Familiar Magic

Familiar Magic is an improvised photography retreat—filmed over several creative days in my home and garden. It’s an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how I make images: how I notice the light, run with wacky ideas, solve problems on the fly, and turn everyday corners into poetic, meaningful photographs. You’ll see me mess up, reevaluate, and talk through my process (technically and philosophically) as I frame up images and make creative decisions.

I blocked out the world and immersed myself in my art and imagination. Isn’t that what we always dream of? I decided to do it! And now you can watch the creativity unfold in Familiar Magic.

If your home environment has lost its luster and you often feel like you can’t make art unless you’re somewhere “cooler,” this offering will be a delightful reminder that you can breathe new life into familiar spaces.

Let it be a companion for your own homebody retreat!

Watch the trailer...

Your experience includes:

• 6 hours of video (21 videos)

• A behind-the-scenes look at what I think about when I craft my photographs

• A garden photography session where we’ll focus on intimate, poetic scenes (and creative exposure ideas)

• Still life demos with thrifted items, personal treasures, and lovely tidbits from the natural world

• A self-portraiture demo where I share all my go-to (and, ahem, slightly strange) methods

• Photo sessions in a variety of lovely lighting scenarios (sunlight, dappled light, dusk, night, firelight, light filtered through curtains, and a colorful flashlight!)

• Rich conversations about what makes or breaks an image—and how I choose my favorite ones

• A playful “light chasing” session where I collect light patterns to use as overlays on other images!

• Photobook and scrapbook tours

• An intimate conversation about dips in creative confidence

• A post-processing demo, where I take my favorite photo from RAW file to finished image!

• Discussion of my “organic” composition methods to help you see more deeply (without formulas or “rules”)

• A diptych play session where we experiment with different image combos (so fun!)

• A Snapseed demo (my favorite app for on-the-go editing)

• A printing session where I test three gorgeous fine-art papers and make a big print!

• The scoop on all my favorite tools (gear, materials, and tidbits I love)
  
  
  

Hi, I’m Laura!

I’m Laura Valenti, the artist behind Light Atlas Creative. I’ve had my fingers in a lot of pots in the art world, for over 20 years now. I teach interactive e-courses, support emerging photographers in my creative mentoring program, speak to photo groups, and curate exhibitions for galleries and photo festivals around the world. I also jury photo competitions and serve as a reviewer at national and international portfolio review events, where I help photographers fine-tune their vision and promote their work with more confidence.

I’m passionate about helping artists clear creative blocks and bring forward their most skillful, authentic, wholehearted work. It would be a joy to work with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Familiar Magic start?

You’ll get immediate access as soon as you sign up! You’ll be able to watch the videos on your own time, at your own pace. You’ll have lifetime access, so you can revisit the course whenever you like.

Is it interactive (and will I get feedback on my photography)?

Familiar Magic is a self-study video workshop. If you’d like 1-on-1 guidance, sign up for mentoring in addition to the course—and we’ll do a deep dive on your photography, your goals, and any creative challenges you might be navigating. It would be delightful to work with you!

Is this for beginning or advanced photographers?

This course is a look inside my creative process (with LOTS of ideas you can adapt and run with), so it’s great for both beginning and advanced photographers. If you’d love fresh new ideas to liven up your photography, Familiar Magic will be a lovely fit.

What do I need to access this course?

You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a computer or mobile device. If you can watch movies on your device, you’ll be in great shape!

What's your refund policy?

Because you'll get immediate access to the videos and resources (and because you’ll get lifetime access), your registration isn't refundable. Read the student testimonials to get a sense of what the course experience is like, and feel free to reach out if you have questions!