Connect. Learn. Grow — Together.
Join us for The Learning Hour, NAPCP’s casual, content-rich Zoom series created to help you grow in both artistry and business — all while connecting with fellow creatives in our community. Each session is designed to deliver practical tools, inspiring insights, and actionable takeaways — all in under 60 minutes. Whether you’re tuning in during editing, sipping your coffee, or wrapping up your workday, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and real value.
Each session is free for NAPCP members — but RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link. Pick the sessions you’d like to attend and click “RSVP” to save your spot. We’ll send you the link + a reminder before we go live! We can’t wait to see you there!
PLEASE NOTE: NAPCP Socials are for NAPCP Members only. If you would like to attend and you are not yet a member, click here to apply!
WHY ATTEND A NAPCP SOCIAL?
No pressure, just connection
Fresh inspiration and actionable takeaways
Real-time insights from industry pros and peers
Open Q&A to ask your burning questions
Replays available for registered attendees
Quick sessions designed to fit your busy schedule
Upcoming Learning Hour Events
THE BUSINESS OF GROWTH: PORTFOLIO EVOLUTION & LICENSING FUNDAMENTALS
DATE: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
TIME: 1:00PM EST
HOST: Julie Hamlin of Sacred Sage Photography
Let’s talk branding! Join Julie Hamlin as she discusses how photographers can transition from photographing families and portraits into working with brands. Attendees will learn how to begin understanding brand identity, approach storytelling with strategic intention, and position themselves as creative partners for commercial clients rather than simply image creators.
In addition to the creative side of brand photography, this session will explore the business foundations that every commercial photographer should understand. Julie will introduce the essentials of licensing, including what image licensing is, why it matters, and how it protects both photographers and their clients while ensuring fair, professional compensation for commercial image usage. She will also discuss common commercial verbiage and terminology, pricing considerations for brand work versus portrait photography, usage rights, contracts, proposals, and the key documents that help establish clear expectations and professional relationships with clients.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore commercial photography or looking to refine your business practices, you’ll leave with practical knowledge, greater confidence in communicating your value, and a stronger understanding of how to structure brand photography projects from inquiry to final image delivery.
STORYTELLING THROUGH EMOTION, LIGHT & CONNECTION
DATE: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
TIME: 11:00AM EST
HOST: Jennifer Kapala of Jennifer Kapala Photography
Strong images don’t just look good — they make you feel something.
This session explores how to move beyond technical execution and create photographs that carry emotional weight and meaning. Focusing on emotion, light, and human connection, you’ll learn how to use these elements intentionally to strengthen your storytelling and build more cohesive, impactful work.
Through practical examples and guided insight, we’ll look at how to recognize emotional depth in an image, shape mood through light, and create authentic connection with your subject. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your visual voice and how to create images that resonate — not just visually, but emotionally.
SHAPING THE LIGHT YOU WANT…ANYWHERE!
DATE: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
TIME: 11:00AM EST
HOST: Valerie Eidson of Valerie Eidson Photography
During this month’s social Valerie Eidson teaches photographers how to confidently use off-camera flash to create beautiful, intentional images—no matter the lighting conditions. From harsh midday sun to strong backlight and even flat light, she will show how to shape and control light during real outdoor family sessions. Learn how to add depth, dimension, and drama, as well as how to create a soft, luminous backlight using flash. Valerie will also share the gear she uses on location and what she brings to every session, helping simplify the process and build confidence when shooting outside the studio. This is perfect for photographers who want to stop relying on “perfect light” and start creating it anywhere.
STREAMLINING YOUR WORKFLOW TO FREE UP CREATIVE ENERGY
DATE: Thursday, November 12, 2026
TIME: 12:00PM EST
HOST: Lyndsay McNiff of Lyndsay Hannah Photography
The “Fall Rush” is often the most profitable season for family photographers, but it’s also the quickest path to burnout and missed memories with our own families. In this NAPCP Social, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I photograph 65–70 families between September and November while keeping my time at home a priority.
We’ll dive into the three pillars that make a high-volume Fall sustainable: creative scheduling, meticulous pre-season planning, and a highly specific post-session workflow. I’ll share the exact systems I use to maximize my revenue during these peak months without letting sessions take over my life. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to streamline 2027, protect your calendar, and finish the year with both a healthy bank account and your creative energy intact. If you want to master the busy season instead of just surviving it, this session is for you!
TAX SEASON PREP & FINANCIAL AWARENESS
DATE: Wednesday, December 16, 2026
TIME: 11:00AM EST
HOST: Kristen Montgomery of Kristen Montgomery Photography
Let’s wrap up the year together! In this December social, NAPCP mentor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM will be talking about smart year-end business moves for photographers, financial strategies to consider before the year closes, and how to prepare your business for a profitable and organized new year. We’ll cover expenses and financial and tax decisions to consider, and how to set clear goals so you start the new year with a plan in place instead of guessing.
This won’t be just a listen-and-learn session, you’ll leave the meeting with actionable steps and online worksheets you can implement right away in your business.
Interested in Hosting a NAPCP Social?
We’re always looking for passionate community members to lead inspiring and educational NAPCP Socials! If you have valuable knowledge to share and want to connect with fellow creatives through a virtual Zoom event, we’d love to hear from you.
Just fill out the form below, and our team will be in touch with next steps. Let’s educate, inspire, and grow—together, online!