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2025 Grand Teton July Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

2025 Grand Teton July Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

REVIEWS

2025 Grand Teton July Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

July 23 - 27, 2025

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
2025 Grand Teton July Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

Reviews!

2025 Grand Teton July Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

July 23 - July 27, 2025

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

$2,497 
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Like many small businesses we have had to start adding a 3.5% surcharge to credit card payments. The total amounts in the shopping cart have the 3.5% surcharge added.
Workshop registration is first-come first-serve.

All attendees will be required to sign my workshop registration form here.

Matt Suess is an Authorized Permittee of Grand Teton National Park
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GROUP DETAILS:

Open to any skill level from beginner to professional. Exclusively limited to just 7 OM SYSTEM photographers.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park, with walks in the dark up to 1/2 mile.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR & GUIDE

Matt Suess will be your photo instructor and guide during this workshop. 

LOCATION:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
View Map --->
The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
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Questions about this photo workshop?

Simply fill out the form below. Be sure to let me know which photo workshop you are asking questions about!
Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

2025 Grand Teton July Milky Way Photo Workshop
for OM SYSTEM Photographers
With Matt Suess

Spend 4 nights and 5 days in the magnificent Grand Teton National Park with me photographing the Milky Way. I will be there to teach you all I know about photographing the night sky.

 

You must have at least one Olympus / OM SYSTEM camera to register for and attend this workshop.

Workshop Overview

Wouldn't You Love to Be Able to Take Amazing Night Sky Photographs?

 

🤯 It's not easy trying to figure this out on your own, isn't it? Otherwise I'm guessing you wouldn't be here. 😉

 

I can certainly remember how difficult it was learning on my own how to take the night sky photographs I always wanted to take! A sky filled with stars above a beautiful landscape, sharp, with as little noise as possible, etc.

It was a struggle to get those images sharp and to have the correct exposure.

What direction do I best point my camera for circular star trails? Where was that darn Milky Way??

I started taking my first night sky images way back when I was a teenager in the 80’s using slide film that I would develop myself. I eventually learned to get some decent 10-minute exposure star trails, but that was about it. Forget about photographing a landscape with the stars above - that was something I just couldn’t achieve correctly.

 

When I started shooting with digital cameras in the late 90’s the instant feedback was helpful, but the noise in those early cameras still make it nearly impossible to get decent shots of the night sky.

As the cameras improved in the early 2000’s so did my images. I developed my own techniques for manually focusing on the stars for sharp images. I figured out through trial and error how long of an exposure I could take for great star trails, how to calculate the correct settings for those long exposures, and how to best post process the image.

Now with today’s camera equipment and software, anyone can photograph great night sky images.

But…

Even though anyone can, it still isn’t as easy as daytime photos.

While the equipment makes it easy, you still need to know how. How to get those sharp images, how best to reduce noise, how to be able to see the landscape with the night sky, what white balance to use, how to even see what your composition looks like before you start that long exposure - and so much more.

 

Over the course of my photo workshop I can help you fast track your ability to get amazing night sky images, so you don’t have to go through all the pain I suffered for years and years trying to figure it out on my own.

It's so exciting to see the joy from my clients that very first night we are all out together at the start of my night workshops. That very first hour actually, when they see - some for the very first time - the Milky Way appear on their LCD screen.


Imagine that being you!!

 

I invite you to join me and the small group I am putting together to feel that magic and together share in that experience that my workshops provide. My night sky workshops are some of my client’s favorites (mine too) and most sell out.

They are at a slower pace - often without seeing any other people throughout the night - enjoying each others company under a sky filled with millions of stars as we tell stories during long exposures while counting the number of shooting stars we see.

Not only will you leave with amazing photographs but you'll also know all the tips & tricks I use to achieve those shots so you can do it on your own next time.

And you'll also bring home with you the memories from an experience unlike any you've had before with a new group of friends you're sure to stay in contact with.

Will you be joining me and the other clients I am gathering for this incredible experience I’m providing out in the Tetons? I’d love to have you there with us!

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING

 

🌠 One of the BEST places in the

U.S. to see the Milky Way 🌌

 

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful and majestic landscapes in the world, with the Teton Range rising more than 7,000 feet above the valley.

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park has some of the more dramatic scenery in the Rocky Mountains. It is sure to be an inspiration for any photographer looking to create beautiful images.

This workshop is scheduled around the new moon when the sky is at its darkest, allowing for prime viewing of the Milky Way and Night Sky.

Grand Teton National Park is one of the best places in the U.S. to view and photograph the Milky Way & Night Sky due to it's location far from any major cities and features very little light pollution and less air traffic than other popular areas like Joshua Tree NP & Bryce Canyon NP.

The above photo is a combination of 2 separate photos, one for the foreground (long exposure) and the other for the sky (using the Move Shoot Move Nomad star tracker). I'll show you how to achieve similar results during the workshop.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

How to Achieve Perfect Exposures By Understanding the Histogram

Finding the Best Composition & Framing

​How to Choose the Correct ISO, F-Stop, Shutter Speed and White Balance for Night Photography

Techniques for Reducing Noise

Techniques for Brightening Up Your Foregrounds

Long Exposures Up to One Hour for Star Trails using Live Comp

Time Lapses

Using Apps on Your Phone to Find the Milky Way

Techniques for Focusing at Night for SHARP PHOTOS

​How to use the Move Shoot Move Nomad Star Tracker

And Much, Much More!!

With a small workshop size of just 7 clients there will be plenty of time to work with me on a one-on-one basis.

🔥 NEW FOR 2025 🔥

 

Learn How to Use the Nomad Star Tracker from Move Shoot Move

During the workshop we will spend some time using the Nomad Star Tracker from Move Shoot Move for even better shots of the Milky Way.

 

You can purchase one of these low cost, yet highly effective, star trackers via my special link here. 

Be sure to use coupon code mattsuess to save 5%.

ALSO:

We will spend an hour or so one or two nights post processing our images where I'll show you my latest night sky photography post processing techniques. You will have some time to work on your own photos as well!

Matt Suess

Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador

Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.

For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.

In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.

I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.

I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.

I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
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Poster

Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess

Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.

ITINERARY

This workshop is scheduled around the new moon and we will have completely dark skies for each of the nights during this workshop which will be ideal for photographing the Milky Way.

We will start out just before or after sunset (approx. 9pm) and shoot all night. Once pure dark has ended and we start losing detail in the Milky Way (approx. 4am) we will end that night's session.

 

You will have numerous opportunities to photograph the Milky Way from different locations and you will also have the ability to work on very long exposures using Live Comp with times of up to an hour long!

You will not feel rushed during this workshop. Photographing the night sky takes time, and you will have ample time at each location to perfect your shot. Plan on 2 to 3 different locations max per evening. Many locations yield themselves to multiple shots and angles.


NEW FOR 2025: We will have a group classroom sesson or 2 for about an hour before we head out to photograph that night. I'll show you the latest techniques I use for processing my photos and you'll have a chance to work on yours too.

In the event of rain we will either spend time post processing and/or waiting it out for the rain showers to end depending on how the weather is looking. I have a number of weather apps that I use for night photography that will enable me to make best guesses as to the best use of our time each night. On cloudy nights we will be out photographing looking for breaks in the clouds or other creative ways to photograph on such nights.

 

Pre-workshop Zoom Call - approx. 1 to 2 months prior to the start of the workshop we will have a group zoom call to get to know one another and go over the schedule, what to bring, etc.

Nights 1 - 4: 
Wednesday Evening, July 23 through
Saturday Evening, July 26, 2025

If flying into Jackson on Wednesday, it is advised to get to your hotel as early as possible and try to get some sleep in the afternoon and early evening. Ideally it is best to get into town on Tuesday.

Plan on heading out to photograph around sunset time (approx. 9:00PM). Exact time and location will be provided.

 

NEW FOR 2025: One or 2 of these nights we will meet at approx. 7:30PM for a post processing session.

 

Once we meet at approx. 9PM we will be out photographing all night until approx. 4am.

The rest of the day is open for you to rest up and sleep, as well as take a look at your images and recharge batteries before we head out again.

Day 5: Sunday Morning, July 27, 2025

The workshop will end at approx. 4am.

If flying out of Jackson that morning, plan for flights after 8am to allow time for hotel checkout and car rental return.

 

Post-workshop Zoom Call - approx. 1 to 2 months after the workshop to go through and share your favorite photos and ask any final questions.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Who Is This Workshop For

This workshop is designed for any skill level, yet an OM SYSTEM (Olympus) camera with interchangeable lenses AND a sturdy tripod are required, as well as a basic working knowledge of your camera.

 

Most clients who take my workshops are beginners to advanced amateurs and even pros. My workshops are filled with hands-on instruction & demonstrations. I encourage & help find and develop each clients' unique personal style of photography.

Physical Difficulty: EASY to MODERATE

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park, with walks in the dark up to 1/2 mile.

What Airport and when to Arrive

The best bet is to fly direct into Jackson, WY (JAC). 

 

If that is not a possibility then consider flying into Salt Lake City, UT. You will have an approx. 5hr drive from Salt Lake to Jackson. 

 

Be sure to arrive in Jackson as early as possible on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 to allow time for hotel check-in and to get some rest before we head out all night. Ideally it is best to arrive the day before so you can better acclimate and better deal with any flight delays.

Where to Stay

I am trying to get us a group discount at a hotel. More information will be provided when I have it.

What to Bring / Weather

A complete list of What to Bring will be provided. This list will mention required and suggested items. 

The weather this time of year can range from overnight lows in the upper 30's to low 40's. Daytime temps can range from the upper 70's to mid 80's. The Tetons get an average of 1.15" of rain this month.

What Is Included

  • Photo Instruction & Guiding from Matt Suess

  • Milky Way & Night Sky & Photography Instruction

  • Group and Individual Post Processing Instruction

  • An amazing experience under the stars!

  • Pre and Post Workshop Zoom Calls, Private Client Web Portal

What Is Not Included

  • Flights to and from Jackson, WY

  • Lodging & Transportation during the workshop (we will be carpooling)

  • Park Entrance Fees

  • Food, alcohol, snacks and beverages

  • Personal travel, medical, equipment or trip cancellation insurance

Travel Insurance

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance. 

 

Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. 

 

More information will be provided upon registration.

Traveling With a Spouse/Companion

This workshop has a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven't registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Carpooling

We will carpool during the workshop and I will need a couple driver volunteers.

Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Workshop

We know that plans can change, unforeseen circumstances can happen and no one wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime. To provide the best customer support possible and to keep groups small and affordable, our cancellation policy ensures we can continue to provide clients the best possible foto experience.

For this workshop the following applies:.

  • The initial $1,000 registration fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable to another workshop provided we are more than 120 days from the start of the workshop (a $300 administrative fee is applied to all transfers).

  • The remaining balance is due 120 days from the start of the workshop, that date being March 23, 2025.

  • If you cancel within 120 days from the start of the workshop and you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your initial registration fee and a $300 administrative fee). If you are unable to fill your spot, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is highly suggested to purchase good trip insurance to cover you in such an instance.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another. workshop MORE than 120 Days from the Start: your registration fee will be transferable to another workshop by Matt Suess with a $300 administrative fee.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop less than 120 Days from the Start: no refunds or transfers (assuming you cannot fill your spot)

You can view my full cancellation & refund policy along with other important information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us your question by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.
Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email *

Question *

Is there a lot of walking/hiking during this workshop?

No there isn't. My permit from Grand Teton National Park only allows us to travel 1/2 mile along any trail so that would be the longest walk. There is also little to no elevation gain on any walks we will do.

Are there restrictions on participation?

My workshops do not normally entail strenuous activity unless specified. Nevertheless, participants must be able to complete moderate walks/hikes with their required photo gear, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces.

 

If you have any health problems or physical limitations, please let me know prior to booking.

I am a pure beginner (or advanced) photographer. Is this workshop for me?

This workshop is open to all photography levels from beginner to pro. I have had clients who didn't know what an f-stop was and I have had those who are just about ready to or are already selling their own prints.

 

Being a small class, I am able to work with each client individually no matter their experience level to help them improve and reach their individual goals.

What is your experience photographing in Grand Teton National Park?

I have been photographing the Tetons since 2012 and began leading photo workshops there in 2015. Each year I usually lead at least 4 scheduled group workshops including a Milky Way workshop as well as spring, fall, and winter workshops. As far as I can tell, no other instructor leads more scheduled group photo workshops in the Tetons than myself.

I live just 4.5 hours away from the Tetons and often travel down there throughout the year for my own personal photos as well.

I know of numerous locations to bring my clients depending on the time of day and the lighting conditions to maximize time in the field photographing.

Will we work on our computers and learn how to process our photos?

Yes, we will have a few informal post-processing sessions where I will give demos and also provide feedback & critique for those who desire it. This will be done on the laptop/iPad using Lightroom.

Is it safe photographing in the Tetons at night?

Safety is my number 1 concern and I will be doing everything I possibly can to provide a safe environment. All of the Tetons is bear country and I will have bear spray with us. If you have your own, definitely bring it. In addition to bears there are moose, bison, elk, deer, coyotes and some wolves in the Park. 

 

Most of our locations will be near our cars for optimum safety. We will also be photographing together as a group which should scare away any animals. While there is certainly the potential to come across any of these animals while shooting, it is far more common to encounter these animals while driving and we will certainly be driving at or below the speed limit.

Will there be any light painting or use of low level lights to light up objects during this workshop?

Unfortunately no. In 2017 Grand Teton National Park started enforcing a law that prohibits the use of artificial light at night in the Park with the exception of using headlamps while walking/hiking and of course the use of car headlights.

 

We will use other techniques to brighten up foregrounds such as longer exposures and the lucky use of the public car headlights as they occasionally drive past certain locations at night.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

This workshop has a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions.

 

Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding My Photo Workshops & Tours in General

What sets your workshops apart from other workshops?

I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience, am detail orientated, and always put the needs of my clients first.

 

I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.

 

My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.

 

With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!

Why should I attend one of your workshops?

I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.

 

I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience teaching the concepts of photography, leading photo workshops/tours since 2012.

 

I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.

 

Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Do you photograph during field workshops?

Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.

 

When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.

 

Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my clients get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.

What level of photography experience do I have to have in order to attend one of your workshops?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

Do you provide travel insurance for your workshop participants?

I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.

What’s included in my tuition? Rooms, transportation, meals?

Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your photos during any classroom sessions.

 

Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.

What should I bring with me to one of your workshops?

You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.

What happens in bad weather?

Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.

 

Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.

 

If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.

Do you provide transportation?

I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.

What is your cancellation policy?

Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Harley M.
"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."
2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Winnie A.
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Jill E.
"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don't. You are a top-notch instructor."
2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.

He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.

Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!

The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).

I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."

Emily L.

2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Visit Matt's Sponsors, Partners & Friends

Cameras & Photo Gear

OM SYSTEM / Olympus
Cameras & Lenses

I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.

I am an Official Fotopro Tripods Reseller and you can order your Fotopro tripods direct from me here.
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Photo Software & Websites

Radiant Photo - an excellent and unique photo editor. Save 10% with coupon code: mattsuess

ON1 Photo RAW 
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Luminar NEO
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Mylio Photos is a really awesome photo management cataloging program. Check out a Free Trial with special savings.

DxO makes some of my favorite photo processing software such as: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, & the NIK Collection.

Topaz Labs makes popular plugins like: Sharpen Al, Denoise Al, Photo Al, and Gigapixel Al.

SlickPic is an Amazing photo website builder to make impressive Portfolio and/or Gallery Websites that run my Portfolio & Workshop Galleries. Build it yourself or let them do it. Save up to 25% with my special link here.
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Photo Software & Websites

I am a brand ambassador for Ororo Heated Clothes and highly recommend their heated gloves, vests, and more!

Systeme is a great platform to sell your courses, digital. downloads, workshops, products, and more and I used it successfully for a few years! Start your free trial here today.

I use Shopify for sales of my online courses, presets, camera filters, and tripods. Bring your ideas to life on Shopify for just $1/month here.
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