Registration is OPEN for immediate, self-paced class access.

I'm passionate about still life photography...

It's so much more than snapping a pretty picture..... it's art, life, quiet, calm.... all in a single moment.....

In this course I share my entire process…. from conception to completion….along with lots of pretty picture photography and processing tips & tricks.Flowers... Food........ Pretty Pieces.... from conception to completion......

Start to Finish was originally a live class. It is now available for self-paced immediate access.

Software: Lightroom 5 (earlier version LR users should have no trouble following the lessons). Photoshop or Photoshop Elements is not required but we will move into PS for a few of the edits.

Class Outline - a break down of the class as originally presented live.

Week 1 - Gather, Prep….. and a Little Tech

Introduction - My creative story.....

Prop Talk - In the first week students encouraged to gather supplies…. back drops, drop cloths….. weathered wood…. linens, props etc. I share my fun and affordable most-loved items. Lots of tips & tricks...

Look for Light - Students are encouraged to look for the light in their available space….. as well as consider possible set-up possiblities.

Tech Talk - An overview of my gear and favourite lenses, along with in-camera tips for creating the soft & dreamy look I love.

Lightroom Tutorials - Students will have access to a full series of develop module tutorials. I breakdown of the global and selective adjustment options available in Lightroom 5. (earlier LR users can follow along as well).

Week 2 - Conception to Completion

The second week includes two complete Start to Finish…. conception to completion shoots.

The inspiration, the light, the styling, camera settings, culling.....
the complete processing of my favourite image within that shoot…… All the details. Tons of info!! No secrets.

Week 3 - Creative Connection

Start to Finish was original a live class. There were a few web Connects during the the live classes.
The session were recorded and are available for viewing inside the classroom.

The self-paced session does not include live connects.

Inspiration - I share my thoughts on creativity, dreams, goals and getting your work into the world.

Critiques- During the live session of S2F, I requested photos for critique. The critique sessions are available for viewing in the classroom.

Week 4 - Conception to Completion Continues

In the fourth week I share two new start to finish lessons…. conception to completion.

We dig deeper into Lightroom's print module and learn some great tips for making fabulous layouts. The possibilities are mind blowing!

Week 5 - Breathe & Make Art

2 Still Life Prompts are posted. (be sure to take these prompts as inspiration....you can also check out the past student work that is in the link-up).

The challenges include a prompt along with a few words of inspiration… to spark your own art.

My hope - you will simply take time to create… allowing yourself to experiment and play with the different possibilities we explore in class.

Week 6 - Conception to Completion

In the last start to finish week I share one final start to finish lesson…. conception to completion....along with 2 inspirational challenges.

The week is topped off with some fabulous Lightroom/PS tips & tricks.

In summary I ....

Share lots of creative inspiration. Including my personal creative story.
Share my favourite props along with fun and budget friendly pretty picture making ideas.
Share my process, concept/inspiration for the images/shoots in written and/or video format. No secrets.... step by step.... in easy to understand context.
Share exclusive student-only LR develop presets that can turn your photos from so-so to oh my.
Show several wide angle photos and/or video of the space…drops, props, linens, reflectors used....all the details.
Show how I set up the shoot… direction of light, camera settings, time of day etc. I like to keep it simple.... It doesn't have to be complicated... beautiful photos with minimal set up is what I love and appreciate most.
I open the images in Lightroom…giving you a chance to see all the photos; the good, the bad, the so so's…..
I talk through the culling (selection) process via screencast....choosing a few favs and explaining why.
I talk through a complete edit of one of the shoot photos in each s2f session, lots of detailed information.....editing tips and tricks etc.
Bonus: if I decide to go into Photoshop with the image to add text or texture I will include that info in a separate video for Photoshop users.
Students have access to a private flickr group to share their class work..

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$119 USD

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Still not sure?

Check out the Testimonials & FAQ's below...then scroll down to see just a few of the amazing photos created by past S2F students...

Testimonials

I am so grateful for the amount of knowledge that I have gained from the Start-to-Finish class. Kim’s calm and insightful teaching style painlessly guides the student through each step of the process – from finding that tiny spark of inspiration to creating a final brilliant image. This class is filled with tips about props, camera settings, composition, and editing. The kind and supportive Start-to-Finish community is amazing.

- Sheila Lynch

S2F, wow where to begin...this class had it all. Go behind the scenes to see how to set up with minimal equipment to get your best shots. Helpful information on camera settings. Lightroom video tutorials, for after the shoot, which are so easy to understand and put into use. Prop ideas, where to find them, how to put them together. Inspiration galore and prompts to send you on your way to making your own art. Go ahead, sign up and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Beth - @shutterhuff

I absolutely loved the S2F class, as with all Kim's classes they were packed with techniques & inspirations. I learnt so many new tips & was constantly inspired to get my camera out to capture some images, get them onto the computer and let Kim's magic for producing great photos guide me through to a finished product I loved. A fantastic class.

Leonie Aland

Your classes are just one of the joys in my life. Though I may not keep up weekly with them, it's just lovely knowing that they are there for me when I have time to really enjoy them. I have learned so much from you - from basic Lightroom skills to using textures and layering text in Photoshop. Being able to follow your vision from Start to Finish has inspired me to keep working on my skills and to give my photographs another look from a different perspective. I'm sure everyone taking your classes feels a connection to you as a friend as you are so good at expressing yourself and sharing your life and feelings along with your awe inspiring photographic creations. All your classes are a joy to take and I will continue to sign up for them.

-Jen Hunter

The Start to Finish class was great. Really seeing how to set up a shot and learning about props really brought it all together for me. Kim, being such a warm and inviting teacher makes it easy to learn. I have taken all her classes and never regretted one. Thanks for the inspiration Kim!

-Andrea Hayes

Want to be inspired and encouraged to learn how to set up and shoot beautiful still life?! No better place to start!

-Julia Robson

I cannot say enough about Kim and her wonderful courses. Truly, I have learned so much... and without question I am the photographer/artist that I am today because of her. Not only have I learned the basics about photography and the digital possibilities (and mastery!) available in Photoshop and Lightroom and with textures, but we have gone so far beyond the basics, to true creativity and artistry. Kim is so encouraging and inspiring, she meets each artist exactly where they are which is a true gift in a teacher. In Start to Finish, it was a joy to see and practice the entire process, from the inspiration seed to the full realization of our images. I believe I have taken every course that Kim offers... and many of them I eagerly take again and again.

-Debby

Any class with Kim is a joy, but this is special

you learn so much and Kim as usual is so generous

with her time.

-Viv Halliwell

One of the best classses by far of Kim's I have taken. I learned so much with support from other students in the class made this one fun class to be in. I enjoyed all the presets and learning how to use them, along with trips to Home Depot in shopping for props with Kim and Bryce. Such a fun time with Live Connects. I am looking forward to another round when it comes up.

-Barbara Hurst

Taking S2F is like spending lovely afternoons with a generous friend who has agreed to guide you through her entire creative process. It's so inspiring and freeing to realize that you can create beautiful images in any space with simple props and natural light. With no need for a studio or fancy lighting, Kim makes it all accessible, no matter what level you're starting from. Every time I go back through the lessons I learn something new. If you're looking for inspiration combined with loads of techniques and tips, look no further.

-Poppy Barach

I had the pleasure to participate in Kim Klassen's Start to Finish online class in the spring of 2014 after a hiatus from my photography. I've taken other online classes from Kim in the past as well. Kim has an impressive amount of knowledge regarding Lightroom and Photoshop, and photography in general as evidenced in her personal work. She provides a lot of written information in the lessons, and her videos are clear and concise, Kim makes it so easy to learn, even for the most basic beginner. I love her creative prompts, and because of them have created some of my favorite images to date. I find Kim to be open, a truly genuine person, someone who is supportive of everyone no matter their age, ability level or creative style. I always look forward to the next email from her with the next lesson. I wouldn't hesitate to take another class from her in the future.

-Mollie Hewitt

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I get out of this class?

This will be different for each student. So much of what we get out of a course is dependent on what we bring. I encourage you to take the class with a commitment to learn and grow..... Some students may come to feed their creativity..... others may come to learn new skills. I openly share all I do and know. This class is not be full of dos, don'ts, shoulds.... technical talk. This will be a genuine course about my creative pro-cess and experience......I hope this will spark your creativity and take your photography to a whole new level...

What equipment do I need?

A camera, computer and good internet connection. Lightroom - Lessons will be taught in Lightroom. Bonus: we will also pop over to PS/Elements a few times to add some texture and type. A Flickr account is recommended but not required. A brand new notebook and a favourite pen is recommended. I hope you make and take... all kinds of dreamy creative notes as we work through the class together.

Do I need a studio space in order to participate?

No. I will shoot in various rooms inside our home. Sometimes we have to improvise...setting up make-shift tables by the front door or window....moving furniture...etc. Sometime we have to borrow space or move outside. Finding a space with good light is helpful. All sessions will be shot in natural light... You are not expected to recreate what I do.... simply take my pro-cess, and make it work for your own space, place and possibilities.

Is this a Photography 101 type class?

No. I will share my camera settings, lenses used etc... during the shoots and a few shooting tips & tricks. I will not be teaching basic dslr techniques. But I will be open to any questions you may have.

Will you show how to do the edits in photoshop/elements also?

If you use photoshop cs6/cc the Adobe Camera Raw plug in (which is part of photoshop) is comparable to Lightroom. In fact it's the same under the hood. You should be able to follow along quite nicely. Earlier CS users may also be fine provided they have a solid understanding of the Camera Raw software. I do at least 85% of my editing in Lightroom... Because this class is about sharing my actual creative pro-cess....I will be sharing exactly that.... my actual creative pro-cess. Side note: If you have yet to discover Lightroom I highly encourage considering t. It has changed my life. 🙂

Do I have to come to class at a certain time?

No. The class is always self-paced, all-access..... open....feel free to pop in at your convenience. The content is there, waiting for you.

I’m really busy, how long will the class be accessible?

This class isn't a huge time commitment.....or super heavy technically......The idea is to soak up the inspiration and connection....as you move forward on your creative journey. Class access will be available for 18 months.