AI for Photographers: A Beginner’s Guide to Midjourney, Firefly, Gemini & ChatGPT (Jan 11)
AI for Photographers: A Beginner’s Guide to Midjourney, Firefly, Gemini & ChatGPT (Jan 11)
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
Description
Class Details:
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Duration: 3 hours from 10:30am to 1:30pm
- Location: Looking Glass Photo, 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative world—but for many photographers, it still feels mysterious, overwhelming, or even a little intimidating. This workshop is designed to change that.
AI for Photographers is a welcoming, beginner-friendly introduction to the tools everyone is talking about: Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT. Co-taught by photographer and creative educator Sarah Deragon and Looking Glass owner and naturalist photographer Jen Waicukauski, this class breaks everything down in a way that feels human, grounded, and deeply supportive of your artistic voice.
Together, we’ll explore what these tools actually do, how much they cost, how we each use them in our workflows, and how photographers can leverage AI without losing their authenticity or creative intention. You’ll see real prompts, real examples, and real iterations that show how AI can enhance—and never replace—your way of seeing.
We’ll also hold space for conversation, questions, concerns, and ethics. This isn’t a lecture; it’s a collaborative experience. Expect plenty of group discussion, hands-on experimentation, and even an in-class group photo that we’ll manipulate live using Gemini and ChatGPT.
What You’ll Learn
A clear understanding of the major tools
A friendly, practical introduction to Midjourney, Firefly, Gemini, and ChatGPT—what they’re each good at, what their limitations are, and how photographers are using them right now.
Image generation basics
How to use Midjourney and Firefly to create visuals from prompts, and how to explore lighting ideas, styles, and concepts without needing to be “technical.”
Photo editing & enhancement with AI
What Gemini and Firefly can do with your own images—style references, object removal, small creative experiments, and quick drafts before committing to heavier editing.
Using ChatGPT as a creative partner
How AI can help you analyze your photos, explore composition ideas, refine concepts, and iterate on images you want to develop further.
Ethics, copyright & responsible use
A thoughtful look at the big questions: copyright, training data, environmental considerations, artists’ rights, and where AI is appropriate (and where it isn’t).
Live demonstrations and Q&A
Both Sarah and Jen will share prompts they actively use, walk through how they iterate, and host Q&A sessions after each platform so you can follow along without getting lost.
Who This Class Is For
- Photographers who want a clear, encouraging introduction to AI without the jargon
- Creatives who feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools out there
- Artists curious about expanding their toolbox while staying true to their vision
- Anyone who wants to learn with others in a supportive, no-judgment environment
- Photographers ready to experiment, explore, and have fun with new ideas
What to Bring
A laptop or tablet (optional, but helpful), your curiosity, your questions, and a spirit of exploration as we navigate the future of creative image-making—together.
About the Instructors
Sarah Deragon
Sarah Deragon is a portrait photographer and creative educator known for her joyful, inclusive approach to image-making. With a background in both photography and community arts, she has spent more than a decade helping people express their truest selves in front of–and behind–the camera. Sarah has taught thousands of students, always with the same core belief: you don’t need to be an expert to make meaningful work. Her classes are welcoming, curiosity-driven, and packed with real-world insights that empower photographers to trust their voice, embrace experimentation, and have fun along the way.
Jen Waicukauski
Jen Waicukauski is the owner of Looking Glass Photo and a naturalist photographer with a deep love for the living world. Her teaching blends technical clarity with a grounded, soulful approach to creativity—inviting photographers to slow down, look closely, and build meaningful relationships with the subjects they photograph. With more than 20 years of experience guiding photographers of all levels, Jen is known for making complex ideas feel accessible, practical, and rooted in real-life image making. Her passion for community, conservation, and visual storytelling shapes everything she teaches, from bird photography to creative process to the role of technology in today’s evolving landscape.
Why people choose Looking Glass
Why people choose Looking Glass
You could buy gear anywhere. But if you believe photography is personal, you’re in the right place.
At Looking Glass, we’ve spent over 50 years helping photographers feel confident, supported, and inspired—not just stocked up. When you shop with us:
- You get guidance from photographers when you want it, not algorithms
- You support a locally owned store that reinvests in education and community
- You have someone to call, email, or walk in and talk to after the sale—that’s important
- You help ensure that independent, human-centered photography spaces still exist
You already love photography. We’re here to help you unlock what’s next.
-
Free shipping for all orders over $150
-
Free photo coach session with every new digital camera or lens purchase
Pay Only 10% Today
Try Now Period
Love it and Keep it; Still not sure, Return it.