Join photographer Michael Amici in Comfort, Texas, for a hands-on photography workshop that blends classroom learning with on-location shoots. Over the course of five days, you’ll explore cityscapes, architecture, portraits, nature, and night photography while sharpening your technical skills—from mastering the exposure triangle to editing your images for impact.
Daily critiques, lectures, and guided walks in Comfort and San Antonio will help you see light differently, refine your creative vision, and build confidence behind the camera. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone camera, this workshop is designed to elevate your photography while you enjoy the charm and character of the Texas Hill Country.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will leave this class understanding the basic principles of photography & a better understanding of their cameras functions and capabilities. Limited to 10 students for maximum one-on-one time with the instructor.
The exposure triangle triangle- Aperture, Shutter Speedband ISO & how each one relates to the final image.
They will understand their cameras functions and how to photograph any given scenario.
A grasp of different lenses; Wide angle & Telephoto lenses and their effect on the final image- Parallax distortion & Lens compression, Shallow depth of Field & f16 aperture.
An understanding of light and its effect on imagery will be shown and explained so that students can use light to create a certain mood and feeling with their imagery.
An understanding of photography terms and styles like the decisive moment, the environmental portrait, Motion blur, Panning, Long Exposure & Night Photography.
Students will learn how to edit & crop their images for maximum impact.
Students will be shown work from other acclaimed photographers to help hone their eye.
An overall good time exploring our city and photographing the charming people & places with photographer Michael Amici and guest house host from Wanderers Retreat House, Shari Reynolds.
Equipment To Bring
Participants should arrive with their digital camera of preference, either a D-SLR, mirrorless or smart phone.
Ability to save and edit images, either on a laptop computer, tablet or smart phone.
Strobes & flashes are not required for the course but are welcome.
Meet the Instructor: Michael Amici
Michael Amici’s photography is a study in human connection, shaped by his years as an award-winning Hearst photojournalist. Now based in San Miguel de Allende, his work bridges photojournalism and fine art, revealing moments of vulnerability and shared humanity.
As a longtime instructor with the Santa Fe Photography Workshops, Michael has inspired students around the world—in India, Cuba, Mexico, and beyond—to see their cameras as tools for empathy and self-discovery. His teaching encourages photographers to move past technique and capture the emotional truth within every frame.
Agenda
Sunday
Arrive, check in after 3pm and settle in. Dinner on your own.
Monday
9:00am Introductions from Michael Amici & Shari Reynolds Each participant shares their best 10-12 images with the group & discuss their goals for the workshop
12:00pm Lunch on your own
1:30pm Lecture and Image Presentation: “Cityscapes” by Michael
2:30pm Depart for downtown Comfort or San Antonio. Work on basics of Architecture photography, discuss importance of the exposure triangle when shooting cityscapes, use of different focal lengths,tripods, ambient/natural light vs. artificial light
6:30pm Photographing Golden hour before sunset & learning to recognize “good” light
Dinner on your own
Tuesday
7:00am Shooting early morning light, working with slow shutter speeds & tripods
10:00am Editing in Classroom: Students will get help using their preferred editing software, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroomor any another photo editing software.Resize images, Convert to B&W, Adjust color levels and curves, Clone stamp &more. Learn to organize your Imagery
12:00pm Lunch on your own
1:30pm Class Image Critique: Participants share their best 8 images
3:30pm Lecture and Presentation: “Portraiture”by Michael
4:30pm Break before Evening Photography
5:30pm Downtown Photograph Christmas lights along San Antonio Riverwalk
Dinner on your own
Wednesday
7:00am Early morning light Nature Photography
9:00am Classroom Open
9:30am Class Critique
11:00am Lecture and Image Presentation “Decisive Moment”by Michael
12:00pm Lunch on your own
1:00pm Guest Lecture with a local photographer
2:30pm Depart for Downtown Comfort
5:00pm Early Group Dinner
8:00pm Night Photography
Thursday
9:00am Classroom Open
9:30am Class Critique
11:00am Participants Submit 12 Images for Final show
12:00pm Lunch on your own
1:00pm Free to photograph Comfort or explore Guadalupe River
5:00pm Meet at Salon for Final Presentation prep for the Final Group Show and cocktail reception at The Meyer Hotel
6:30pm Group Dinner
Friday
Check-out by 11:00am
Cost: $1,995 per person
We keep the group small with just 10 people so you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time and a richer, more connected experience.
What’s included?
Deluxe room (single occupancy) at The Meyer Hotel, a historic hotel in the heart of Comfort’s historic district. Classroom activities will be held daily at The Meyer Hotel.
Transportation
Group meals
Book today! Only a few spots remain.