HANDS-ON PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS FOR CREATIVES THAT WANT TO LEARN BY DOING
There’s a gap in the photography industry. You don’t need another course. You need a place to try your ideas out.
Palmer & Rose Creative Lab is for photographers who want to learn by doing. Maybe online courses haven’t been the right fit for you. Maybe you don’t have the time, space, budget, or community to constantly create styled shoots on your own. Or maybe you’re simply looking for something that falls somewhere between teaching yourself and committing to a semester-long photography program.
We created this space for the photographers who are still learning, still experimenting, and/or still figuring it out. Whether you’re brand new to photography or a few years into your business, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you walk through the door.
Our experiences are designed to be a one-stop creative learning experience where you can learn new skills, put them into practice, ask questions as they come up, experiment with different genres and approaches, and connect with other photographers doing the same thing.
If you want somewhere to learn, practice, experiment, and ask questions without feeling like you’re supposed to already know everything, this is where you can learn it, try it, and leave ready to do it.
If you want to build your skills, not just your portfolio, this is the place for you.
We are a creative learning community. We believe photographers grow through practice, community, and experimentation—not solely lectures. Our workshops are rooted in real-world experience and designed to help photographers learn through guided practice, collaboration, and honest conversation.
Our role isn't to have all the answers. It's to create a supportive environment where photographers can ask questions, try new ideas, build confidence, and develop a creative voice that's uniquely their own. We measure success not by how much we teach, but by how confident participants feel when they leave.
Instead of saying: "Come build your portfolio."
We say: "Come build your skills. The portfolio is simply a byproduct of practicing in a supportive environment."
Two photographers.
Two perspectives.
One shared belief: there is more than one way to create meaningful work.
Led by two photographers with different artistic perspectives, this experience is designed to show that there is no single path to creating meaningful photographs. Through intentional sets, hands-on practice, and guided conversations, attendees will explore different approaches to storytelling, direction, and creativity while developing confidence in their own voice.
We believe every photographer is in the process of becoming. Our goal isn't to create photographers who shoot like us, it is to help photographers understand their own creative voice, strengthen their skills, and confidently create work that feels authentic to them.
Based in Upstate, South Carolina
Our photography workshops are held in and around Clemson and Greenville, SC, with occasional creative experiences throughout the Southeast.
Sydney Rose Portraits
Heavy on the learning your craft and having creative freedom to try new things, experience new genres and leave more inspired than before.
8 years photographing professionally
weddings + couples + maternity + branding + etc.
Ashleigh Palmer Photography
Heavy on the loving people and wanting attendees to walk away from this experience saying that they felt seen, heard, and loved through this.
3 years photographing professionally
seniors + couples + family + branding + events
SEE WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
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“Since the first day you have been extremely open to any questions we have. You cater to what we need and meet us where we're at skill wise. You are someone that I can talk to like a friend but respect and learn from as a mentor, but you don't make me feel "small" when you're explaining what should be obvious things when I ask.” - Anonymous 2025
“What have I NOT gained?... honestly.. I have grown exponentially as both a photographer and and artist. I learned how to use/manipulate light, how to use a camera in manual, how to use flash, what it looks like to speak to crowds and leaders of organizations, how to stay calm in extremely overstimulating environments, the difference between certain lenses (when to use each in different settings), how to use Lightroom Classic. The shear amount of hours that I put into taking photos has impacted the way that I view an environment, how to spot a good "frame", learned what my preferences are considering editing, my personal brand image. Through this exposure I have gained the confidence that I could see myself in a position like this in my future post-grad (which I thought was impossible prior this summer).” - Mercedes 2025
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What your day looks like with Palmer & Rose
Learn. Shoot. Ask questions. Try it again.
This is more than just taking pretty pictures. Depending on the workshop, we’ll cover everything from camera fundamentals, composition, lighting, posing, direction, and storytelling to client experience, pricing, branding, marketing, social media, and sustainable workflows; then you’ll get to put it all into practice.
Education & Conversation: Practical discussions around photography, creativity, client experience, business, and more.
Guided Shooting: Put what you’re learning into practice immediately with intentional sets and real people.
Feedback & Troubleshooting: Ask questions while you’re shooting, get guidance in the moment, and work through challenges as they happen.
Time to Experiment: Try something new, make mistakes, change your approach, and figure out what works for you without the pressure to get it perfect.
Check out our schedule below to get a preview of what's to come in spring 2027-
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We subject every component to multistage evaluation before, during, and after delivery.
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Our proprietary portal centralizes registration, communication, and performance dashboards.
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We implement universal design principles, ensuring equitable access for diverse learning styles.
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.
Is this photography workshop beginner-friendly?
Absolutely! Our hands-on photography workshops are designed for beginner and emerging photographers, as well as those that have been in the industry for a while and need a creative refresh. Come ready to ask questions, practice, and define your style!
What will I learn at the workshop?
You’ll learn practical photography skills like camera settings, composition, posing, directing, lighting, and creative storytelling, along with real-world business and client experience tips. As our workshops grow, we also plan to have guest speakers to discuss all things legal, such as taxes, contracts, etc,!
What types of photography will we explore?
Our workshops explores couples, portraits, lifestyle, editorial, seniors, branding, and other people-centered photography. Each experience gives you room to experiment and develop your own creative style.
Will we cover the business side of photography?
Yes! We cover practical topics like client experience, pricing, marketing, social media, branding, communication, and building a sustainable photography business in this season of your life.
How will this workshop help me build confidence as a photographer?
You’ll learn by doing through guided shooting, hands-on practice, and real-time feedback. Our goal is to help you trust your creative instincts, not simply copy someone else’s style.
Where are your photography workshops located?
Our photography workshops are based in Upstate South Carolina, with experiences in and around Clemson and Greenville, SC. Some workshops may be offered in other locations throughout the Southeast.
What makes this different from a photography content day?
This isn't just a styled shoot where you show up, take pretty pictures, and go home. Our workshops combine photography education, guided shooting, hands-on practice, questions, feedback, and creative experimentation so you leave with more than just images.
Is this a content day or a hands-on photography workshop?
It’s both, but with a lot more intention behind it. You’ll get beautiful images to practice with while also learning through guided shooting, real-time feedback, creative direction, and hands-on photography education.
Let’s freaking do this thing!
**Deep Breath** You’re in the right place.
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confidence is the mission, not just a byproduct
• confidence is the mission, not just a byproduct
