Two-Day Workshop with Reid Thaler
Dates: Thursdays, July 24 & 31 | Time: 10:30am–3:15pm (with a 45-minute lunch break)
Location: Looking Glass Photo Classroom | Limited to 6 participants

Find Your Photos—Fast.
You’ve taken beautiful photographs,  but if you can’t find them, your effort is for naught. This class will teach you how to use Lightroom Classic’s tools including flag ratings, stars, color labels, collections and keywords to master photo organization.

This is a beginner-level class, ideal for photographers who are new to Lightroom Classic or those who have dabbled with it but feel disorganized or unsure. It’s a comprehensive, nuts-and-bolts workshop that covers the foundational skills needed to confidently manage your image library. If you already know the Library module well and are looking to troubleshoot advanced or niche issues, this probably isn’t the right fit—but we’re always happy to help recommend next steps.

With expert guidance from longtime photography educator Reid Thaler, you’ll learn how to efficiently import, organize, keyword, and retrieve your images using the power of Lightroom’s Library Module.

You’ll Learn:

• How to build a reliable, efficient workflow for downloading and managing images
• Best practices for folder structure, file naming, and backup
• How to use Collections for better organization without duplicating files
• Smart keywording strategies and facial recognition features
• How to sync images from your smartphone into Lightroom Classic
• How to manage images while traveling especially if your Lightroom catalog is on a desktop computer and you only want to travel with a newer iPad or laptop
• Pitfalls to avoid and time-saving tips from a seasoned pro

You’ll leave with a practical system for organizing both new and existing images, a collection of handouts and keyboard shortcuts, and the confidence to spend less time searching—and more time creating.

Class Format:
The workshop is split into two sessions, giving you time to absorb what you’ve learned, try it at home, and return with questions. You'll follow along with your own laptop as Reid demonstrates live, providing both structure and space to practice.

What to Bring:

• A laptop with Lightroom Classic installed (not the cloud-based version called simply “Lightroom”)
• A basic understanding of how to create and move folders on your computer
• Your image library (or a practice set of images to work with)
• A notebook and pen
• Lunch or a plan to grab something nearby—our classroom has space for you to eat and chat with Reid if you like!

Before Class:
Make sure you’ve decided where your images will live—many photographers use an external hard drive (2TB or more recommended). Lightroom Classic is available through Adobe’s Creative Cloud Photography Plan for about $13/month at adobe.com.

About the Instructor:
Reid Thaler’s love of photography began at age 9 and has evolved into decades of experience behind the camera and in the classroom. He’s taught across the Bay Area—including Stanford University, Samy’s Camera, the College of Marin, and many other venues—and brings patience, clarity, and practical wisdom to every class.

Cancellation Policy:
Full refunds are available with at least 72 hours’ notice prior to the start of class.