{"product_id":"learning-ai-without-losing-your-voice-tools-ethics-and-creative-choice","title":"Learning AI Without Losing Your Voice: Tools, Ethics, and Creative Choice","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"79\" data-end=\"209\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith portrait photographer \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eSarah Deragon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e + Looking Glass Photo’s \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eJen Waicukauski\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"211\" data-end=\"224\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"370\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"260\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"260\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"236\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e TBD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"261\" data-end=\"299\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"299\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"272\"\u003eTime:\u003c\/strong\u003e TBD (3 hours)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"370\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"302\" data-end=\"370\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"302\" data-end=\"315\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Looking Glass Photo Classroom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"450\"\u003eWhy We’re Teaching This (a note from your co-teacher, Sarah Deragon)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eI’ve been teaching workshops at Looking Glass for a while now, and lately one question keeps coming up: “What do I do about AI?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eFor a lot of photographers, AI feels confusing, controversial, or even threatening. That reaction makes sense. These tools arrived fast, loudly, and without much care for the people expected to make sense of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eHere’s what we believe: curiosity doesn’t mean surrender. And learning something new doesn’t mean you have to use it—or like it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eJen and I decided to teach AI for Photographers because the best way to understand any tool is in the company of people you trust, in a space where real questions are welcome. You’re not behind. You don’t need to be tech-savvy. And you don’t have to decide how you feel about AI before you walk in the door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eWe’re both photographers. We use these tools in our real work—not as replacements for seeing, but as ways to test ideas, remove friction, and understand what’s actually possible (and what isn’t).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eIn this class, we’ll slow things down. We’ll show you what tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly actually do, what they cost, and where they fall short. We’ll work through real examples together—live, step by step—so nothing feels abstract or hidden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eWe’ll also talk about the hard parts: ethics, copyright, authorship, and where each of us draws our own line. Those conversations matter. You deserve to feel informed and empowered to make your own choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eThis class isn’t about becoming an AI expert. It’s about clarity. It’s about understanding the landscape well enough to decide what belongs in your creative life—and what doesn’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"2214\"\u003eBring your laptop if you want. Bring your questions. Bring your skepticism.\u2028We’re looking forward to learning together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2244\"\u003eWhat this class is\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2503\"\u003eArtificial intelligence is reshaping the creative world—but for many photographers, it still feels mysterious, overwhelming, or loaded with ethical questions. This workshop is a calm, beginner-friendly way to get oriented \u003cem data-start=\"2467\" data-end=\"2476\"\u003ewithout \u003c\/em\u003ehype, pressure, or jargon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2785\"\u003eCo-taught by Sarah and Jen, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2574\"\u003eLearning AI Without Losing Your Voice\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed to help you understand the tools people keep mentioning—what they actually do, what they cost, what they’re good at, where they fall short, and how photographers are using them (or choosing not to).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2787\" data-end=\"2967\"\u003eThis is not a “convert you to AI” class. It’s a clarity class. You’ll leave with a working mental map of the landscape—and a grounded sense of what belongs in \u003cem data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003eyour\u003c\/em\u003e creative life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"2996\"\u003eWhat you’ll learn\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2997\" data-end=\"3056\"\u003e1) The big picture: what these tools are (and aren’t)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3482\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3122\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3122\"\u003eWhat “AI” means in today’s creative tools (in plain language)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3123\" data-end=\"3384\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3125\" data-end=\"3384\"\u003eA practical overview of the major platforms we’ll touch: **\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eOpenAI\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e ChatGPT, \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eMidjourney\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Midjourney, \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eAdobe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAdobe Firefly, and \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eGoogle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Gemini\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3482\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3482\"\u003eWhat they’re commonly used for in photography workflows—and what’s still clunky or unreliable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3484\" data-end=\"3527\"\u003e2) Prompting basics for photographers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3811\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3608\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3608\"\u003eHow to write prompts that produce \u003cem data-start=\"3564\" data-end=\"3572\"\u003euseful\u003c\/em\u003e results (not just random novelty)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3718\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3718\"\u003eExploring lighting ideas, mood, styling, concepts, and visual direction without needing to be “technical”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3719\" data-end=\"3811\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3721\" data-end=\"3811\"\u003eHow to iterate thoughtfully so the tool supports your intention (instead of steering it)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3813\" data-end=\"3844\"\u003e3) AI and your own photos\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"4067\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3973\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3847\" data-end=\"3973\"\u003eWhat tools like Firefly\/Gemini can do with real images (enhancement, variations, object removal, quick concept drafts, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3974\" data-end=\"4067\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3976\" data-end=\"4067\"\u003eWhen “fast AI edits” are great—and when they create artifacts, issues, or more work later\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4127\"\u003e4) ChatGPT as a creative partner (not a replacement)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4128\" data-end=\"4390\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4128\" data-end=\"4230\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4130\" data-end=\"4230\"\u003eUsing ChatGPT to generate shoot ideas, refine creative constraints, and break through stuck points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4231\" data-end=\"4328\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4233\" data-end=\"4328\"\u003eGetting help with captions, artist statements, project framing, and critique-style reflection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4390\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4331\" data-end=\"4390\"\u003eTurning a vague idea into a plan you can actually execute\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4455\"\u003e5) Ethics, copyright, authorship, and personal boundaries\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4456\" data-end=\"4700\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4456\" data-end=\"4533\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4458\" data-end=\"4533\"\u003eThe real concerns: training data, rights, consent, authorship, and impact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4534\" data-end=\"4610\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4610\"\u003eHow different photographers draw different lines—and how to define yours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4611\" data-end=\"4700\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4613\" data-end=\"4700\"\u003ePractical “decision filters” you can use after class to stay aligned with your values\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"4702\" data-end=\"4737\"\u003e6) Live demos + real-time Q\u0026amp;A\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4738\" data-end=\"4896\"\u003eThis workshop is designed to feel human and transparent. We’ll do live, step-by-step examples and pause for questions so nothing stays abstract or mysterious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4903\" data-end=\"4923\"\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"5316\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"5005\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4926\" data-end=\"5005\"\u003ePhotographers who want a clear, encouraging introduction to AI—without jargon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5006\" data-end=\"5079\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5008\" data-end=\"5079\"\u003eCreatives who feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools out there\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5080\" data-end=\"5162\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5082\" data-end=\"5162\"\u003eArtists who are curious but cautious (or skeptical!) and want real information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5163\" data-end=\"5241\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5165\" data-end=\"5241\"\u003eAnyone who wants to learn \u003cem data-start=\"5191\" data-end=\"5197\"\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e others in a supportive, no-judgment space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5242\" data-end=\"5316\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5244\" data-end=\"5316\"\u003ePhotographers who want to experiment while staying true to their voice\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5341\"\u003eWhat to bring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5342\" data-end=\"5491\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5342\" data-end=\"5389\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5344\" data-end=\"5389\"\u003eLaptop or tablet (optional but helpful)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5390\" data-end=\"5450\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5392\" data-end=\"5450\"\u003eYour curiosity, your questions, and your honest opinions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5451\" data-end=\"5491\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5453\" data-end=\"5491\"\u003eSkepticism is welcome here—seriously\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5498\" data-end=\"5524\"\u003eAbout the instructors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"5525\" data-end=\"5568\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eSarah Deragon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5569\" data-end=\"6171\"\u003eSarah 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"6173\" data-end=\"6216\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eJen Waicukauski\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6217\" data-end=\"6918\"\u003eJen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Looking Glass","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51591367262528,"sku":"CLASS_LEARNAI_APR2026","price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/6218\/8352\/files\/sarahderagon_femme_nonbinary_muse_posing_like_a_renaissance_s_da4cab62-6130-4f3d-89f0-9748bb149eb4_2.png?v=1771274403","url":"https:\/\/www.lookingglassphoto.com\/products\/learning-ai-without-losing-your-voice-tools-ethics-and-creative-choice","provider":"Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}