nov 5 Click Conference 9am to 5pm 
    1. http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ttv9g9bab&oeidk=a07ejs8ngob215398f4
  6. Nov 6 Click Hands-on Workshop Focus Stacking
    1. Sign up here https://capecodartcenter.org/classes-workshops/nov-5-learn-focus-stacking-a-hands-on-workshop-with-tom-cuchara/
  7. Nov 6 Click Workshop Light Painting
    1. Sign up here https://capecodartcenter.org/classes-workshops/learn-light-painting-a-hands-on-workshop-with-lisa-cuchara-nov-5/
  8. Nov 11-12 Photograph Raptors (2 spots left)
    1. https://www.lisatom.photos/photo-events/photograph-birds-mainly-raptors
  9. November Photograph and Lightpaint Old Cars and more at Old Car City
    1. Email us for details PhotographyByLisaAndTom@comcast.net
  10. Dec. Longwood Gardens at night
    1. Email us for details PhotographyByLisaAndTom@comcast.net

Tom and I are super excited to announce that we will be leading three live workshops and two online presentations with OM System. These events are part of the celebration of the 2-year anniversary of the OM SYSTEM brand (on October 27th but the events are taking place worldwide Oct 27th to Nov 3rd). 

Note that the online presentations are NOT camera brand specific and anyone will get a lot out of the presentations as they are about noticing the everyday beauty all around us. These events are Nature-based (rather than photography-based or computational technology-based). Please sign up ASAP before they fill up (at their low cost they will fill up fast). 

Online Presentation: Birds, Birds Birds with OM SYSTEM Ambassador Lisa Cuchara October 30, 2023 2-4 PM EST (UTC/GMT -04:00 - America / New York)

Research has consistently shown that more contact and interaction with nature are associated with better body and brain health. Bird photography definitely fits the bill (lol) here as encounters with birds are associated with better mental health (even listening to recordings of their songs, even through headphones, can alleviate negative emotions). Luckily birds are all around us, even in urban environments. Your encounters with birds can also be used to tell stories, evoke emotions, generate laughter, promote responsible bird encounters, and to encourage bird and bird area conservation. This presentation will delve into some of the storytelling aspects of birding. Studies show that people who paid attention to the joy they felt for each bird reported greater mental health benefits than those who merely counted the birds they saw.
The top 5 topics covered during this workshop:
-- How to get the most out of birds? Be aware. Be patient. Be observant. Be aware.
-- How to enjoy birds more? Be curious and Be present
-- We can find more joy by savoring the birds we see and the songs we hear.
-- Storytelling with your imagery (Bird portraits are nice, but storytelling is better).
-- Also, seek our “Characters” in your subjects (look for the “odd ducks”)
-- Patience, Perseverance, and Preparation – learn more about your feathered friends and discover that they are not indeed “birdbrains”.

Online Presentation: Wabi Sabi. November 2nd, 6-8pm EST https://events.eao.omsystem.com/wabi-sabi-workshop-with-lisa-cuchara 

We often seek out the flowers, leaves, and such that are perfect, with no blemishes or defects. This presentation highlights subjects that are not perfect, such as flowers that have character, double-headed flowers, decaying fall leaves, the deformed coneflower that stands out as flawed and hence different and beautiful, lichen as it creates abstract patterns, etc. Traditionally Wabi-Sabi in “The Art of Imperfection” but it can be so much more, even a life philosophy as it teaches us to find beauty in everyday life. Wabi-Sabi is a kind of anti-aesthetic, an alternative to the dominating discriminatory ideas we hold about beauty. It is a way of honoring the seasons and knowing that we are always in a state of both becoming and falling away. Wabi Sabi describes the philosophy that beauty can be found in the everyday, in the old, and in the imperfect.

The top 5 topics covered during this workshop:

-- The philosophies of Wabi Sabi will be unveiled. 

-- The beauty of imperfect and/or unconventional subjects will be highlighted. 

-- The concept of slowing down and appreciating the beauty of everyday life will be explored. 

-- The idea that things that might be overlooked or transient or aged can be beautiful. 

-- Explore the view that “there is a crack in everything, that is how the light gets in”  


Workshop: Huntley Meadows: A Wildlife Watching Treasure in the Washington Metropolitan Area with OM SYSTEM Ambassadors Lisa & Tom Cuchara October 28, 2023 6:45-10:45am EST

Huntley Meadows Park has some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area. The wildlife sanctuary park is home to majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows, serenading frogs, turtles, beavers, vast wetlands bursting with life, and more. Walk with us in the early morning light along the wetland boardwalk that curves through a 500-acre marsh filled with “the most vibrant ecosystem in the region”. Your senses will be awakened as you walk along the trails and boardwalk as you see interesting birds, hear serenading frogs, touch the tree bark, and smell the wetlands and forests (sorry just four senses on this walk, no tasting the mushrooms or the licking frogs, lol). But seriously, seeing the earth and its creatures awaken before your eyes can be transformative.
The top 5 topics covered during this workshop:
1 - Your senses will be awakened as you walk along the trails and boardwalk.
2 - Listen for pileated woodpeckers or try to sneak up on serenading frogs.
3 - Watch for signs of river otters, muskrats, beavers, and more.
4 - Look for mushrooms, leaves, and plants and appreciate their place in this ecosystem.
5 - Learn some new fun facts regarding bird behaviors.


Workshop: Experience the Calm and Magic of a National Wildlife Refuge with OM SYSTEM Ambassadors Lisa & Tom Cuchara October 29, 2023 6:45-10:45am EST


There are about 600 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) in the USA, so chances are that there is one close to you! NWRs provide unique opportunities to see animals, flowers, mushrooms, and more. The world is a special place early in the morning: the water is still, the sun is just coming up to awaken birds and critters and evaporate the dew. For many, being out in the wee hours communing with nature is rejuvenating. We will stop frequently along the 4-mile long Wildlife drive that takes you through several types of wildlife-rich habitat (tidal marshland, forest, fields, ponds). Look for wildlife such as bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, hawks, foxes, pileated woodpeckers endangered rare Delmarva fox squirrels and more.
The daily fee for the Wildlife Drive is $3 per vehicle and $1 per hiker or biker. Entrance is free to visitors who have a valid Annual, Senior, Access, or Blackwater Pass, or who have a current Duck Stamp. Fees are the responsibility of each attendee.
The top 5 topics covered during this workshop:
1 - Experiencing the calm of the early morning at at National Wildlife Refuge
2 - Observing interesting bird and critter behaviors
3 - Appreciating the little things and look for pareidolia in nature (hearts, faces, etc.)
4 - Viewing majestic nature scenes in large landscapes and small macroscapes
5 - Inspiring you to find 'the odd ducks,' that is, subjects with character
experience-the-calm-and-magic-of-a-national-wildlife-refuge-with-Lisa-and-Tom-Cuchara


Please join us for the 7th annual CLICK! Photography Conference on November 4, 2023, a day of photographic education, inspiration and fun with great speakers, photo ops, photo competitions and more. Click! 2023 Photography Conference
Register http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ttv9g9bab&oeidk=a07ejs8ngob215398f4 When: Saturday, November 4, 2023 Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Where: Emerald Resort (formerly Resort and Conference Center), 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis, MA, Cape Cod Who Should Attend: All levels of photographers, phone photographers, digital artists, and anyone who wants to learn more about photography- Register Today … $150. The cost covers all the speaker programs and photo ops on Saturday, plus morning coffee/tea and lunch. Staying Over? Special conference rate at Emerald Resort of $120 a night. Use the code CCAC23 if booking online or call 1-866-828-8259) and tell them you’re with Cape Cod Art Center group.

Learn Focus stacking, a hands-on workshop
Date: Nov. 5, Sunday Time: 1:00-4:00 pm Cost: $199
Limit: 10 people



Focus stacking is a technique designed to achieve a deep depth of field by blending (ie stacking) several images together. Each stacked shot is focused in a different spot, so the combined depth of field is deeper than the depth of field produced by any of the individual images. Focus stacking is designed to overcome the limits of depth of field. That is, focus stacking is only necessary when you are faced with a scene that can not be handled by your camera maximum current depth of field capabilities (f22) and/or when the background would be distracting. Focus stacking can be used for architecture, landscape, flowers, still life, UrbEx, and macro subjects.

Things to bring:
Your camera and cards and batteries
Macro lens (for example Canon 100mm, Olympus 60 or 90mm, Nikon 105mm, Sony 90 or 105, etc.)
Cable release
Tripod (best for taking multiple sequential images). We do focus stack handheld, but when starting our a tripod is preferred.

If your camera does not have built in focus bracketing or focus stacking then a focusing rail will make your life immensely easier
Nikon D850 is the only dSLR we know that has it, many Nikon and Canon and Panasonic mirrorless cameras have it, plus Olympus and OM SYSTEM cameras have built-in focus bracketing and/or focus stacking. Nikon calls this focus shifting.

Learn Light Painting, a hands-on workshop with Lisa Cuchara Date: Sunday, November 5 Time: 9am – 12pm (3 hours) Cost: $199 LOCATION: Cape Cod Art Center, 3480 Route 6A, Barnstable, MA 02630 Limited to 12 people

Join Lisa Cuchara for this hands-on light painting workshop. Light painting is using a hand-held light source like a flashlight or LED light to illuminate and enhance your subject. Your scene or object is brought to life by “painting” with a beam of light. The camera is set to Bulb mode (or Live Time or Live Composite on some cameras) and placed on a tripod during a long exposure to capture the light, giving you time to walk around and illuminate the subject with light. Lisa will cover key tips and techniques. Stations will be set up for you to practice on and create your own light paintings.
This workshop is a follow-up to her presentation at the CLICK! Photography Conference. However, attendance at the conference is not required.
Join Lisa Cuchara for this hands-on light painting workshop. Lisa will cover key tips and techniques on how to paint and camera settings, and have — Stations with subjects will be set up with the primary goal for learning how to light paint and how to optimize camera setting for light painting: subjects such as a flower, a crystal ball and a few still life subjects will be included. Things to bring:
  • Your camera and cards and batteries
  • Medium range lens (for example 24-70, 25-105, 12-100, etc.)
  • Medium range lens (for example 24-70, 25-105, 12-100, etc.)
  • Cable release
  • Tripod (needed for taking long exposures in the dark)
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Friday, March 31, 2023

Photography by Lisa and Tom (March 2023)

  • New classes
  • Liability waiver now online!
  • Some of our upcoming workshops 
    • Our photo events are typically designed for photographers at all levels. On our photo events you are encouraged to ask us questions and we have lots of patience to explain things a few times so that you understand the topic. You are attending a "Photography with TLC" event (TLC = Tom and Lisa Cuchara), and the TLC is more than just our monogram, it exemplifies the patience and care given during our learning interactions. Our groups are small (typically 5-12 participants and usually with two instructors). This makes it easier for you to get the photographic composition that you want and also allows for more personal attention during workshops and classes.
  • Follow us on Instagram @lisatom.photos https://www.instagram.com/lisatom.photos
    • Tom & I know that you don't always have the time/money to attend our workshops or book mentoring sessions with us, but it's FREE to click on the heart icon and like our Instagram posts, comment on our photos, share our photos, etc. Tom & I appreciate you taking the time to support us.
  • Q: You use OM SYSTEM and Olympus cameras and gear -- do we have to be Olympus users?
    • A: No. While we use OM SYSTEM and Olympus cameras and gear we welcome any and ALL types and brands of cameras. You may attend and photograph with any camera: Mirrorless, dSLR, film, iPhone, mobile device, etc. On some workshops we may have Olympus cameras available to try out, you are welcome to try one out (there are some cool and unique features in Olympus cameras. 
  • New OM SYSTEM 90mm Macro lens 
  • Have Tom and I inspired YOU to create a photo -- email us, tag us, send us a link -- we would LOVE to see it!

We will be holding some 2-6 weeks classes, mostly via zoom, some may have a hands on portion, email us photographybylisaandtom@comcast.net if you might be interested: 
  1. Adobe Camera RAW (basics and masking, making in RAW will transform your photography)
  2. Manual Mode
  3. Long Exposures 
  4. Layers and Masks
  5. Macro photography
  6. Focus Stacking
  7. Light Painting 

Update: our liability form is now online, complete it when you sign up! Yay, no more paper and printers! Please note that all of our workshops require the participants sign a liability waiver. https://tinyurl.com/LisaTom-Waiver23B. Please read and sign it.

Some of our upcoming workshops: 

  • April 15th Chanticleer Gardens -- creative flower workshop
    • https://www.meetup.com/photography-by-lisa-and-tom/events/292606936

Please note that this and all classes/workshops have no refunds. By signing up you agree to our terms and conditions, see www.lisaandtomphotography.com/p/workshops.html

You can also always Create Your Own Workshop https://www.meetup.com/photography-by-lisa-and-tom/events/nnwdxsydcpbkb 

What would YOU like to learn next? Create Your Own Online or in-person Workshop
Some possible topics could be: Workflow, Photo Critique, Portfolio Review, Creating a website, Sharing photographs, Instagram, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Manual mode, PS, Layers, ACR, Masking, Importing images into LR, The LR develop module, Reducing Noise, ETTR [expose to the right], Tom or I will spend time with you getting your photography skills to the next level. Sessions can be via Zoom, or in the field (travel extra), or at our Studio (if you are vaccinated and boosted). You can create your own workshop to improve any aspect of photography that you desire. Two hours $199

**** Please note: this is NOT happening every Monday night, this is a Meetup engine artifact, we will arrange a mutually agreeable time ****

Tom and I are OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) Ambassadors. We use OM-1 cameras https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OM1. Email us for camera/lens suggestions. We appreciate you using our affiliate link for camera/lens/accessory purchases https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OMD. While we love our OM-1 cameras and their computational technologies, we welcome ANY kind and brand of camera (from smartphones to dSLRs to mirrorlesss to film cameras) on our workshops.

Have Tom and I inspired YOU to create a photo -- email us, tag us, send us a link -- we would LOVE to see it!


Tom and I use DxO PureRAW for noise reduction. I have done side by side comparisons with many noise reduction software (including Topaz Denoise & Topaz AI), but PureRAW is SUPERIOR to all other products and the resulting image is a RAW file. If you want to try or purchase DxoPureRAW (or other DxO or Nik products) we greatly appreciate you using our affiliate link:https://tidd.ly/32okP1W 

Tom and I are OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) Ambassadors. We use OM-1 cameras https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OM1. Email us for camera/lens suggestions. We appreciate you using our affiliate link for camera/lens/accessory purchases https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OMD. While we love our OM-1 cameras and their computational technologies, we welcome ANY kind and brand of camera (from smartphones to dSLRs to mirrorlesss to film cameras) on our workshops.


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Friday, December 16, 2022

Workshops, Mentoring, etc.

  1. Some of our upcoming workshops
  2. Create Your Own Workshops
  3. Olympus and OM SYSTEM users
    1. Firmware Updates
    2. OM/Olympus Camera mentoring
    3. Use our OM SYSTEM affiliate link and get a complimentary mentoring session

Tom and I love the Peak Design Tripod!!! The first tripod we LOVE, email us for details. We really appreciate you using our affiliate links to make your purchase https://bit.ly/2WUfJYU.

Tom and I use DxO PureRAW for noise reduction. I have done side by side comparisons with many noise reduction software (including Topaz Denoise & Topaz AI), but PureRAW is SUPERIOR to all other products and the resulting image is a RAW file. If you want to try or purchase DxoPureRAW (or other DxO or Nik products) we greatly appreciate you using our affiliate link: https://tidd.ly/32okP1W 

Tom and I are OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) Ambassadors. We use OM-1 cameras https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OM1. Email us for camera/lens suggestions. We appreciate you using our affiliate link for camera/lens/accessory purchases https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OMD. While we love our OM-1 cameras and their computational technologies, we welcome ANY kind and brand of camera (from smartphones to dSLRs to mirrorlesss to film cameras) on our workshops.


1. Some of our upcoming workshops: 

You can also always Create Your Own Workshop https://www.meetup.com/photography-by-lisa-and-tom/events/nnwdxsydcpbkb 

What would YOU like to learn next? Create Your Own Online or in-person Workshop
Some possible topics could be: Workflow, Photo Critique, Portfolio Review, Creating a website, Sharing photographs, Instagram, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Manual mode, PS, Layers, ACR, Masking, Importing images into LR, The LR develop module, Reducing Noise, ETTR [expose to the right], Tom or I will spend time with you getting your photography skills to the next level. Sessions can be via Zoom, or in the field (travel extra), or at our Studio (if you are vaccinated and boosted). You can create your own workshop to improve any aspect of photography that you desire. Two hours $199

**** Please note: this is NOT happening every Monday night, this is a Meetup engine artifact, we will arrange a mutually agreeable time ****

Olympus and OM SYSTEM users

Firmware Updates

Version 1.3 firmware for the OM-1 was released on November 24th.

This update includes the following improvements:

  • Improved performance of C-AF when shooting still images
  • Improved performance of C-AF when recording videos
  • Stability of other operations has been improved

All information can be found here: OM SYSTEM OM-1 | Olympus (getolympus.com)

If you need a tutorial on updating your firmware, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/saFIpc4o_X0

OM/Olympus Camera mentoring

Complimentary 60-90 minute when you purchase an Olympus or OM camera between now and December 31st (2022) or $1000 or more of Olympus or OM SYSTEM lenses using code LTPHOTOGRAPHY in the coupon code (no discount, just a tracking mechanism). 

Learn how to access the SCP (super control panel), set your My Menu, create custom shooting modes, etc. We can get you up and going FAST. 

https://www.meetup.com/photography-by-lisa-and-tom/events/290375798

Tom and I are OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) Ambassadors. We use OM-1 cameras https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OM1. Email us for camera/lens suggestions. We appreciate you using our affiliate link for camera/lens/accessory purchases https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-OMD. While we love our OM-1 cameras and their computational technologies, we welcome ANY kind and brand of camera (from smartphones to dSLRs to mirrorlesss to film cameras) on our workshops.

Have Tom and I inspired YOU to create a photo -- email us, tag us, send us a link -- we would LOVE to see it!






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