
Imagine What a Year of Creativity Could Do for Your Photography
Imagine spending the year shooting more, seeing differently, trying new things, and creating photographs that feel more like you.
A Year of Creative Photography program is entering its 7th year and has inspired over 1,000 photographers.
It was created for photographers who want more than another class — they want ongoing inspiration, new skills to explore, and a reason to keep picking up their camera month after month.
Throughout the year, we’ll explore photography together through fresh monthly themes, creative shooting lessons, editing videos, image reviews, live Zoom gatherings, and — new this year — inspiring guest speakers.
Each month gives you something new to explore. Past themes have included Abstract Photography, Movement, Impressionism, Visual Storytelling, Shadows, Creative Light, Texture and more. The topics evolve from year to year, so there is always something fresh to learn, experiment with, and make your own.
And you can photograph what you love. Flowers. Landscapes. Travel. People. Nature. Still life. Everyday moments.
On the 1st of each month, you will receive a new themed short resource guide. The content includes artists' inspiration, shooting techniques, editing videos, and so much more. Each monthly theme is created with beginner and advanced topics.
One of the things that has made this program so special over the past seven years is the community that grows around it. This is a welcoming place to share your work, ask questions, try something new, and receive thoughtful feedback without the pressure or intimidation that can sometimes come with photography groups.
A Live Zoom Session each month for support, feedback on images, and Q/A on activities. This session is recorded for when you cannot attend.
Guest Speakers will be new for 2027 and will visit throughout the year!
Throughout the course, you’ll receive thoughtful instructor feedback designed to help you grow with confidence. From image reviews to live discussions and Q&A, Lori offers guidance, encouragement, and practical suggestions to help you strengthen your skills while developing your own creative voice.
Let's make this your most creative year yet.
Creator and Instructor
Lori Lankford is a photographer and instructor passionate about helping others see the world in new and creative ways. Seven years ago she created A Year of Creative Photography, her signature program designed to guide photographers through a full year of artistic growth. With a focus on flowers, nature, and abstract details, Lori’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. She continues to share her love of photography through workshops, online courses, and her vibrant teaching community.
You can learn more about Lori on her website, www.lorilankford.com.
Testimonials
This is just an awesome class for truly every level photographer. if you're still a beginner it will open your eyes and teach you some new skills. If you're at an intermediate level, like I feel that I am, it will totally challenge your creativity and give you the competency to explore new skills and genres. I believe even an expert photographer will see things in a new way during this course. Lori is such an easy to understand instructor; her love for the craft is evident, she is knowledgeable and so approachable when you just don't get it. She fosters a group camaraderie both on the group's FB page and in her zoom meetings. It has changed the way I approach much of my own photography and has given me an appreciation for genres I would have never tried before the course.
Joining Lori for A Year of Creative Photography in 2023 was one of the best decisions I’ve made on my photographic journey. Exploring different facets and methods of making and editing photos really awoke my previously sleeping creative muse. I loved that each monthly topic offered up valuable instruction, varied examples, and the time to explore different techniques without feeling rushed. Lori is a knowledgeable and an actively engaged instructor who generously offers up feedback and suggestions beyond the formal instruction. As a bonus, being a part of the private Facebook group allowed for learning from others in the class as well. It was a great experience all the way around!
Joining this class has been really good for me. I've been encouraged and challenged to go outside of my comfort zone, literally, to capture images that I would never have imagined before. I love the format of this class, with instruction and videos that let you work at your own pace, as well as constructive feedback from Lori as well as the other members.
"This class is a must if you have ever wondered what is possible within digital photography or have wanted to be creatively challenged throughout the year. Lori brings her masterful artistry and inherent joy to each module and presents some of the clearest and most supportive guidance to be found online or in person on each topic. When I signed up for the class, I had a basic knowledge of how to shoot in manual mode and was relatively new to digital editing software. After the first few modules, I felt inspired, rejuvenated, and more in control of my craft. Lori offers each lesson in a supportive yet challenging way and treats each enrollee as an equal. As an introvert, I often find it hard to ask questions or show my work during classes. Lori’s course offered me a safe place to grow. I enjoyed it so much that I’m enrolled in it again to build on what I learned last year, taking my photography to the next level. " Jill W 2021 and 2022 Student
"This class has been good for me because I’ve been challenged to explore in detail different aspects of photography: light, color, shadow, movement, abstract photography, photographing water, and more. Each month has brought a different area to explore with thorough instructions, and Lori’s support has been very helpful. The other student's work has inspired me with different ideas and different viewpoints and to work hard to improve my photography and editing."
"Lori's classes are exceptional in every respect - her enthusiasm was contagious; her preparation always exceeded expectations; class activities and assignments were challenging and motivating, and her feedback was constructive and right on target."
"Learn techniques you’ll only find in college photography courses in this well-taught class while keeping camera and editing skills growing."
Students will have access to the full course until March 1, 2028. Each month's content will be available as a website link or a downloadable document, which you can reference for as long as you like.
The program was built for beginner to advanced photographers. You do not have to learn or master all of the content each month. Start where you are and grow throughout the year.
The program is built with several activities/lessons for each month. You can do one lesson or all of them, depending on how much time you have available. Even if you do not get to all lessons you have access to the content and can flag it to come back to at a later date. The entire months course content to review and watch is between 1-2 hours in length.
You will have the material to reference at a later date. Sometimes students cannot participate one month out of the year. That is ok. Often students will use vacation or planned trips to work on the month's assignment. The live sessions are recorded and ready for your to watch once you are ready.
The gear needed is what is already in your bag. You can use any lens, any camera to work through this course. I will share recommended gear for each month, but it is not required.
Live sessions are always recorded! Zoom sessions will be the first Thursday evening at 7pm ( EST)
