HMU Academy: Photography 101

Photography 101: Mastering Lighting, Gear, and Intuitive Posing from a Femme Gaze with Carly Star

Event Description:
Unlock your creative potential in this hands-on intro to photography workshop where we'll dive deep into some of Carly's pillars of photography: camera fundamentals, lighting techniques, and posing with intention. Led by Carly Star, this class will guide you through each component with an emphasis on confidence and empowerment.
Part 1: Camera Mastery
We’ll start by demystifying your camera, from understanding key settings to learning how to shoot with confidence. Whether you're using a DSLR or mirrorless, you'll gain the technical know-how to make your gear work for you, allowing you to capture the images you envision. Please bring your own camera or if you don't have one, come and share one with Carly!
Part 2: Lighting Essentials
Next, we’ll dive into the art of lighting. From natural light to studio setups, you'll discover how to manipulate light to create the perfect mood and enhance your subjects. Carly will teach you how to think critically about lighting, so you can elevate your photos and make them feel intentional and impactful.
Part 3: Posing with Purpose
Finally, we’ll explore how to pose your subjects with respect and intention. This segment will focus on fostering an empowering, collaborative environment with your models, teaching you to capture their authenticity and individuality while keeping their comfort and agency at the forefront.
Join us for this empowering experience where you’ll walk away with a stronger technical foundation and a renewed sense of creative confidence!

About Your Instructor

Carly Star is a photographer who harnesses the power of the femme gaze to illuminate people and their stories. Specializing in commercial, fashion, and fetish photography, her work empowers and elevates her subjects, blending visual intrigue with an authoritative allure. Based in New York, Carly’s perspective captures the complexity and beauty of human expression, turning every frame into a celebration of identity and presence.

FAQs

FAQ: what should I bring?

Your camera, an SD card, and a notebook if desired.

FAQ: what should I wear?

Anything that makes you comfortable.

FAQ: any skill pre-requisites? (i.e., is this for beginners, advanced, everyone?)

Beginners is great, anyone!

FAQ: can I attend solo, or do I need to come with a partner?

Solo is fine, a partner is also

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✨Volunteers: Limited volunteer spots available. Please email [email protected] to express interest.

✨Location: Lower Manhattan. The space has an elevator. Please email [email protected] if you need any accessibility accommodations.

✨Full vaccination is required. While we recommend getting the booster shots, we are not verifying them at this time.

✨Consent Policy: All of our events are ASK FIRST events. The rules of respectful and consensual behavior WILL be enforced. You will be responsible for reading our consent policy and behaving appropriately. Read our consent policy in full: https://www.hitmeupnyc.com/consent

✨Membership: We reserve the right to refuse entry if needed. Hit Me Up also hosts private events which are invite only, and anyone new to Hit Me Up must apply and be approved to attend—no guests or plus ones. Please visit https://www.hitmeupnyc.com/join to join. You are welcome to inquire as to your status or that of your friends, but please do not act as if you have an entitlement to access our space or members. Building special spaces is hard, and while we are inclusive and welcoming, we reserve the right to curate our membership as needed to maintain our flourishing community. If you'd like to sponsor a new member please have them apply as soon as possible. If they wait until a few days before the event we cannot guarantee they will be able to be approved in time.

✨Please stay home if you are feeling ill or if you have had recent close contact with someone who tested Covid positive (within the past 5 days). You could be incubating and still test negative. Any requests for refunds for any reason will be honored up to the day of the party. Remember: safe, sane, and sanitary Just email [email protected] mailto:[email protected] and we will give you a full refund, no questions asked.

HMU’s public events are 18+. Our vetted & private lists are 21+ only.

Event Venue

120 Walker St floor 6, 120 Walker Street, New York, United States