Chaos / Control Workshop: January 24-25, 2026
Chaos / Control Workshop: January 24-25, 2026
“The green reed which bends in a storm is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.” - Confucius
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” - Mike Tyson
I would argue that flexibility and resilience are the most important qualities that I possess as a photographer—even more than my portfolio, gear list, or network. By honing these skills I’ve been able to not only survive an ever-changing, uncertain industry, but to thrive, carving out my own visual style.
I often compare my approach to photography to surfing (though I’ve never surfed in my life) because of its similar relationship with chaos. While a surfer can’t control the ocean, over time they can learn to navigate and even anticipate the oceans movements, making unconscious micro adjustments in real time to deftly maneuver the waves. The same applies to my photography. Whether it’s my grip rental not arriving, my client changing the job scope mid-shoot, or my 30-minute sitting with a celebrity getting cut to 15, I’ve learned to anticipate and even embrace chaos.
But embracing chaos was only half of the battle. The other half was learning what can be controlled, along with knowing which tools and techniques I needed in order to make it happen. It turned out that it took much less than one might expect. For example, I can often fit all the gear I need for a shoot into a duffel bag, and occasionally a roller case. This means that I don’t run the risk of having gear lost or stolen, and also eliminates the need for a work visa. What this translates to from a budget perspective is that by working in this minimal manner, I eliminate the need for a crew or even extra baggage fees, meaning I can keep all the money in the client’s ever-decreasing budget.
Once I learned that chaos is inevitable but also not my enemy, the fear began to dissipate. Now I know I have the tools to handle whatever comes my way, and photo shoots have become a time of playful discovery. Additionally, because of the element of chaos in the camera and lighting techniques that I’ve developed over the years, I never know for sure how any given technique or environment will translate in a photograph. This puts me on the same page as my subject, as we both wait with anticipation to see what pops up on the back of the camera.
My aim for this workshop is to impart these skills to you.
Format:
Day one runs from noon - 8 p.m. We will begin at my studio, where I will teach a range of different camera and lighting techniques.
The second half of day one will be spent on location. As a class we will walk or take the bus to different locations around the city, as I teach a number of different ways to control the environments we encounter. We will finish the day with a group dinner (included in the price) as we discuss an assignment that students will have to execute on day two.
Day two runs from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Each student will be given time to realize their vision for the assignment while I and other students assist. For the remainder of the day we will explore a range of techniques that center around releasing control and letting chaos dictate the path forward.
Because we have a lot of ground to cover and because we will be traveling to locations around the city, the workshop is capped at five students.
Skill Level:
This workshop is recommended for advanced photographers. For the sake of time and because of the complexity of techniques being taught, camera and lighting basics cannot be taught in these sessions. It’s highly recommended that students know how to use their cameras in manual mode and have at least a basic understanding of how to work with strobes.
Required equipment:
Students should bring their camera, lenses, memory cards, and any other toys they may have (prisms, props, and so on). Lights and modifiers will be provided for students to use.
Tuition Installment Option:
In an effort to keep the class affordable and accessible to all, tuition can be paid in three installments. Email studio@nickfancher.com for more info.
Refund Policy:
The refund policy is as follows: Greater than six weeks notice, a full refund will be issued. Less than six weeks notice, no refund will be issued.
Cancellation Policy:
Workshops can be subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment. In the event of a workshop cancellation, students will be given a minimum of four weeks notice and a full refund will be issued.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I just had a one-on-one masterclass at my photo studio with Nick Fancher—and wow, what an experience. Nick is an absolute rockstar when it comes to bold, colorful photography. I don’t have 20 years to figure all this out on my own, and in just two packed days, I learned more than I ever expected.
We worked with four models across endless lighting setups, experimenting with color gels, holographic films, creative lenses—you name it. Nick kept pulling new ideas (and gear!) out of his bag of tricks, and every shot felt like a masterclass in creativity and technique.
If you ever get the chance to learn from him directly, take it. Don’t hesitate! This was a game-changing experience for me.”
“Simply put, attending Nick Fancher’s Creative Portrait Photography workshop is the best decision I’ve made in YEARS. Not only was Nick a great teacher who was able to break down the techniques in a way that was relatable, but the whole studio experience and small-group format was terrific for creating a relaxed environment for collaboration and experimentation. I went to learn his techniques, yes, but I think the better outcome was changing how I think about light and its uses. I know I’ll be integrating the lessons into my work for a long time to come. Thank you, Nick!"
"Nick was an awesome teacher, everything was very free-flowing and not about doing things exactly his way. If you're looking for formulas and things like that, this might not be for you. But if you want to step outside the box and expand your knowledge of lighting and color and push boundaries then this workshop is for you."
“If you feel like you’re in a rut, I highly recommend taking the plunge and going to a photography workshop! I have admired Nick Fancher’s work for years and am SO glad I went to his workshop in Ohio last weekend to learn how he approaches different lighting techniques and experimental portraiture. I learned so much, met some other amazing creatives, and haven’t been this excited about photography in so long 🤓🙏”
“Nick Fancher doesn’t just teach lighting and concepts. He gently encourages you to explore, blending creativity, process and expression, and encourage you to find your own voice. They are, in short, the most productive workshops I have taken.”
-Michael Matzko
"I've been a professional photographer for 12 years and took Nicks NYC Workshop to get out of my natural light comfort zone & I feel this was achieved with flying colors. Nick is a wonderful teacher who openly & patiently translates his techniques to all levels of photographers, novice or pro without making anyone feel left out. What I especially love is his genuine encouragement of using minimal lighting, day-to-day objects, and small spaces to create mind-blowing in-camera effects. Unlike other studio photogs, he's not a mega-gear-head, which speaks to me greatly. He's the punk-rock, DIY, rebel of studio photography who uses gaff tape like no other. Because of him, I now look at the most random objects and ask myself how I can shoot through them to create images that Nick would be proud of. Take his class and buy his books, which are incredibly complementary to his workshops!"
“The workshop was extremely valuable to me in that it was probably 20% demonstration and 80% collaboration with Nick and very talented students. Their support could adjust from ‘I've got this’ to ‘all hands on deck.’ It was never about rote duplication of Nick's work but instead learning his techniques to express our vision. We had great latitude to experiment and remix techniques throughout the weekend. I appreciated the diverse and skilled group of models that know Nick and the setups and were intent on delivering portfolio images for the students. Logistically, it's a centrally located converted factory with easy parking and a comfortable studio with great character, unless you hate houseplants. I would recommend bringing a laptop or tablet to work on editing when not shooting or assisting.”
- Edward Hubbard
“Nick helped me unlock so much creative expression. After 25 years in the commercial advertising industry, I had gotten into a bit of a rut with reflexive ways of seeing and executing shots. Nick got me excited about experimenting again and gave me the tools I needed to shake up my work and make fresh waves. Absolutely loved every minute of it.”
“Despite your level of expertise coming to this workshop, you will most certainly leave with a high degree of MOTIVATION and REJUVENATION to just be creative again. Of course just like any profession with a high demand for quality and level of skill sets, “continuing education” is a must. What better way to invest in yourself than to treat yourself to a NICK FANCHER CREATIVE WORKSHOP! Just do it. You won’t regret it.”
“Nick's workshop opened up my mind to seeing my photography as art. Coming into the class as a commercial photographer, I learned how to expand what is around me and see more opportunities for color. The hands-on teaching greatly increased my ability to learn and retain these techniques to implement it on new shoots. Nick was a phenomenal teacher who pushed us creatively.”
“I had a bucket list adventure in meeting Nick Fancher. Mind blown, creative pallet overflowing onto the floor like a Dali painting. Generous, humble, and direct. Thank You Nick! “
“Nick is easily one of the most creative photographers I’ve ever seen, so imagine my excitement to not only find out he’s local, but also teaches his craft! I have taken 2 of his workshops, One Light and Color Theory, but will definitely sign up for more in the future. Nick does a great job of not only explaining how to create a style/look, but also why the lighting setup achieved the style/look. I can’t recommend learning from Nick enough!”
“It is truly a gift that Nick Fancher teaches his lighting and color theory techniques to others. Learning from him motivated me and expanded my mind to think about color and lighting in a new way. I wish I took this class even sooner than I did. I think I’ll look back at my career in photography and tribute this class to what got me to my next level. Thanks Nick for everything!”
“Undoubtedly the BEST workshop I’ve ever attended! Aside from the Mexican Food, creative lighting, hands-on learning, it was the practical advice about business and artistry that really made it worth the investment! Thanks again, Nick!!!”
